001Here we go. I call to order the regular meeting of the Bogota Board of Education for Tuesday, May 12th, 2026. Please stand for the flag salute. The New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have the advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of the public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Bogota Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Bogota Borough Hall, communicated by letter of the record filed with the clerk of the Borough Bogota and posted by the Bogota Board of Education website. Erfan, please call the roll. >> Sure. Mrs. Alvarez? >> Present.
002>> Mr. Alvarez? >> Present. >> Mrs. Cruz? >> Present. >> Mr. Miranda? >> Present. >> Mrs. Naeem? >> Present. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Present. >> Mrs. Solano? Absent. Mrs. Rocket? >> Present. >> Mr. Chavez? >> Present. >> We have a quorum. >> Also present are Superintendent Damian Kennedy, Board Attorney Thomas Kobin, um School Business Administrator Board Secretary Erfan Afsu, Assistant Board Secretary Oh, she's not here either, and no student representative today. Open the floor to citizens of agenda items only. Motion to open the floor. >> Olivo. >> Second. Alvarez. Any board discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> If there is any member of the public who would like to address agendas item items only, please come forward. Speaker, please state your name. You have 5 minutes. Is there a motion to close hearing of
003the citizens? >> Motion? Second? >> I'll rest. >> Any more discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Moving on to section 3.1 of the agenda, superintendent's report. Is there any report, Mr. Kennedy? >> Yes. First up under HIRB, we had two in the high school that were unfounded. We were also very fortunate to have the Commissioner of Education visit us in the district on Friday. Dr. Locks, uh she toured STEAM school and our new CTE building. Uh she was very impressed with what we were going on in our district. Uh from my understanding, she only visited two districts in Bergen County and we were one of them. So, Sam being Sam actually said, "Well, why did you pick us?" Like we were you know, when she asked if we had any questions. And she said,
004"Because of your testing data, which was I want to see what you are doing in your elementary schools because you have positive testing data year after year. So, that was a really good thing to hear." She was uh it was I I've never had the opportunity to meet a Commissioner of Education, so this was something that was uh pretty cool for us and it was something that uh to see her and you know, she had a presence about her and knew a lot about what was going on. So, uh we wanted to thank her and the Department of Education. The media center is complete. Uh students are helping move some of the stuff back in this week for some service hours, but we are back in there. The air conditioning is already hooked up in
005there because it was a smaller room. We were able to hook up the Bixby air conditioner. We took that over from Bixby that used to heat up the uh uh the gym there. We moved that up here and now that's working already. So, that's a really great thing. Uh and as you can see, electrical upgrades has started uh as you've seen at uh Bixby and the high school. So, that is moving along. Hopefully this summer we're able to switch over to uh improve our electrical in all buildings for future projects. I want to congratulate Mr. DeLosa and Mrs. DeLosa, a father-daughter duo, for a wonderful Steen Elementary concert. Every seat upstairs and downstairs was filled with standing room in the back only. So, our students did a wonderful job and it was a great night.
006Next up is the high school concert on Thursday followed by the middle school on Monday. And then lastly, our next board meeting will be held on June 16th in the high school gym starting at 6:00 p.m. This is the one where we recognize our teacher of the years and all our retirees and all our good things that happened for the year. So, again, that meeting will take place on the 16th in the gym with an earlier start time at 6:00 so we get everything in that night. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. Um that's an amazing thing. I'm I'm extremely happy that we're there. Uh moving on to resolution 4.1, which is the approval of the open sessions minutes for April 28th, 2026 regular meeting. Is there a motion to approve?
007>> Motion. >> Srocket, second? Alvarez? Alvarez, any board discussion? Roll call. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> I read the meetings, yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rocket. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Under section five, there is no policy resolution at this time. Uh let's move on to resolution 611 in education section, which is for the approval of agendas item 61 61 through 610. Is there a motion to approve? >> Olivo, second. >> Second, Cruz. >> Any board discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo.
008>> Yes. >> Mrs. Rocket. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Moving on to resolution 716 in the personnel section, which is for the approval of agenda item 71 7.1 through 7.15. Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Miranda. A second. >> Davia. >> Any board discussion? Roll call. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Uh I have to abstain from 7.1 and 7.5, but yes to all the rest. >> Thank you. Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rocket. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Moving on resolution 8.13 in finance section, which is for the approval of agenda items only 8.1 through 8.12. Is there a motion
009to approve the resolution 8.13? Alvarez. Alvarez, second. >> Miranda. >> Mr. Miranda, any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naeem? Mrs. Olivo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rocket? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Moving on resolution 9.6 of the building and ground section, which is the approval of the agenda 9.1 through 9.5. Is there a motion to approve resolution 9.6? Mr. Miranda and second? Alvarez? Mr. Alvarez, any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naeem? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rocket? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez? >> Yes. >>
010Motion carried. >> Moving on to the committee reports. Are there any committee reports this evening? >> Yes. So, the negotiation committee just met with the teachers and we worked through their proposal and basically accepted, you know, and discussed most of their proposal. We do have three follow-up items, so we will look to connect with them again as early as next week to solidify the final proposal. >> Perfect. Thank you, Mr. Rocket. >> Yes. >> Um, I just want to again, you know, congratulate the school district for just to piggyback on Kennedy for the Commissioner of Education uh, for us to have been chosen. She was extremely pleasant um, to carry Kennedy's point. There was an aura about her leadership style and the information she bare and shared. And there was uh, I think that we
011are definitely a district of worthiness to see um, the career technical uh, component of it was was definitely uh, like just a pin that, you know, strawberry on top of that short cake. It was it was it was really pleasant to see the county educational superintendent as well here who said a lot of great things. I don't think Kennedy gives himself enough credit. When I was up there I did often. They praised him too and knowing Mr. Kennedy and how sharp and clean and and just how he did things and and and I guess more than anything his love for education. That was a big point. They say you know people little words they say quickly. One of the things the commissioner remembered it was her time as a as student in in her where
012she comes from I think was maybe Massachusetts or something and she did welding. So it was it was nice she was very impressive what she saw in our schools and I got to tell you it was it was a good feeling. It was a good feeling it was a great opportunity to be present so it was a good stuff kudos to Bogota. >> Thank you Mr. Miranda. Next on the agenda is old business. 11.1 is there any old business we would like to discuss? >> I would just like to understand where we're at with the renaming of the CTE building. I know that some names were selected it's moved on. It would be nice to do a new ribbon cutting for the CTE building to honor Mr. Kennedy and his name placement and whatever I
013guess Irfan would need to from us to any approvals. I'm not sure the next steps to get the building renamed. I know that we've already passed the approval of it. The name has been selected but it's more about what goes up there. Is there a banner that goes up for now? What goes up there renaming it officially and for us to do an official ribbon cutting for Mr. Kennedy. >> Same with the Rotunda. Yes, absolutely. But yes, that's a great That's a great uh issue and we will sit down and discuss this. I guess I'm I'm not sure exactly what we're going to do. If it's a sign or like you said, a banner. I I To me, it should be a sign or something commemorative to each and every one of both of you.
014So, that would be >> I >> And obviously also celebrate that day. >> Yeah. Yeah, so So >> Listen, we have one more meeting before the end of the school year, correct? For us. So, can we Can we agree to figure out what to do to at least >> Absolutely. >> for the beginning of the the opening of the school year? Is there something Is it possible? >> Yeah, definitely. >> for the opening of the school year? >> What we did was we adopted resolutions authorizing the naming, okay? And then we authorized a committee to be formed to sort of push the ball across the goal line. Like, how big would the sign be? What what color would it be? Like, all those details to kind of be ferreted out by a committee who you
015can appoint and um just to really finalize it. So, we don't need to take any more formal action at the board level. >> I'm not referring to that. I'm >> So, can we I guess the the previous committee right >> No, we need a committee cuz they haven't been >> Yeah, cuz we did not discuss a sign. We discussed the name, but we didn't discuss a sign or the color or what we wanted to do. >> know you So, you So, the committee did exist. You guys met on Okay. So, I'm referring more about finalization of >> We actually didn't go to that point. So, we We definitely have to meet again and then we'll obviously make our decision at that at that moment. >> And if you could just share the names, it'd be
016great. Um I I will say, you know, I I truly >> exactly what the names were. >> I Whatever that name may be, just a just a just a >> try to meet before the last the last >> Yeah. >> Perfect. I I think what we can do too is is put an agenda item naming those two specific buildings. >> Yeah, and just finalize it and just finalize it and then >> And then over the summer we can figure out like how >> pick a date when we will >> I think but I would personally think to start the school year off would be a great way to do both things like one special day. >> So, let's end our school year announcing it and start our school year embracing opening and embracing. >> Yeah,
017that sounds like a plan. All I want to do is finalize it. It's something that's been lingering. >> Thank you for bringing it up and >> Absolutely. >> It's true, Frank. That was good good um good call on old business. That's excellent. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Miranda. Uh next on the agenda, is there any new items? 12.1 Is there any new business? >> Uh yes. I want to talk about the field. >> Okay. >> And I want to talk about field usage. And I think that we've enjoyed a you know, good portion of the school year. The town has enjoyed it, you know, community at large has enjoyed it. But I do think it is time to build some infrastructure around around it. And and I don't know if that goes to the
018policy committee or or I feels like that's where it should start. But I feel like it's time for us to put some parameters around it. >> Yep. >> Um so that it's not a free-for-all. You know what I mean? You can't even use Olsen Park whatever way you want. You have to engage the recreation center to do that. I think that it is time for us to just put some some guardrails around its use. Um and you know, some signage maybe around how to to appropriately use that the field. And then I think before when we come back in August or when we need to talk about the lighting. You know, Jose and I have can attest to once daylight savings time ends those lights don't go off till 9:00 10:00, but the sun has
019been down since 4:45. So, we need to, you know, talk about when they should go off even in the summer. When should they go off? It is not, you know, just a free-for-all park. We need to to be We need to be responsible about our resources. That's a lot of electricity and we're just, you know, running it. >> Absolutely. I agree. >> What time does the park open for walking or is it just open? >> Usually 10:00. >> 10:00. 10:00. >> I think there's something around local laws at 10:00. Um yeah, I think we should establish a public calendar as well for permitted use and for non-permitted use. There's a lot of fuss around different towns over the same situation. I think that um as a board, we have to be uh a little more
020assertive with our borough council and mayor and the choice for them to design organize events. I I get it that there is a law. Yeah, I think Yeah, yeah, I get it. I get it. But communities usually people from the community usually don't do that. Uh the reason being is one rule should apply to everyone. If we're asking for permits and we're collecting fees, which is another topic. I want to start looking at our fees. My I looked at something that seems like we're the lowest in Bergen County for fees that we're charging. So, yeah, we've granted permission to two organizations at that current rate, but it's only fair, you know, those those fields did cost millions of dollars and it's only fair that we accrue some sort of It's not necessarily for-profit, but it's
021in order to maintain our parks and our fields cuz it did take 100 years for Bogota to arrive to where it's at now. I don't know what the other 100 years are going to look like. So, we got to put We got to put law and order down there. I I Yep, I also think that um you know, I've had the the opportunity to speak with some um personnel down at Borough Hall and there's a lot of it just it's strange to me that um it seems like the police doesn't know direction about what they have to protect whether it's the Board of Ed or not. So, we have to get a little broader and maybe start educating people on what is supposed to be protected and how. So, I I would be one of
022those to maybe if you want to establish a committee there as well, I'll I'll head it on because it's just it just can't be open. I I've seen I've used it and I've I'm watching organized events that are not neces- no one's from from the town. They're coming So, once you start seeing that, they're going to come from anywhere and start playing soccer field and then how do our kids get free time? So, we just have to put and I think we should look at >> Yeah, so you the Board has a pretty highly developed policy on the use of its facilities and that would include Fiegel Field as well. So, there's a whole application process and approval process. There's a fee structure but certain organizations have a pass on the fees depending if they're
023public entities or or what have you. Um and you know, there's parameters in there and as far as insurance and indemnification of the Board. So, that's pretty critical. Like someone has an event down there, gets hurt and we don't have an insurance policy uh where we're named as an additional insured, it puts the Board at risk. And then that turns into enforcement. How do we enforce it down there? And we got to have the police cooperate with us down there cuz if they don't, we're it's like wasted taxpayer money. >> Yep. >> Um because someone could get hurt, we could get sued and uh forget about potential vandalism and stuff like that. But we you know, we have to have the police cooperating with the school board. I I it's beyond me that that doesn't
024happen. Um it has to happen. So, uh you know, we'll look at the policy. We can certainly update the policy, but it's going to be the enforcement mechanism on this that's critical. We got to have the police help us out on that. I don't know why they wouldn't, frankly. >> For the record, was anyone here aware of a mayor's wellness entire Bergen County enrollment event? Was were are they also supposed to add us as additionally insured? As a >> Oh, it depends on the Yeah, the normal Yeah. Yeah, you you Yeah. Just for >> So, was anyone else aware? Mr. Kennedy, anyone? It doesn't seem like anyone was aware. This is something that was published as already having its dates. I think it's Mondays and Fridays, certain time schedules, an entire >> For seniors. It
025was a community walkers >> It was a wellness program for Bogota. It wasn't just seniors. >> It's any age. >> And it's not just Bogota residents. >> No, it's just open. And the thing is, it was organized, it's been put out there, it's published, it has dates and times, and we know nothing about it. >> I believe it started this weekend. I guess it's for Bogota >> know. We don't know. We don't know. >> But it's just out there, and I >> It's Monday and and Friday. >> Yeah, that's what I read. >> Okay. >> So, I'm just saying like we the body, the administration should know, and it may conflict with programs. So, we should be clear of that. >> way we can establish fees to people that are using our our fields? >>
026You have it. You have it in the uh in the in the policy. >> But organized. >> I've asked I've asked Orfin to reach out to local districts to try to get a comparison. So, we're definitely going to be raising up our rates cuz it is very cheap at this moment. Um, and some people just redid their fields, and they also raised their rates. So, we are in that process. My hope is to have that effective for July 1st with just one reading. Um This incident that happened the other day, I I sent an email to the town BA. Uh does ask him some questions. He said it was a mistake. If they should have been on the walking path. I said, "Okay." And I And to be clear, we have no problem with people
027using the fields, but we just need to go through the proper protocol so that we're not double booking. I know like for example, we have Georgetown University coming down there to do a workout cuz they're traveling through the area. So, we're going to have a division one program working out on our track one morning. That's a pretty big deal. We're going to get some kids down there to watch them. We also have a ton of field days coming up. So, we just want to make sure we're not double booked and it's not a problem. And anyone can use the fields, right? That's why That's why they were built. So, just go to >> Anyone not organized >> Yeah, just make sure that you are >> We have a calendar for the field? >> Appleton does.
028Like we have an internal >> need to make it public. It's been a fight. I think we do. >> But Okay, I mean I could I but All right, we got to talk about that. I don't know how I make something like that public. >> Well, it's easy but >> There's some restrictions on that. Like I can't >> All because of the exposure of children at certain time. >> I think I said something about >> think more for permits. It doesn't have to be a public calendar for school. It's our field at all time. >> Correct. >> It's about permitting. So, the people coming >> It's when it comes to our field So, >> our use it could be no permitted use a lot >> Correct. In other words, so we have a calendar right
029now. So, for example, like people want to use it on Sundays and I I didn't think it was a good idea to ever rent out the fields on Sunday. That should be for the community only. Um that's a day for our for our town to enjoy. I don't want like when people finally have a day off, I don't want them going out to the field and then there's 10 events going on that day. >> And I think that we have to be clear about what you use the field for because it was a kids birthday party. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And they're doing that because to use the pavilion across the way you have to pay. >> You got to pay. >> Right, you have to pay and you have to, you
030know, you got to get insurance and all of that. So, we we like I said, and I know I started this, but we need some guardrails around this because >> Absolutely. >> you know, to drive by and see the balloons I'm like, "What the heck? It's like it's a kid's birthday party." >> Yeah, it's going to get out of control if we don't put guardrails on it. You know, I was present at one event where our softball middle school coach was being told to leave. Um you know, to hurry up. It was 5:20 and we legally through our because we gifted those fields if any for the other side of the park if anyone should we can't forget that all of a sudden. Um but with that being said, in that gift it clearly states
031in our agreement and our interlocal agreement that we have those fields to 6:30 throughout school functions. So, so you know, a per- a permitted use was already provided for 5:30. And they were rushing our practices. So, you know, I just want to make sure that we're clear, right? We're we're also in the interlocal agreement we manage we take we upkeep the fields. I I hope that and I knew this would come to head at some point because it's usually what happens. Um I think Irfan, billing-wise we're covered, right? As far as what's due from them and they're supposed to cover a portion of the upkeep of their side of this park. That's all under control, everything is good there. >> I didn't submit the first invoice yet, but >> I'd love I'd love to see
032what they come back with. So, just so you all know on the board there's a 50/50 split on what is being upkept on the Olson Park side of the of the field. >> So, they could have on their side and we can't say nothing. >> No, no, no. Yeah, they could have done all the walk, yeah. >> As long as it didn't interfere with >> one of our school projects. >> to be a walking path not on >> But that was there's no mistake guys. Read the flyer it says Figo it says gate target. There was absolutely no mistake there. So you know, I've always been out on up to my mistakes and that was not a mistake. >> Agreed. We have to definitely discuss this and make sure that we we do put guardrails
033around that because it's going to get extremely out of hand. >> Have a combined committee meeting between building and grounds and policy and just let's just hammer it out so that we don't drag it because if we don't do something summer is going to be chaotic. >> Oh yeah, it is. It is. It's already chaotic. I saw it. >> But summer will it'll get out of hand. >> cheerleading down there. I was telling Mr. Kennedy people and we need more garbage cans. I don't know if I can stress that any further. All I see is garbage and bottles and bottles and I'm not sure who cleans it up and kudos to whoever does but there's a lot of garbage hitting the ground there. If we could just come up with a few more Listen, we're
034just trying to take care of what we finally got. >> The other thing is that at 9:00 in the summer cuz I was there last summer and you would hear a lot of people just going there at night when it's dark. They're there >> That's what the police department said. >> Speak to the police department because definitely that's that it's ongoing. >> We want people to have fun. I think right? I think that's the goal just responsible. >> Same way that they're you know, going by the the parks making sure that you know, one is in the parks after certain hours. That's something that needs to be controlled as well. I would say you have resources, right? And this is like what would I do your house you would keep it beautiful. >> Yeah, try.
035I agree. >> Okay. Mr. Hackett, thank you very much for bringing that up. Mr. Miranda, thank you for pushing that along. Um moving on to section 13.1 open the floor to a of the public. Any motion? >> Motion. >> Second? Trucken, Mr. Miranda. Is there any board discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Is there any member of the public who would like to address the board? Speakers, please state your name. You have 5 minutes. Um, nothing. Nothing. Is there a motion to close hearing of >> Motion. >> Mr. Miranda, second? >> Olivo. >> Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Perfect. There is no executive session. Um Can I have a motion to go >> Motion. Public meeting. >> Mr. Miranda, second? >> Alvarez. >> Mr. Alvarez, thank you guys very much. You guys have
036a great night. >> Thank you. >> As she gets there, by the way >> Sorry, Alvarez. >> Thanks.