001Good evening. I call the regular meeting of the Boda Board of Education for Monday, March 16th, 2026. Please stand for the flag. I pledge algiance 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. Amen. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have 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 BGO board of education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the BOD burrow poll communicated by letter to the record file
002with the clerk of the BOD of the Burrow of BOD and posted on the BOD board of education website. Please call the role. >> Sure. Mrs. Alvarez, >> present. >> Mr. Alvarez >> present >> Mrs. Cruz absent Mr. Miranda absent Mrs. Naim >> present >> Mrs. Olivo >> present >> Mrs. Salam absent Miss Rocket >> present >> Mr. CH is absent. We have the quorum. >> Thank you. Also present are Superintendent Damen Kennedy, board attorney Thomas Cobin, school business administrator and board secretary Irvin Epsil, Assistant Board Secretary Elizabeth Ruiz, and student representative Himea Vargas. May I have a motion to open the floor to hearing of the of citizens for on agenda items only? Alvarez. >> Motion. >> That is motion Alvarez. Also secondia Alvarez. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
003If there is any member of the public who would like to address agenda items only, please come forward. Speaker, state your name. You have five minutes. May I have a motion to close meeting the hearing of citizens on agenda items only? >> Alas, >> that is motion and second Robert Alvarez. Any board discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All oppo. Any opposed? Moving on to section 3.1 of our agenda. Superintendence report. the rep report. Mr. Kennedy, >> yes. First up, I would like to have our student rep, Mrs. Vargas, give her report. >> This month at Pagota High School has been filled with achievement, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences across all grade levels. We began February by recognizing Black History Month and honoring the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, known as the father of
004Black History. His work continues to inspire students to explore and appreciate the contributions of Africanameans throughout history. In connection to this, we were honored to host the AfricanAmerican Traveling Museum. Their exhibit, A Time for Change, provided an engaging and interactive experience, highlighting South Jerseys role in the civil civil rights movement alongside major national events. This opportunity allowed students across all grade levels to deepen their understanding of history in a powerful and memorable way. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Miss Nel Melnik and the Bagota Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse for their continued efforts in supporting student wellness and promoting healthy decision-making. The arts continue to thrive at BHS. In our visual art classes, students created highly realistic colored pencil drawings of candy focusing on shading, color, and dimension. Graphic arts students are
005developing their skills using industry standard programs such as the Adobe Illustrator and After Effects, creating vector illustrations and animated advertisements. In digital photography, students are learning composition techniques like the rule of thirds, while digital illustration students are building their creativity while using drawing tablets in Photoshop. Our art students also had the opportunity to showcase their work at the art student show at William Patterson University. We congratulate all participants with the special recognition of Ariana Denoi Martin for earning best in show in sculpture category. Beyond the classroom, students continue to engage in enriching extracurricular activities. The multicultural club celebrated Chinese New Year with the interactive chopstick challenge. While our library promoted creativity through makerpace activities and curated book selections in celebration of Black History Month, Lunar Year, Ramadan, and more themes to come. Our drama club
006delivered an outstanding performance of Into the Woods. From acting and singing to set design, lightning, and the work of the glam squad, this production highlighted the dedication and collaboration of our students. The cast also held the opportunity to perform for younger students, strengthening connections within our school community. Academically, the students are engaging deeply across subjects. In English classes, students are analyzing works such as Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby while also exploring the Harlem Renaissance and participating in creative writing opportunities. Additionally, the business club is preparing to lodge ultimate mock review interview contest, providing students with the valuable real world experience in professionalism and communication. We would also like to recognize this year's unsung hero, David Barrier. His leadership, dedication, and positive impact truly embody what it means to lead by example, and his
007contributions will leave a lasting legacy at Pagota High School. Overall, this month reflects a school community that values creativity, diversity, academic excellence, and student growth. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Tonight, the board will be voting on the primary budget to submit to the county for review. This step begins the formal budget process. In April, we will hold a bud public budget hearing to present the budget in greater detail and provide full explanations of the financial plan for the coming year. We're like to thank the chair of the finance committee, Mr. Miranda, as well as the committee members, Mr. Alvarez, Miss Olivo, and Mr. Chavez for their work and guidance throughout the process. I also want to recognize our business administrator, Mr. Epsil, for his hard work and diligence in preparing the budget.
008I'm also very pleased to share the very positive news regarding our QAC review. We were recently notified that our our testing scores have met the required benchmarks and we have successfully passed all other components of the review. This is a significant accomplishment for our district and reflects the dedication and collaboration efforts of our staff, administration and board. The QAC process is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the state that examines several critical areas including board governance and training, facilities, curriculum and instruction and financial operation and student performance metrics. Additionally, with recent weather patterns, it appears that we will not need to use any additional snow days this year. As a result, we will continue to follow our current school calendar as is with the last day of school being set for June 24th. This year will
009be something different because of the redistricting. Our fifth grade has grown to over a 100 students. So, we will be hosting two graduations on that last day of school. We will do the fifth grade graduation during the day and the high school graduation at night, weather permitting at the field. If not, we will have to do them in the in the uh high school gym. So, it will be new this year, but I think it's something so we get all the kids together instead of having two different graduations for the fifth grade. Uh I know a lot of other districts do that. So, we're getting the word out now and we will have everything set up for those days. So, we're looking forward to that. June's a not too far away, but we're getting there.
010But that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Kenny. Moving on to resolution 4.3, which is for the approval of the open and executive session minutes of the February 20 February 24th, 2026 regular meeting. Is there a motion to approve resolution 4.3? >> Motion Olivo. >> Is there a second? >> Second, Italia. Any board discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Na. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Yep. Yes. >> Miss Ruckett? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Moving on to the policy section which which is for the approval of agenda item 5.1. Is there a motion to approve resolution 5.1? >> Alv. >> Is there a second? Second. >> Any board discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
011Sn. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Yes. >> Miss Ruckett? >> Yes. >> Motion car. >> Thank you. Moving on to resolution 6.13 in the education section which is for the approval items 6.1 through 6.12. Is there a motion to approve resolution 6.13? >> Alvarez. >> Second. >> Motion. >> Oh, I can't hear. Okay. Any vote? Any board discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Yes. >> Miss Ruckett? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Moving on to resolution 7.1 7.9 in the personnel section which is for the approval of agenda agenda items 7.1 through 7.8. Is there a motion to approve 7.9? >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Any board discussion? Roll call,
012please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Mrs. Olivo? >> Yes. >> Miss Ruckett? Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Moving on to resolution 8.13 in the finance section which is for the approval of agenda items 8.1 through 8.12. Is there a motion to approve resolution 8.13 >> Alvarez? That's Alvarez and Alvarez. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez. Yes, >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Naim. >> Mrs. Olivo. >> Yes, >> Miss Ruckett. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to buildings and ground section for which is for the approval of agenda item 9.1. Is there a motion to approve 9.1? >> Motion to leave. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please.
013Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Alvarez, >> yes. >> Mr. Alvarez, >> yes. >> Mrs. Naim, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stobo. Miss Ruckett, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay, moving on to committee reports. Are there any committee reports this evening? >> You guys should see. >> Okay. Okay. And next on the agenda is old business. Did you want to go through your just your meeting this that you just had or do you want to save it for the next one? >> We'll save it for the next one. >> Perfect. Uh, next on the agenda is old business. Is there any old business the board would like to discuss? Okay, you guys are so chatty today. Next on the agenda is new business. Is there any new business the board would like to
014discuss? Okay, see this is why they hit me. >> I do have to ask are they have they formed the committees for the uh rotunda and for the naming of the CTE building yet? >> I got an email today from uh Jose. Uh so I'm going to share that with you after I speak to them. >> Cool. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Moving on to section 13.1. We will open the floor to the hearing of the public on any items. Is there a motion to open the floor to hearing of the public? >> Alvarez. >> Motion. >> Alvarez and Alvarez. >> Any any board discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Is there any member of the public who would like to address the board? Speaker, please state your name
015and you have five minutes. Okay. Is there a motion to close hearing of the public? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Alvarez. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. There's no executive session. Correct. Okay. We will not need executive session tonight. So we are at the point that everyone likes. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Okay. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Have a wonderful evening everyone. Get home safe. >> Have a good night everyone. >> Thank you. >> Good night. >> Bye Trina. something as