Boonton Township Board of Education Budget Public Hearing Session 05/20/2026

001All right. I'd like to call this meeting to order. This is regular session of boot township board of education held for the purpose of transacting appropriate board business. In compliance with chapter 231 laws of 1975, the notice of this meeting was advertised in the Mars County Daily Record. Copies of the agenda of this meeting were appropriately posted and made available to the public. >> Mr. Parta >> here. >> Mr. Brander here. Mrs. Cabana. >> Yes. Here. >> Mr. Chen. >> Mr. here here Johnson Cry Mr. Mill and Mr. Rosenberg. We do not have a quorum at this time but Mr. Fatini superintendent principal is uh present just waiting on a quorum. Don't tell 8:00. >> The pledge of allegiance. >> Let's just wait. Mrs. uh McBride at that time. >> Feels like summer. >> You

002can uh you can't vote anything. You can still uh the present takes other things but we just can't pick any shall we do the pledge of allegiance and then go into >> All right please stand to the pledge of allegiance >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley for all >> so we're going to move on we now have a quilt So, we're going to move on to Dr. Pierro for a board treating. >> Thank you. >> I'm not sure we're getting >> Okay, so as we're settling in, thank you for having me back. Thank you for coming. Help us. >> Yeah, you're one of my favorite visitors, honestly. >> Um, for the record, I say that. >> Yeah. So,

003we'll talk tonight about the CSA evaluation and our two and the BSE, which is so it's the board self-evaluation and the chief school administrator self- valuation. The good thing is they're very similar in that they have two parts each. So one is about standards and uh goals and it works both ways for both sides. So you'll be evaluating yourselves that way and um superintendent will evaluate yourself that way and then you all uh take a look and then do your evaluations. Um before I jump in do you have a lot of experience with the tool? Is it like you know using the New Jersey? We've used this, right? Barry, Barry, we use this. >> Yes, absolutely. >> Right. So then, you know, so this is like a refresh, >> but what I can say is

004because you only do it once a year, I have people been using it for a long time. They've called me and said, "Tell me again just how to get it started." So we'll talk about that, too, because it's it's not intuitive, but it's easy. It is. So let's jump in. So just a reminder, ethics wise, a board member with relative works in the district will likely be considered conflicted always and may not take part in the evaluation process. So if there's any conflicted board members or if you have any questions about that, um you can talk to your board attorney and you know make that determination. So that's just like >> I didn't think you could have a family member work for the district if you're on board, right? in general like not only take

005the tests but >> you can't hire but if they exist so somebody >> prior to you yeah >> right then you would just recuse so that was part of yeah we do the ethics >> so that's a recuseition so right you would just recuse from things that have to do with staff negotiations etc we you can always call me and get in touch with me our attorney of the day or even I I know a lot about it too accountability we always call we we link the CSA evaluation that's administrative evaluation to um satisfying law with regard to accountability. Um I always like to point out though that in districts that do this well, it's more like a collaboration. It's not so much uh you know the word accountability to me uh is the connotation

006sterile. Uh it's a great collaboration. So we're going to start by talking about the superintendent. So yeah, it's a great opportunity for the superintendent to reflect and then for you all to see how the superintendent is thinking and eventually get together and have the conversation about the input on all those. So uh yeah, it's an over an oversight tool. Um and so there's the legal guidelines what's required through that the guidelines and what's what's um part of the tool is uh to evaluate performance of superintendent once a year. That's the law eval the evaluation has to be in writing to meet to discuss the findings. So that's the annual performance report that has to be done before July one. That'll be set a couple times and it's based on district goals and six leadership standards.

007So let's say you had three goals this year. Uh the district had three goals. So uh then superintendent would uh probably self-reflect on that and then you all would then do a reading and some comments as well on district goals and then the leadership standards. So we get to those in second two. There's another piece of law. So that's SA that kind of links what should be in it. So what should be in the evaluation and that other box over here that's like a snapshot or a screenshot really of the New Jersey QAC. So that's New Jersey quality single accountability continuum which is the monitoring system which you probably all know. And so there is a piece in that that when you're going through QAC we want to make sure that you have the evidence.

008you have to see that you know the dates line up as far as having the evaluation done by July one. So those things are important but also um areas of strength should be part of it that's in the tool. So through the template in the tool uh areas needing improvement, recommendations for professional growth, indicators of student progress, growth uh and then the summary conference that I mentioned uh shall include majority of the total board membership. We'll talk uh majority um oh no we have to have majority of the total board membership participating in that. Uh and then we'll talk a little bit about majority. Um so yeah so our tool it's an optional you don't have to use school board's um tool at all but evaluating the superintendent is an option we'll talk later the

009BSE that we do is not necessarily a requirement but this is of course um using schoolboards tool is is not mandatory um but I'm glad you're using uh provides for a standardized methodology to meet the statutory requirements it allows for full participation by all non-connected members and it's developing collaboration with NJSA. So that's the um admin association of school administrators. And the reason we like to point that out is school boards didn't come up with standards for this. Um the ASA did and those standards are linked nationally as well. So yeah, we we work with them and we refine it. We touch base uh each year with them based on information that they get, surveys that they put out about using the tool. So that's really helpful for us. Okay. So um theoretically we make

010the process seamless or the tool does. Um and here's how. So before we use the CSA evaluation tool, you have to make sure that the district census is who's responsible for your census. It's usually like the PA. So it's responsible for the census. Exactly. So um chances are you're already completely up to date on who's in there. So the person designated for that has to make sure that the leadership is in there because that's what indicates to the system who starts it. So like uh your board president is the one who puts the goals in first when we talk about that evaluation system things like that. So it has to be included in the census that way. So that's just the way to get the things started and and that's really John and I took

011that out if there's any questions. Uh inform that's me inform me and then um develop the calendar. you all can do that internally so you have a sense of so you're under like a tight time frame but it's not a problem which is you can focus on that after tonight you already have me coming back into public but at any rate if there's any if you need it it's there I don't think you need this call so that's just saying that we have a video available for how to update the census is anybody like so the census is just the roster inside our system that shows you all that uh that's the calendar of of things that have to get done and tasks. So going up from the bottom stair up, um I think the

012first two on the bottom just sort of remind us that uh it's recursive. It starts with those goals. So you'll be doing goals, district goals and your board goals after this process. So why don't we, you know, look at the highlighted part for now and just remind ourselves that's where we're at now for the most part. Like this is almost like a pre-conference. We're getting on the same page. um uh you superintendent can chat about specific timeline and and share those dates with people. So that's about what we would be doing right now. Um superintendent goes in first and completes the district goals self assessment and leadership standards. So once your superintendent does that, it triggers an email to you all um that says it's time for you to go in. The superintendent's finished it.

013a superintendent gets a automated note that says you have 48 hours before we notify the school. So there's like a two two to 48 hour lag between when that button is pressed by the superintendent when we get your notes in go ahead and do it and that's sometimes where if there's any little glitch that's where sometimes people say how do I get in there again? So we'll talk about that. Um yeah they go in. So the non-conlicted folks go in, they complete the evaluation and then the next step here is you'll have your conversation uh to form a majority opinion about the so I compile it for you all. Um and then so once you're all done uh so we stay in touch on that. I check it regularly, but um almost if if you

014know everybody's finished, then we can track, you let me know and then I compile it, send it off to you. So compiling it um gives everybody the opportunity to now look at all the comments. They're anonymous uh and look at the ratings. Same thing, and then form your majority opinion. You do that in the executive session, but you notify the superintendent that you're going to be discussing that. Um and then the annual summary takes place uh summary conference takes place. I think this was attended again superintendent notified uh it's 48 hours in advance but in advance of that meeting and um the signing date July one those two rights the state the same day >> different meetings. So, so the first one you I like develop the board discusses. >> Yeah. Then the next meeting.

015>> Yeah. So I would say the best practice is that when you all receive the compilation report and you read it carefully uh prior to that meeting and then when you come together you have a discussion it's incumbent upon the board president to actually help form the majority opinion. So typically the board president or designate will uh write what would be considered a majority opinion using a template like we well you can use the template we have one and it's really basic and it walks you through. So what I've seen some districts do is use that template for the conversation that you have at that meeting and then you so what do we think of this and you know that in the past been a long >> and it's been a lot and really I

016think it's >> one long hour we like we we we discuss our CSA steps out you can develop the consensus and then we invite them back and deliver all at the same time. So here's the big question then. Does the superintendent have a chance to look at the report beforehand? >> Meaning yeah so you >> I think he has given it that yes we've done it >> he reads it you know and then >> yeah it's tough because we're trying to digest it as we're reading it for the first time. >> Is that right? Yeah, we've done pretty much once the confirmation report >> and it's been hours session and then discuss that tweak it maybe a little bit and then super >> but yeses think about it or do we do itens No, it's

017too much. >> Who do you want to be here? Actually, it's always a long >> No, I'm serious like because there's a lot of uh anecdotal comments like >> Yeah. So, fitting in two agents is a challenge um at this point. Yeah, that's true. Yeah. Let me just say so I'm gonna step out of this presentation for a minute and just be Mr. FSR. You really want to just crank this out after today. So um yeah, but if you're going to do it as separate um then set those dates that >> well we have to do a special meeting right I see you have one meeting yeah but you know if you if you did a if you did a separate special you come in to do the consensus thing the majority opinion you can

018knock that out but it would feel quick because you're not doing the five hour deal. You're doing like a one and a half hour deal, maybe an hour. But I don't I don't want to take your time lightly and say, "Oh, just get together again." That's not easy either. So that's something to think about. Okay. Um yeah, so like I said, it's in two components in a sense. So it's broken down into two pieces. You have like the part one is the district goals assessment, other one standards. So let's talk about goals first for a second. Uh the evaluation should uh go on be based on goals and objectives of the district. So typically a district will led by the superintendent have three to five critical focus areas to move the district forward uh and

019advance student achievement. Then the annual collaborative process between the board and superintendent. Once the superintendent has uh drafted goals for the district, it's conversation with the board. Uh and then those those are approved and that's what we focus on for the next year. And then we create the superintendent based on uh achieving or coaching making progress goals and then um action plans are developed by the superintendent person and including indicators of success. So that's what the the process looks like and how it aligns with the law. And so this is now what the tool looks like as a refresh, right? Um, so the superintendent first lists the role here at the top. So goal one, uh, chances are you might even have it on your website, but you might have it somewhere. You copy paste

020it right in there. And then superintendent invites comments in here. Often um, and so I'm going to give you some little tidbits too or hints, good practices. So often a superintendent will put a link to another document there. It works a couple ways. Sometimes if the system glitches for some reason, you have a lot of different hands in it, right? You have that important that's intended and um we have a tech team that has that can be available to help if there's a little glitch like oh I hit complete before I was complete that kind of thing. Um so uh we do encourage there to be anytime you're in this kind of work uh even though it stays along the way go ahead and and you know it's not bad to have a separate document

021to do some of the work in but also the evidence. So, a lot of times the evidence is a link to some of their residence, fill up a whole big box. Besides, if you're doing if you're a superintendent who's doing ongoing uh communication about the progress, they can link right to that too. You've already done that work if you're um so that's the superintendent piece. That's the self assessment. Then at the bottom, um the board members have a chance to provide a rating. How did I do that? Oh, this is a touch. So, there's the board member rating. achieve satisfactory progress or little or no progress and then comments on the bottom. Uh and of course the rating should the comments should align with the rating. So if a rating is uh achieved it should

022you you know make reference to why you believe there's a goal that achieved but again this is when you're doing individually eventually you come together and the majority will discuss that people will discuss it in formal majority of >> I have a question was this was this framework because of the achievement act is that >> I just curious >> I I No. No. So the answer is no. That's the >> It just reminds me a lot of staff SGOs. >> Yes. >> Doesn't it? >> So I just was wondering if it was from the same >> the same. >> Well, the same people came up with it. So they probably use similar language. >> Okay. Yeah. >> J was the the law that made all the evaluations consistent with >> but I don't think essentially

023setting goals and then measuring. >> Yeah. And that that applied to everybody but I don't think super I think everybody applied. >> Okay. >> Yeah. including supervisors, but that was se Yeah. Anyway, we're doing the we're talking shop. >> Yeah. No, I was just just curious. >> Yeah. Uh, okay. So, this is a sample of a compilation for a goal. So, at the top, let's say the superintendent's goal is to improve safety and security of students and staff. Superintendent provides some comments. CSA reports out monthly at POE meetings on the progress made towards district goals. Attached is the yearly action plan for the goals with additional evidence that can be found in attached standard notes. So this is sort of like uh the standard response the superintendent comment to the goal. It says uh I

024I've done I've reported out regularly because that's that's an important piece of it. Uh some reporting out um doesn't have to be every meeting. That's pretty well. Um but also that uh the action plan is attached. So you know the objectives and any actions that were intended to take place. So now the evidence is there for board members to say okay we said we were going to do this and this is our timeline and that's how it's been achieved or progress was made that kind of thing and then of course the attached links that's the evidence that all the individual board members can go and say oh yeah I agree with superintendent absolutely uh and then these are board member comments that would come under role one so these are kind of separate um superintendent

025and BA have done an excellent job of incorporating the security measures that were recommended and another one demonstrate demonstrated throughout schoolwide events and communication to parents in the community. So, um those are just samples of comments comment board comments. Then underneath that we have our hypothetical board um eight members. So, seven said achieved satisfactory uh made with one and then a little or no progress made by someone else. That's true. >> Of course, kind of my approach to this I think this is a good role. It's not I'm not sure what the extend it's really to say it's achieved like you still want the same goal next year. >> So like achieved how I think achieved for the year but are we still going to achieve next year too or like >> Yeah, great question.

026Kind of have a hard time thinking about Great question. So I think achieved would mean that whatever the objective the action plan was. So whatever the superintendent set out to have accomplished in that year would be achieved. But you're right. I mean it would be an ongoing uh goal and then of course that's that's the whole philosophy is behind goals in the industry right once you achieve the goal I guess this the idea is to keep the practices in place to continually be excellent there and then move on to other goals or if it's one of those things that may take years um two three years then you you can express that in there too. Um yeah, and sometimes it's a one-year goal that you all decide let's spend another year on that and we

027have these we've reflected on it and we want to do could do it another year but achieve these other two objectives and maybe that wasn't something you thought of this time in the year but by the end of next year we start thinking hey that was great we all did well and um let's let's continue it and try two more things if we want to. So yeah, no great question. I was going to say an example an example would be like you know for that exact same goal year first year put blocks in the doors we achieved the goal you know year two higher school resource same exact goal but different >> yeah I like the idea >> yeah right okay and then this now we're going to talk about the standard so that was

028how the goals work and it's pretty straightforward you put the goal in you the superintendent comments you comment your rate Same thing with the standards. The standards are listed. There are six. You'll see them in a second. Um so the superintendent reflects um on each standard. I'll show you what that page looks like in a minute. It's worth pointing out that the standards come from uh the standards as they like to call them, the inter interstate school years lensure consortium. And um there's still what is used those standards. They might be updated in language, but they came from 2015. Uh and that's just another way of saying that you know school boards doesn't rule these kinds of things you know we we participate in you know the training to achieve it you don't create uh

029so these are the standards you got your mission vision core values governance ethics and professional norms the third one is operations management curriculum instruction assessment and school improvement fifth is community of care equity and family engagement sixth is professional capacity district. So the way that works out, this seems overwhelming, right? It it almost comes across as it looks and uh so the standard is at the top and then you have uh because this is the one um right so then there's the rating at the top part and then comment. the superintendent's going to do again at the top is always the superintendent's reflection and again the resources for standing one it's kind of uh I think a little more challenging and can be um to have to provide evidence on standards achievement um but there

030they are and then at the bottom the board would provide the performance level indicator so the rating and again there's an opportunity for some comments at the bottom and then when it comes time for you to do that executive session to come up with a majority opinion on it. That's it'll look the same and then you'll come up with the majority opinion. For for the ratings, it's typically just math and then comments, you know, there has to be a little bit of discussion there. All right. So again, this looks a little busy, but it's not so bad. It's again, it's math. So that's a sample of a compilation per standard. So each of the standards has indicators. So in this case, there are seven indicators for that standard. I won't read the whole standard but

031it's something like effective educational leaders exhibit an understanding of any superintendent roles matters the district the system policies etc and then that's broken into those indicators which are good because that's actually I think hint to the superintendent what evidence might be good to have for that it's also good for you all as board members who are doing the evaluation um to be able to think in terms of how those were achieved and of course we invite you to do that performance levels exemplary three you know uh there's one for the first indicator of the standard two for two etc and as I said it ultimately comes down to math and when you do the math you get uh one so one person exemplary proficient was five etc so the majority opinion likely be completely proficient

032all right so now we're uh kind of winding it down as far as what the annual performance report is a little bit already the compilation of the non-productive board members input determining the majority ratings that's an element of the performance report the other piece is the report itself um containing the majority ratings comments and then you have the summary so that's what the annual performance report uh that's where it's and then yeah so you have that annual again and that's where notice it says where minority ratings minority ratings comments could be verbally shared So, let's say, you know, eight out of nine board members seem like they're right on the same page, but there is a board member who feels differently. They have the right to express that, but it's verbal not into the written

033record because the majority didn't feel that way. Um, but we always respect one another's thoughts and we express them respectfully, right? Um, so there is the opportunity for some reason, I just don't see it that way. And um of course that that happens in summer happened in the summary conference with the superintendent. Um this is sort of redundant of what we talk about. We've been through the process a bit. Let's just peek at it and see does anything jump out at you. But again, it's the executive session, the non members, look at the compilations. It's sort of like a review of all that draft is written by the board president or design. Then the annual performance report doesn't need and then you have that executive session and it's everything we just talked about. Okay. So

034this is that template and you can see of all the things I've shown you tonight this one is sort of more straightforward. Um but it walks you again through it. So the district goals overall assessment that's the template. This is like the final if you choose to use it the final document that will be provided to the superintendent. And again it can serve as your talking points through it. The evaluation itself can be review. Uh and then there's the standard. Same thing. Uh one of those boxes would be checked actually rating and there there could be remarks in the meat in the template. It would be the majority opinion as opposed to all the individual. All right. Uh growth area. So that's in there too. So um the top box is an example of strengths.

035So so you can uh put check marks next to standards that that really were uh highlighted that year in a very positive way. And then if there are areas that um the board feels there uh there's room for professional growth back in the market and as always they're supporting remarks. So, if it's like, hey, we'd love to see the superintendent or the team, you know, um focus on San Francisco professional capacity school personnel. Uh that that could be checked and then the launch would suggest that for for some reason. All right. And then there's the conference. Again, I think we three times has to be done. So, around, but uh has to be done by July 1. Um, and minutes of the executive session reflect the summit of this life. And that's the kind of

036thing that keeps people looking for. So, they're going to ask you for the minutes of the executive session. Uh, oh, no, they're going to ask you for the minutes that show that an executive session conference has to be by July 1. Yeah. Share the evaluation prior to the conference. That's prior to like five minutes. if it works, but I don't know. I mean, that's that's what you all call. So, the next step, um, we compile the individual responses once they're all put for presidents. do that again. Um, to me, the more important thing to be reductive about is just how you find the evaluation tool. That hasn't been in here, right? So, um, yeah, it is. It's the same thing. All right. So, I'm pretty sure we're going to do um, and who keeps a

037copy before I forget. So, we don't we keep a copy, but it's only like because we compile it for you, and we figure for whatever reason it might be good to keep it for like six months. So on December 31, because it's not our business, I don't read them. Um I compile it and send it off. I I I do like to see words on it to make sure that it wasn't submitted blank or something. So I might see if there's words on it. Um so December 31st, we make announcements before, but we'll purge it. It's not our place to to have confidential information like that. Um and then we recommend that of course the superintendent has a signed copy and the board keeps one and we typically recommend that it's the board attorney because

038um if it were in any other office um it's it's like superintendent um confidentiality. So it's it's best attorney has a best practice uh considerations. It's not a once a year thing. It's a meeting um the process of discussing goals and progress. It doesn't have to be like every year. It it's an ongoing thing. Um and uh develop a system to retain the evidence that superintendent uh makes the job easier at the end of each year. Progress updates and two-way communication are critical. So, I guess the best practice, the most ideal situation is when the board sits down to do this, um, they're already as they're reading through it, they're things are clicking. They're like, "Oh, yeah, I remember we did that. That was that." So, uh, the ongoing communication about achievements does help that

039all those triggers uh, as you're going through the triggers in a positive way. Okay. So before I move on to the board self valuation, I'm not supposed to touch these slides, but I'm going to add my own. The most important, the only problem boards have been having with this is where to find it to start. So there's a school when you if you go to NJSBA.org, it asks for your member login, right? So once you log into and I'll send you screenshots for this. It should be in here, not just in my screenshots that I sent. So, what'll happen is you just you sign in as your member on that page where all of our information is, you know, it's massive. There's a lot in there. And then you go to um field services, right?

040And then in there, as soon as you go in there, you'll see evaluations. And there's two kinds. There's one for you, the board self evaluation, and there's the one for the superintendent. As soon as you click on that, if you're logged in, it takes you to your landing page. Now, if you try to do it before the board president has entered focus, if you try to do it before the superintendent for the CSA part has finished the self-reflection, you won't see anything like it'll just be a dead. It'll be the page you want to get to, but you won't be able to click on it. So, that's once the superintendent has gone through this process. Um, it's the same thing with the BSSE. you're all waiting on the board president to enter the goals because

041you're going to reflect on your board goals and then you're then standing. So again, once you're once it's available to you and you go to njsqa.org and you just log in as a member and go to field services, you'll see it right on the it's the first thing on the page again. I'll send you my slides. Then you're good to go. Like it just holds your hand through the whole thing. But it's just getting there. And I've had people, I'm not even kidding. Somebody who used to be a school board's field service rep email me yesterday and said, "How do you get there?" I'm not even kidding. I feel like I'd never forget. But anyway, um, so that's the CSA part. Any questions about the superintendent before we go on for the BSE? The BSE

042is going to be very similar. So, and we might even be able to move a little more quickly through. Okay. So it provides self-reflection for you all. Uh completed by all board members is ideal. Uh you can include the superintendent thing on that too. That's between you all. But um superintendent can participate in it. Uh they're in the list, but they don't have to complete it for to be able to vote. Um there's no statutory deadline. So that's important. It's different than the superintendent. Some people like to do this at a really different kind of timeline. for you all. I think your goal is to have your goals set up prior to the school year and I think we even have to be coming back to discuss this. So, um yeah, so that looks like

043your pipeline. It's not required, but it's best practice. Um some boards do it without the field rep coming back in. They use the tool and they do it on their own. That's fine. uh improves governance and management. Results are used to develop future board goals, brings individuals together as a team, sets standards for board conduct and operations. Uh how does it get done? The board completes uh right board completes it annually. Uh you can include the CSA two components. Board goal standards. I've been saying that determines priorities in six areas of board governance. Those are like your standard for standards. And then I compile it um deliver it as a summary. So I do a lot more with this. I don't read the superintendent stuff and what anyone has to say, but this I do.

044Why do I read it? Um, well, that's actually helped me advise if you're having me come in and talk about goals, but also I do read it for um any evaluative statements of staff. This is your self-evaluation. It's not an evaluation of the assistant super of a principal or of the superintendent. And when you do that, this is so that superintendent's evaluation is 100% confidential. This in some ways can be a overhaul. So it can be subject to open public records. So there really shouldn't be a value of statements in there. Um you piece that out. So what happens I read through it. I look for those kinds of statements. There's usually something one or two. It's often positive, but even that I'll still highlight it and give you the opportunity to decide if you

045want to removal. So, I will highlight everything in yellow that seems evaluative, positive or negative, about any staff. And I will suggest to the board president that um she considers either sharing that with the board attorney and say, "Where do you think?" Some go through the whole thing and having the board attorney read through the whole thing and say, "Okay, this is okay." Some just say, "I like what you said, Paul. We're going to ask you to redact it. I redact it very efficiently." Um, so then you can't you can almost unredact. You can't unredact my documents. that was James. Um, so yeah, so I'll highlight those things. So I read through it and then I'll also provide a report and the report is going to tell you what the common themes are. The report

046is going to summarize it for you. So I think that's really helpful and I try to keep it specific because you're already reading through each other's comments. >> Yes, >> just point of clarification. So the board brings you in for the summer balance goals, they would get an hour credit. >> Yes, good point. Yeah, >> I can do it on their own, but you come in to assist, >> right? I help either way, but if I come and assist, you get the hour. So, a lot of people do is they have me, they have me do what you've done. You get the hour for tonight, right? Uh not that it's a bad thing, but you know, good boards are are focused on the professional development and then that's reflected in the the credit hour. So,

047tonight you're refreshing, you're asking good questions about this process. We go into do it. That's about an hour's worth of credit right there. And then when I come back, usually the review takes about it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 30 35 minutes. And then sometimes you take that opportunity to go ahead and do the goals or at least draft rough draft. So that's the way many do and then there's two hours right and some will turn into a much longer retreat and you can really spend time on gold. So they can turn this class into two hours. Um recommended completion timeline based on reorganization of those setting dates. Yeah. So that comes down to what how it fits you. Wow. So um all right. So what happens is when you open so when

048a board president opens that's what the board president sees and then you hit anchor and it opens it up. So um that's a description of the whole process guidelines etc. And then there's an opportunity to put from there to move on. And uh so now yeah proceed to evaluation. So this is a more so you see this as the board present. You see that as the board president there proceed to the evaluation. Us and that's when you'll have to put in the folders. This is just highlighting that there were different terms in prior. Now it's exempt provision etc. But you just need to be vendable for that. So um yeah, so that's just a reminder that WordPress has to be listed. Uh in the there's a section for leadership and for the system, the platform

049to be able to see who is supposed to go and watch it. It has so the board president has to be listed in that section of the census here where we are. Uh, okay. There's this thing where in case there aren't goals, that used to be you used to have to tell people put NA in there and all this. So, now there's a a button, a box you can click. So, for some reason there's no goal, uh, you would click that. Um, and then it would allow you to move on to the other. All right. And then, uh, just like the superintendent evaluation, this is what you see when it comes up. Okay? And you just click away. there's evidence of progress. Um, so that's that's after you see it says goals. So that's after

050the board has met the goals. Um, so that's the goals there. So you're rating and you're providing you're looking at the item. If there's an opportunity to provide comments when there is, you can and there's just going to be buttons at the bottom each time to to move forward. Uh, the members will evaluate the board's overall performance and set standards as well. So we set goals and there's a standard mission vision and goals capacity for compliance operations to achieve these type of compiance. Okay. Uh then standard by standard. So our board is committed uh to the standards exist already. So we don't have it right. Our board is committed to a shared vision of our district's future. Um and then there's the opportunity to integrate that standard standard one. there's the opportunity for the comments

051and then uh the team's greatest challenge opportunity in this area that there's a lot there and again I'll summarize it for you but it's good for everybody to read through it too before we get together to discuss it um and then there's an individual one so you're going to rate yourself as a whole as a board member like you're rating the whole board then you're going to rate yourself okay there's 11 indicators for There's no good and then there's an overall reflection. What do you consider the board's greatest strengths that we can build from and what governance areas we need to focus on uh to further our work as an effective for team? That's also a good it's often a good launching point for what professional development you might want to do in addition um

052or set your goals. So those reflective questions can lead to future goals or uh future ideas for professional development. And so that's a sample of the compilation report the standards. So you saw the other one for this. So uh standard one our board is committed to XYZ and then you have indicators of each. So you might um like for example here and I'll list what's highest I would pull out strength you know areas of growth what I would do is I'd point this one out as a strength and that's uh revisits reaffirms or revises our vision vision mission and goals regularly so I would point that out as being a strength and say but hey folks give yourself under three so typically three and above is considered you're doing your base proficient um and something

053below that should be like a little flag doesn't have to be a red flag, but it's a hey, maybe look at me. What can we do there? So, in this hypothetical situation, we've got uh uses relevant data to engage in continuous district improvement by the annual setting of district goals through collaboration. That one comes up a lot because there's so much data and it's the data is often the how of the administration. It's not the board per se, but the board can certainly reflect on the data that's provided uh to inform the decision making, you know, when when there's an action item or something. So, uh in that hypothetical situation, saying like, you know, we do have data available. Well, superintendent gives us data, do we ever talk enough about the data, that kind of

054thing. So, that's what that one look like. And then there's the average at the bottom. So, I always do each section by section. I give you the average. I give you the average and then I point out the the highest, the low and the lower. Yeah. Anything on the side here? Uh yeah. So there's a tracking report. When you go into the system, all board members can see who started completed the evaluation. So um when you log in, you should see a button that says tracking. I see it. I imagine you can see it as well. Then you would hit tracking and you can see who's coming off. It's important to stay on top of each other because you know it's time for >> you. Are you looking at the vary year for year last

055year? >> Oh be dramatic. >> Like last year we got a three and this one next year. So here's a two-year chart. >> Yeah. I don't know if they can take it more than two years. Um this one this one doesn't have the second year bar but as you can see 2025 2024. So just picture two there and showing progress in monitor. >> Yeah. So but going back to this one. So there's two charts, right? So the first chart um that gives you I forgot the name uh of that kind of bar. But at any rate um again those are uh the indications whether it's exemplary, proficient areas for growth, the ratings of each of the six standards. So certainly you want to be blue and green, right? uh look here with your green and

056yellow. So you don't want to be green and yellow when it comes to your self-evaluation. You want to be green and yellow when you're looking at that stuff uh in your school. So uh blue and green is best and that's the other way. So you will have that ability if you've done it in the past to see there. All right. So this is what I wanted to show you. When you get to when you log in, you go to field services. Think think about field services online evaluations. This is exactly this. So these are the like slide this the screenshots I sent. So if it's for you all the word self evaluation if you hit this you're going to get to like that page that has the button on the bottom that says proceed and

057then when you're doing the superintendent evaluation you do that form. There are some frequently asked questions and all these are things that might here's what I say just call me because I it's bigger. So, if you you can go through that if you there's something you're forgetting. The guide book is in here, but it's it's better just send me an email. I can either shoot you a screenshot or or get on a phone call. So, that's actually one of the most important slides because in my experience like this year, that's the thing that has tripped people up. Doing it is a piece of cake for everybody. It's just getting there. Okay. And so, remember, you're only evaluating the board. So you're avoiding evaluating any staff because then I would recommend that for action um so

058use the opportunities. All right. So those are the two longest but um we need some questions along the way. Any others? Okay. when you have them. Just call me and um yeah, we can touch base when you have to do that as well. >> Like you can come and vote on it, right? It'll save it and you go back in. >> Great question. >> Just while we have you here, we're changing our June date. I don't know if that's going to work for your schedule. >> Do you want me to look now? >> If you don't mind figuring while working together, that would be all right. You may I it's it's I didn't pick you up. It's nice. But and then they they're sending us somewhere the third week of June. So what what >>

059we're moving to June 16th. >> I can do that. >> There's there's like very little room there. I can do that. >> Thank you so much. >> What time is it? >> 6:45, right? Is that good with everyone? >> Yep. All right. So, you guys continue my stuff together and say thank you so much for having me. See you next question. What I thought is that PDF or either of those valuations, but it can sometimes help you stay on track or you can jot notes on it. You might not have the links to the supporting documents, but at least you can accumulate stuff so you can not back and forth. So we are set for June 61. Correct everybody? >> 45 on the 16th. >> All right. So we're on to Miss We had this

060afternoon last month. position around. >> Um, this has been a very busy night. The Mountain Lakes History Bowl team competed at the national finals in Arlington. They placed 17th out of a total of 96 teams overall in second place in the small school division. Andrew Maddie was semi-finalist for gold for history and US trophy and Joey Emp. Congratulations to junior Thomas Bere for being accepted to the all state jazz ensemble ensemble and he he is the first student in history to be accepted into the ensemble. Uh seniors started their service project at the food bank last week. They had another session today and are finishing up next week on the 27th. The spring concert and art show was last on the 19th. Looking ahead, um going tomorrow is the senior prom at the Governor Morris

061Hotel in Morrison. And on May 27th is the thank you for being you award celebrated at the high school in the auditorium celebrating um the student nominated the teacher nominated students for um their character, kindness and positive impact on the school community. On May 29th, there will be a student recognition lunch to honor students throughout all straight days in this school as well as the unsung hero award and the most improved moments. Um, Laker Shreddments. The World Language Department acknowledged the following students for their placement on the National Friendship Excel. Emily Emily Zom, level three bronze medal recipient. Earlene Verdine, level two silver medal recipient, and Scott Rider, level three gold recipient. They also acknowledged honorable honorable mentions recipients Adam Cherry, Alexis Stal, Sedar Santos, Colleen Veret, Ethan Will, and Catherine. >> Thank you so

062much. >> All right. Thank you. Have a great night. >> Thank you. >> So, board business and I have a motion to approve board business items one through three. Is there a second? Second. Please. I'm sorry. You got it. Okay. >> Any questions, comments, or discussion? It's on the adoption of four business motions one through three. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed say no. Any obstensions? >> So, Mr. Murray, do you have anything tonight? >> I do. Great. >> Couple of items. >> Um, facilitywise, all building systems appear to be up and running without uh any issues except for being very hot in many of the classrooms hallways. Um, I spoke to the architect today and our plan was submitted for the potential referendum down to Trenton. There's a

063brand new director down there and um, we're next in line for the review. He's finishing up one right now. So hopefully uh, we'll hear very soon when the timeline for the PDC will be coming to us. Um, all the summer cleaning supplies have been order. We're getting ready for the boiler cleanings, uh, the annual gym and stage floor refinishing. And as soon as that u soon as the ESY and the recreation program summer camps are done, we'll start those as well. Um 20 26 budget uh 26 27 budget uh purchase orders are being issued now and we approved the u when we approved the bid this evening. All those supplies will be ordered for teachers so we can hopefully get those in um before they leave for the summer. Check them in. reminder of the

064fall conference. I've heard from a few of you whether you want to go to it or not. Just uh if you have any updates on that or I'll start cancelling roof issues hopefully. If not and the summer roof project we should have plans for signature from the architect next week sometime they'll be submitted as we spoke about the hallway. So that'll start after school without We anticipate having it before the summer's over. >> Great. Thank you so much, Mr. Pini. >> I did the math math presentation. We have the presentation and the criteria posted on our website. You click on the arrow by curriculum. It'll bring up some of those um departments. You click on math. It'll show you the criteria and it will show the offerings of our math standard classes from grade six,

065how the students progress from one grade level to the other. our current or future uh course offerings for grade seven in math will be the math seven standard accelerated math and algebra one and for eighth grade 8th grade math standard algebra one and geometry also under the same uh link under the curriculum bar we hit that little arrow department it'll also show you the enrichment and give the intent to letter and the criteria for students to be entering that program we have a community connection flyer here. It's going to be going out to all community members, every household. It was emailed the other day. Um, our ad hoc committee member will be adding a few of this uh to our social media. Um, there's a physical postings that someone took a couple of these out

066and uh they're also on our social media and it was also sent. I also have an RTI data report summary. uh we have 43 students with K through8 with 48 students about 12% they're currently in our RTI program seven students of that uh of those 48 were eventually referred to in the child study team and overall much of our students uh most of the students showed measurable academic growth several moving from tier three to tier two supports um the one thing that stood out those students that made minimal progress or did not make much progress had significant attendance issues. But for example, um in reading and I mean to our OG professional development, uh all students in first grade who are in the arts program mastered early formological skills by the time they enter theater

067and have the assessments sent out. There any commendations? >> Thank you. Falcons of the month for May. Congratulations to the following students for soaring high for their strong character and academic. In fifth grade, sixth grade. Seventh grade. And eighth grade Aaron Mills. In fourth grade for the month of April, we have in fourth grade. This certificate is awarded eight months a recognized students who display variety of outstanding character and their achievements within the classroom. Congratulations to Jules Ellers, Robert Hume, Jack M, Sherim Mandal, Cameron Brooks, Brendan Chen, Mirabelari, and Daniel. Congratulations to all our RVs falcons that were fought soaring for the month of April. Once again, soaring is showing respect, pointing their actions, acting safely, and reaching for excellence. Rosa Juliano, Daniel, David Brooks, Jake Graham, Dean Haggard, Zoe Jane Zeleleski, Ding, Charlotte Brown,

068Kane Haggard, Neil Ding, Keffrey Luchiano, Ethan Bels, and the students that have a spotlight on the work for April, which is exemplary work. Our students from preschool to third grade which are displayed in the month in the lobby on a monthly basis are Theo Sasso, Ryan Burn, Kate Suero, Batista, Arthur AOR, Emily Schneider, Denn Freeman, Shay Silva, O Jenowski, John Stroble, Maximus Hogan, Sawyer Lee, Braden Harris, and Isabelle Holtz. And congratulations to Mrs. Bartell, Mrs. Kobart, and Mrs. Busco, who is here tonight for a remarkable evening of art and music. It was an event that packed the house and the kids and our teachers knocked it out of the park. Thanks to all our faculty who attended. Thank you to the HSA and BTF for spoiling our teachers and staff for teacher appreciation week last

069week. And congratulations to six of our talented RBS fifth and sixth grade musicians who had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside new friends from across Northern New Jersey at the NJSMA honors band. Congratulations to Grammy Dor Dorner Leila Burns Shanty Star Zeke Hamill Cale Caleb Schlider and Nolan Bordak Sworn on this outstanding accomplishment. These students have spent weeks practicing and preparing for this special event. And our hard work truly paid off. A special thank you to Mrs. Hobart for helping the student prepare and supporting them throughout the event. Beautiful music they created. It is all incredibly proud. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. We've seen correspondents. So, we're on to open session number one. The first public comment period will be limited to agenda items only. The second public comment period will be open

070to any topic. Please be mindful that public comment periods are available to enable the public to give comments and feedback to the board. Personal matters and day-to-day operations are not appropriate subjects for board meetings. These can always be most effectively resolved with the appropriate staff members or administrators according to the chain of command concepts. Questions may directed to the appropriate school personnel or board through email. Please state your name and address for the record and all comments are limited to five minutes. Anybody? Okay. Mount Lakes Board of Education. We won't have an update. Chris is not here. So, New Jersey school boards. >> Um, I have an update. I attended virtually the ELGA assembly May 16. This is housing Trenton watch video. Um, couple of highlights. Um, there was a speech at the beginning one

071by uh Dr. director highlighted goals are going to roll out next year and neighbors summit that involve like negotiating tips and practices advocacy for county school boards and preboard resources uh for district financing. There were six resolutions that assembly considered. Uh the first one was a resolution uh endorsing district's choice not requirement to use rank choice voting for school elections. That resolution down. Next was a resolution endorsing uh the idea that all students should be uh safe and free saving school and free from civilian enforcement have authority. That resolution was debated heavily approved. Uh next resolution was uh endorsing the idea of concept that school districts in towns that are considering pilot agreements even agreements should be uh part of negotiations for the use of funds. uh ranking properties approved. This resolution was um involved

072uh certain districts have limitations of revenue based on public land use restrictions officure every declaration for the districts that approved. Um the fifth resolution involved uh transparency pricings for certain school supplies for the materials including the final one um is a resolution endorsing that districts that send students to county schools should be uh involved in or schools. I think because like districts a burden on districts that was also um that was good but very important. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Educationals I'm sorry Mars County School Boards. >> So the meeting was uh just last week last Wednesday. Um, I think I say this everywhere, but I'll I'll mention it again. If any board member wants to go to just one more time school behavior, this is really a good one. You really

073get a good feel for what's happening amongst students in the county. Um, both the 8th grade and 12th grade um level. There's a lot of moving um awards and recognition for uh students from the family. And this year uh we had or here receive her 15 years of dedicated service toward now I have >> sure I was doing on new business but uh I'd mentioned to Mrs. Cabana that um she wasn't there at attending that meeting so there were two certificates that were given or sent to me for her. One was a milestone award for 15 years of service and recognition of 15 years of distinguished service and steadfast commitment to the children of Newton Township District Mars County in the state of New Jersey. Along with that, you get a nice 15-year pin. And

074then there's also something from the New Jersey legislature to a citation to Christine Cabana by the citizenry of the 25th New Jersey leg legislative district through their elected representatives in recognition of bringing pride to their family, her family and community upon reaching 15 years of service at the Bin Township Board of Education, exemplifying a tireless commitment to the students of her town in Mars County and serving as steadfast advocates for the educational excellence opportunity and that was signed by Anthony Buco, senator and Aura Dunn and Marissa Sweeney assembly on your refrigerator. >> Congratulations. >> Educational services commission. Yes, Nick. Uh, the information service commission met on May 13th, Wednesday. Um, we conducted routine business superintendent meeting and at the next meeting in June, we're going to have the representative assembly meet 15 districts that will

075be on the board next week. >> Thank you. When we launch you for CPAC, too. >> Um, nothing to report. >> Oh, the only thing is we're we're planning for next something. >> We township education. >> Uh, so the only thing they have is um the traps marketplace is happening on June 2nd, 6 to 8. I think there's a meeting from M, but I'm not sure. is there is there was on my calendar some I actually don't know I don't know places >> that's a biggie on June 2nd so >> thank you okay so the HSA uh we have a lunch survey that we're closing out tomorrow we're looking at different program for next year so it's been we've had about 120 many people do it so far. We have decided to do pizza and

076ice cream for field day as our HSA contribution this year. And then we are working on like our own internal year end mom dad's party. And I I'd like to say we've gotten a lot of wonderful feedback about grandparents being at lunch duty and relatives and it's been wonderful from what I've heard. So thank you all. And then we're on to township with food. Can I ask you a quick question first with the lunch program? I mean, it's been talked about for years. Um, are they thinking about opportunities maybe of using local restaurants different days of the week? Is that a possibility? >> That's what this survey is all about. Ranking the choices and what types of foods and days, etc. So, we have trial. We tried Chipotle right before spring break and that went

077really well. So, um, we have been approved to buy like a warming machine that rolls on a cart so we can keep food warm here and yeah, still maintain our our pizza relationship which has been here for 30 plus years >> and then we're looking at other vendors too. Yeah. So, >> thank you. >> Survey is going to close today, Wednesday, tomorrow. Yeah, >> was very excited. >> We didn't want to make decisions for our people. We wanted everybody to have input, right? So, right now, I mean, there's a lot of input. >> Good. >> Solid. So, we're also going to sell snacks and not just like chips over some healthier options. Okay. on to this. Okay. Uh there's still availability for recreation summer camp and for the pickle ball, golf, and tennis clinics. You

078can sign up at bootentownship.com. Early voting for the 2026 primary election begins on May 26th through May 31st and primary election day is June 2nd. All voting is at the municipal building in the public meeting room. The RVA field playground Jul's Landing uh will be the design will be showcased on June 3rd at the RBA Fields Pavilion from 5 to 6. Playground vendor representatives will be available to discuss the proposed playground and accept input from interested residents. And then um also the design boards for the playground will also be on display at the municipal building during early voting. And the municipal building at police headquarters project is nearing final completion. A building dedication and community open house will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Notice will be on the township website, social media page, and

079weekly newsletter. And I will not be getting the cake for that. >> I've learned. >> I thought the cake was pretty good. >> It may have tasted good, but do >> you mind June 30 was at what time for the playground? Um, did they have a time? >> Yeah, between 5 and 6. So, vendors were going to be there for input. Another opportunity possibly for us. Um but yes it was doodles landing playground design will be showcased on June 3rd RB fields from 5 to 6 >> and you had mentioned I'm sorry I might have written this down but I forgot where I wrote it but the air show and the fireworks. >> Yes. So the fireworks are I can look back but fireworks were in July. I'll get that date. And then um >>

080they're going to September 26 was the date to actually do like um >> yeah, you know, an arrow whatever. So people have like planes landing there. Um like a whole celebration of the two little air strip there. >> See the fireworks of July 25th? in that um put in that. >> Okay, thank you so much. And then September 26 will be the airship. Great. >> Green. I'm sorry. >> No, I was just I was thinking there's always good information, but I'm assuming everyone is part of the boot newsletter who's out every Friday. It has um good dates and stuff. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much. the catch team. I Paul's not here. Is anyone attending anything? I know that they're doing a garden clean up here, right? They did already. >> They cleaned it up

081and they reset all the new raised beds. It looks good. >> And then they plant it last week. >> It hasn't been planned. They just did it this past weekend, I believe. Fox Hollow. >> Nice. >> But they plan to plant it. Is that >> I think so. >> I believe so. I think last year did they like I think they opened it up that people could kind of take so it was more like community garden. >> I think they had volunteers and Mr. Kobart came in he used his equipment to clear out the old and he brought it to >> you got a chance to drive by. >> It looks great. >> I believe they're allocating some beds for the program as well. >> Great. So, we're on to facilities. Um, for a committee

082report, please. >> Okay. So, we met as committee on May 4th. Um, the architect did update us at that point that the applications were submitted um on April 30th. So, I think it's kind of good news that in a short period of time um we're already maxing out. So, that's great news. And I think what we're going to talk about a little bit tonight too is whether to engage a professional communications firm to help us with the communications and plans around potential runa. Um we discussed in committee thought it would be important to bring it through to this this group. Um, part of what we also discussed, and I'll just, um, update the, uh, John, is that John's been reaching out to some of the communications professionals that we discussed complete, um, just to kind

083of get some information from him and then be processing back in. Um, not all of them have yet to wait for one additional. Um, so I kind of just want to kick it off as as far as what parts of the conversation. um is uh just a reminder to kind of build back the tops. I know not everybody on the board was part of the board uh when we did the 2024 referendum, but it was close. We had 419 yeses, 535 nos. Unfortunately, um that led to a no on the referendum. It was about 25% voter turnout. So there's about 3,700 voters in the township and about 25% uh a total of about 950 or so those. Uh when they went back and they looked at the votes and again they weren't looking at who

084voted yes, who voted no, but just names. It really showed that there was a low voter turnout of voters with families in the district. So a lot of what we talked about in committee too was this grassroots effort to kind of get that information out. Lauren, we subsequently you sent some information out to the vote this week. We reached out to a couple districts to kind of get a check of how they did things. And I think there's a lot of really good tactics and and I think you know we're not going to debate them all tonight. to that point. But I think there's a lot of really good tactics as far as um just being present in the community from now through November tables um not only at school events but also at uh

085larger events like Waterworks. Uh so so we want to talk about is there merit in having a communications consultant. at one the last time. Uh, and we can, you know, again, we're not getting paid all the different tactics they use. But I'll start it off. I think what we need as a as a board is someone at that 30,000 foot kind of manning or oversight of all the different tactics and ways that we may be getting communications out to not only school community, but beyond. um and managing the cadence of all of those communications. So for instance if something is for video isn't also being repurposed for social media and just talking um just very general terms here we really aren't set up as a board our job is to make sure that the district

086is wellrun not to run the district so running a communications plan wouldn't be our curfew I know to get involved in a lot of discussions as occurring because of their roles on the board. Um, of course the superintendent, but I'm not sure that you're set up to want all things >> communications wise and we can as a board determine how much input or what we're looking for from this communications consultant. we can certainly I think um manage the grassroots efforts on our own and I think that can be built into it. Um but I just have a concern that you really don't have being such a small district even though we're a small district we still have a lot of different communication boxes that we have to check and there's just no infrastructure here. Um

087team is still relatively and he has his plate full with all of the good things to go with. So, those are my thoughts. We can talk about it. I'd love to hear what everybody else thinks. Um, I know the communications committee or the referendum facilities committee is here. Uh, so we're all present and statements. One quick little thing, you mentioned, you know, someone to oversee. Um, and I think it was brought up, um, sort of like a project manager. Um, we weren't going to use, you know, communications. >> That's a little bit different. That's actually the construction portion when you actually are out the bid and somebody's watching the building of the project. That's different. Project manager would not >> I think we were talking about more of a project manager in terms of not

088construction but to manage timeline deadlines of PR and communications to the community. >> Oh yeah, right. So like a a strategy manager so to speak or communications professional. So I mean I can start I have a problem. Um, I'm not comfortable with the PR firm with with the sentiment that was received with the last referendum on social media and the cost. I'm okay with the strategist similar to what you're talking about. Um, I think, you know, less is more right now and the grassroots approach is what the handshake approach is what probably will work best in this town. And I think cost is is up for this referendum. that's a bigger cost and it's not going to be as talical to depending on what the alleart options are of PR firms. I don't think I

089can make it a decision yet till I know what they even offer scale-wise. So, but I would not be comfortable um with it being what it was last time. So, just I want to just speak for a moment about the cost even if we were double what it was last time. Let's just say and again maybe but even if we were to double that it's still coming in at less than 1% of the overall so it is a very on the scheme of things. So I just want to make sure everybody understand >> I was >> it was all it was all part of the architect's umbrella that was probably in the 35 And that was that was including the video and and everything else. So those are the allard items. >> We talked to

090the committee to get he said he had a couple. >> Yeah, he's those are the ones were waiting for me. So we we've gotten some names. I've reached out I've actually I saw Lauren's uh email with the name. I reached out to the business administrator of one of those districts very large district and I picked his brains a little bit today and I said you know you guys did it in house. What happened? He said the superintendent, that was his failure, except the whole thing, ran the river. They have an in-house full-time communications director. They have a videographer. You know, it's it's a 9,000 student district. >> So, they were able to do all that stuff, and I haven't had a chance to reach out to the I'm curious, too, how they were able to

091do that. But, it does it does require a lot of, you know, hands-on stuff. >> Yeah. I guess I'm not I mean, we're speaking about this now. I'm not really like philosophy against it. I think you could spend that money for whatever the number is. You can spend it very well. I think you know it is you're going to have to do the grassroots and kind of community based approach but it is a huge task to oversee that is not any other having someone oversee it but also make sure we're sort of hitting the rights and everything we do is that There a lot of people who didn't vote for the referendum appear to vote this one. So lots of cactus people either to change their vote or rather you know there's a lot a

092lot of things we could do but the and I don't know what the cost is to say yes but um I don't really have a problem conceptually with what that cost would be. uh it's um kind of like in that overseeing you know idea I think it's also and I know it's hard for us to kind of step back and see how do we how are we how do we convince people to vote we're all so bought in you know so much it's sort of hard to pull kind of things today where you were years ago, what's changed since now, what's changed in the package you're ask, you know, there's a lot that's sort of like we all know what we are. I think it's valuable to think about themes to reach to reach >>

093they're not name we really need to get out to vote that that's key children here they're too I totally agree it's too hard to end for any of us that no way you know do I I agree with that. You have to get the voters out and and I worked on several referendum passed and one of them was so close that won by the absentee votes because the parents were reaching out to the college, you know, students, the spouses that worked in Manhattan. We won by the absentee vote. So, you have to get the vote out. And uh you know so the charge that I've given these firms that we're you know at least looking at is you know I don't want one referenda you worked on years in the last five years >> you

094know some of the firm one of the ones that actually came back about 60 another one's flown into the hundreds >> 60 referendum others are in into the hundreds of what they've worked on with campaigns some failed some you know some pass so that's the information I'm gathering to give to the committee so you can look at it, you see what what the value is. >> I think the challenge is, you know, to both of your everybody's points is that the turnout was low even with the PR firm. So that's where I'm challenged because there was a strategy and there was a lot of money spent. >> So there wasn't a lack of information. I caught on the last one. I can just spare myself that um I think we engaged that PR firm way

095but like it's like weeks before. So frankly I think it was not not we might be exaggerating but it was it was not this far ahead right we are nine months ahead or six month we were probably 2 3 months at best like it was a little bit of a hey we don't have a good comm's plan for right wrong or indifferent but that's where we were and I think that's probably why it was effective right because they could put together videos and posters and yard signs and it eight weeks right like at that point we haven't done what we needed to do even as a you know frankly as a board and I described myself as a board I I don't think we communicated well with the community and so all the things that

096we've been doing this time around with Mr. the ferti engaging the community with all of things. People have come here to see us bake the cake with the architects like seven times. There's just a very different flavor. Um I would like to make sure that like if we do spend money as effective because last time I will it was not. So like I'll look back and say I don't think it was effective like so if we could like it needs we need to make sure that it's actually right. But but the other I agree the other thing too is that here we are right into the PC letter >> you really hit the ground running once you get that and the board says going forward then then you're really looking at July through November so

097it's still a short time that could get a lot I mean >> but it's still more than we had last >> it is last time was like >> and the work should be kind of like it should be frontloaded where it's like again we don't need someone last time yeah as a non board member was >> someone who's receiving from that side the work needs to be at the outset over the summer like okay how what's our plan what's the strategy you know doing a video on whatever they did you know small pieces >> trouble with but I really would like someone to come in and say last time was not successful what what can we do to change that >> what is what are you going to focus on every day from your first

098your to election and that's the D not not so much like >> not so much the media I would agree like we we had it where at least this was my perspective is we had output like videos and things which were fine but what you're talking about was like the substance of like building like the three or four pillars of your marketing strategy of what are you actually selling like was not communicated in 8 weeks before that a video is not going to change that right like it's the the firm if they do something has to establish was like the strategic narrative and like that's what we need to be selling. The video is just an output of that storytelling. We didn't have a story to tell. Like it was just here's right. >> That

099narrative has already started. >> Yeah. And that's where like we're in a much >> like the flavor of what we're doing this time is much different, right? Um as an attorney like I it's very different. So that's where I I had a little different opinion than maybe I would have thought it was if it was the same situation I would probably be like that was that was a list. You know, one thing I would add to the discussion is whether we use a contractor or not for a PR perspective. I I do think that the vast majority of families that are engaged with the school are on social media particularly on Facebook and my recollection the last referendum was that very close to like you said there was not a lot of discussion about it

100and it was an off election year as well. also didn't help. But at the very end, in the last two weeks or so, I remember a lot of toxic comments were being posted about the referendum all at once. And I didn't remember almost any discussion of it prior to that. So, I just think that because in our board training, he talked about appropriate use of social media that we should be putting out consistent flow of information to inform the community and that's our role. We're we're this is a proposal that we've come up with. These are the aspects of it to consider. this is how it would benefit the community and this is when you can go vote and I just think that that information needs to be going out there so that people you

101know through whenever people are clicking through that who knows when that is but that it's going through in a consistent way it's not all at the end and YouTube videos that are could be produced they could go on there um a slide at a time you know bite-sized chunks where you know there's plenty of time to get it over there going through the summer and into November so people can digest it I just think that that's really important Um, and if there's people that don't like the referendum, those people are going to say those things anyway. So I think that it's just important that that for the board to present the information consistently to the community. We had the benefit of the kind of I think like people will be tuned in by summer but

102I think school started summer and now for two months like tables effect like introduce all these things. >> Does anyone else have any comments? I have uh Mr. Rosenberg and Mr. Johnson's comments since they weren't able to be here. >> Okay. >> I would say the same thing. You know, the sooner we get information out better, you know, the department information, get it out better, you know, the quicker, not near the end. But, you know, numbers what what we proposed to do like already with the applications that we submitted. We haven't decided to do the rep, but we have the applications out there. But right now, we can absolutely be communicating what our needs are, you know, both infrastructure and educational. that we've already discussed, you know, keep get that narrative out there so people

103can be engaged with that information and start understanding the information. Ask us as many questions as we can and you know so we can answer those questions you know you know over a long period of time. So, so, so there isn't anything last minute, you know, negative comments like, you know, any anything any questions that have come up, we want to try to answer them and let people know why we're doing things, the needs that you have for sure. >> And really the big missing piece is the PDC. So, once you guys get that, you'll make a decision to to go forward or not go forward based on so theformational piece is missing, but >> I agree. I agree and disagree like the PC will give you the number, right? But the real reason of

104why we're doing this like said it's infrastructure like the school is going to break right so I could put this on a slide if I was going to right like like my job the school is going to break if we don't do this for infrastructure kids are sitting in windowless closets like special like there's like very clear like four bullet points that of why we're trying to expand like the music we're trying to do like the staff like there's very clear educational needs and there very clear needs about the school is going to break like it's very like not really >> it's quite simple like the PC to me is like numbers like people are going to ask how much can I pay taxes etc. I think what his point is is it that's really

105when it becomes real when we put that resolution together. We approve it at whatever I'm thinking it's July but we'll say it's July and that's when it becomes real. I think he was just trying to share like the timeline >> when the time because then you'll have like whatever the media piece of the car that this is it. This is what we're doing. This is what it's going to cost. Now you have the board all saying the same message. >> That's that's key. You're not saying yes. You're not telling somebody how to vote. You're just giving them information so they can make an informed decision. >> Circling the back that we're in facilities, you're discussing facilities. Can we revisit this in at our June meeting when we have some members? Is that a fair well

106conversation to have? So, we'll have to I think um do we need a motion >> to go forward with communications? We need a motion on that. No, you can well you can kind of get a sense but uh but really you know when the board is approving the referendum go for going forward you'll have a proposal from the architect and in that will be a fee if if they decide to do that >> because that's a whole another component which which covers submission of all the detailed plans the management of the project once it's underway so no so I think what the next board meeting or the next facilities meeting I think that will probably when John police come along you sometime gather the information >> from these three or two companies and maybe put

107it in a manner that we compare >> yeah absolutely that that's sort of there were four that we received one retired so there's three left and have have done referendum work >> and then so we give them each 15 minutes >> and a virtual meeting so we can ask questions >> we can do that you can do a virtual meeting you can you know depending on how you want to proceed at least If we have that in front of us, >> yeah, >> we can kind of gauge how we want to present it to the committee and and the board and then we decide >> for me is how do you >> how would you handle situational? >> Yeah, do you know what are your stats? I want to know their data and have they

108done K3 comps because this is way like I did reach out to other districts that were all comp not larger than here and three out of the four did it themselves. So and three out of the four won so Mars planes would be a real good comp. They did it two years ago one all grassroots. So I think it's just important that I agree with you project management we're not going to have time just arguably there's going to be two and a half months to ditch this and arguably July and August is going to be rough there's not going to be a lot of people there >> it's only going to get busier too >> I think two months is not I don't know people two months is and I'm going to reach out to

109some of the VA I know them you know okay what do you guys do how did you do you know maybe there's some things that you're not seeing happen that it gives me in the sign of maybe that's the way you need to go. But I don't know. >> And also I was privy to a point from talking to some other board presidents that our bond attorneys are often, you know, knowledgeable on how to run a campaign. So, you know, obviously the legality aspects of what we're allowed to and not allowed to do, but also to give us some strategy strategy and advisement since they work with districts. So, so what will happen is when the board decides to go through uh and the resolution on there is actually crafted once we get the PDC

110when the bank goes off to the attorney goes off to the financial people then they create the actual resolution that the voters see and that's the important that's what you're going to vote on the line that's the formal part and you know they have to look at all the legal aspects I don't know I've used in the past I don't know if I've leaned on them for strategies and things but financial people are that this timing of when you float bonds or things like that But collectively as a group, it's it's the bond attorney, it's the again consultant for that, it's the architect and the administration, the board. Collectively, that's your team. >> And then you figure out your strategy based on, you know, what the needs are, what your community looks like. So that

111that'll fall into place. I can guarantee that. >> So June 8th is the next big meeting. We'll discuss what goes back to John. John >> should have info for that. >> If you think you can maybe put a table to apples and then maybe talk about giving at least 15 minutes. How did the feel about that? >> I would I think it's a great idea, but I I want everybody to be CC on that those proposals before we did that. So that way they can see what they all cost. I mean right now if we were to do a straw pole vote I'm not sure that the majority of us would agree with moving forward the art that's I think we need to get a proposal see what the cost breakdown is cuz god forbid

112it has doubled in price in the last 3 years and we might all be having a different discussion but again we kind of went very aggressive with that number did double it's still incredibly small but >> it's also as strong because I'm asking this current as he asked us that was not >> so the ask is a different >> so you know that number is important you know it's like I've seen it but it's not the same I'd be interested in seeing like a breakdown to some as fast as possible like if there's major components of the cost some professionals they put big number with a bunch of things they'll do other will put a bunch of things they may not do the same with another And it's hard like if you don't if there's

113services that are in there that you don't think are necessary and you want to spend money on them, I would probably want major broken down possible so that if we had to discuss it, you know, it's just one big number with stuff in there that's doesn't seem practical. You know, what do you do with that? It's either a yes or no. But, you know, need the ability to try to maybe break down the numbers a bit and maybe take some services that you want, some you don't. whatever some proposals have. What store size? We have no stores, but why are we paying for that? You know, like you know, silly things like that. Like I want to I want to see what services are going to be provided and say we do. Yep. Perfect. You

114know, project manager. Yes. You know, advise us on, you know, use of media, great store signs and printing up stuff. >> So maybe it'll work. >> I think that's a great suggestion. Maybe the committee um bet of five to 10 I didn't list. >> I don't know. Maybe we can vet what some things are just so happen to those five for development like a basic ask of what do we you know that's my we should all be weighing in what do we think this what should they be doing for us that we can't do and spell that out like here's what we like those proposals are >> well their proposal will be based on what we ask them to do I mean depending on the number of hours they have a whole the number of

115hours like the last time I think they they were taking all the Q&As's they were vetting them through the administration this is what we've heard and then they would get the approval to update Q&A on the website so they were they're running so I guess you burn up hours that way so really it's what are you asking them to do they're going to base the price on the number of hours they think for the size of the referendum it's going to take again let's get the info first >> so can I can I ask that we almost turn the question around to that and say what what have they done or what would you recommend right >> and give me rationale why give us that list and let us look at it and say that

116makes sense or actually that doesn't make any sense then we can say you know out of those 12 things I actually only think I want six things I want a website I want an FAQ I want marketing collateral that has this and I want a video that's all I want those four things I don't know that's it but I would like to know >> what they've done >> those are things I've asked them to collect for us >> what they would recommend and why and then we can talk and then we go back and say this is what I actually want. I want the proposal to have these system proposals for those things or those four things or whatever they chose for. >> So then you can compare them. >> I've asked them for that

117you know not I've asked them for all the the services that they they've done they can do. >> Yeah. >> The clients they've worked within the last five years longer. And you can see how many are active and then failures and the and the how many have you you worked on that passed and how many you worked on that failed. So all those things are the component and the size of their team because if you're a one on onetop shop for one person and they're working on a referendum already, they're not going to devote the time to >> There was one that's working on public. Um so one thing I thought about too is um John 15 minutes maybe we should bet around on that date. >> And then number one, number two, find out

118if make sure they understand we had a jail record. Maybe an idea of what we did >> and what we've done >> what they're saying is to >> yeah and what we've done today and how can we >> rights and and the two that I've talked to in the conversation already looked at our websites already saw where we were already looked at our referendum page so they they you know so that's what these firms do want to see who they're dealing with >> so yes that's part of the >> Can I ask if we do this in how then report back and we decide forward to vote for someone or do you think we should recommend something? I don't know how >> it's the it would be nice if we could in at least narrow

119it down. So let's say they have three at least get it down to two >> and then >> well you can negotiate contract but you want to vent committee and look at it see if you want to have them come in and meet with the committee and if you want to do it the full board yet have them do it at a meeting point if you want to hire the hire June meeting >> well you're as I said you've been doing through the architect's propos so if you give the green light then that it's >> already in there specially bonded too or no? It's separate. >> No, you're getting you're getting money on construction costs and all that. >> It's part it's part of the architect's fees. >> It's part of the part of our

120operating budget fee. >> And and and a lot of this is all pre-reender, so it's not even subject to the state anyway. A lot of stuff that you have to do to prep to get ready for to your point though, we wouldn't do it till July till we get the GC. We wouldn't we wouldn't trigger this till we got approval like approval from >> the state the other. >> Yeah. Because I think the first step really is you know if you look at it and say we're not moving forward then you're not going to hire the architect to do the rest. So there's a lot of things that have to place. >> So which backs I don't think we did what she want. >> So I think the key >> the key piece is the

121board already know there's a need. I mean, you're you're based on what the need is. There's a need that you have to go forward with something. Now, you just want to see the numbers and you feel comfortable with going through, you know, again, you know, look at the economy. I I talked to business administrator. They passed the referendum in the worst tone possible years ago, but they knew everybody knew there was a need. And, you know, I said today, I voted in my district. You know, they raised my taxes a lot, but I knew that they needed to fix the roof. They needed to do all that stuff. So, it's only going to get more >> and my kids were out of the school. It's only going to get more expensive. >> Yeah. Uh that

122makes sense on the PR. Can I ask more if it's uh I'd be curious if you have like contact with the other districts. How did they run it? Like I get the data like like my concern with the district is that like we this is a fulltime job, right? So like who actually like what did they develop like marketing collateral? I'm sure there's a video there and posters and who actually managed that and did that because I'll raise my hand. So >> the superintendent of the board is all in the the guidelines that I sent you this past week. >> One of the districts though is very large, >> right? They had like a fulltime communications director. It was good and small, >> but in reality that brings up to my suggestion I would have

123is when these consultants give us examples of work they've done and they give us examples of districts our size because I I went to like a huge workshop a couple years ago. I went to they had presentations like ours which is comparable to us. They had Cherry Hill that's like $300 million budget you know. So I I'm I don't I wouldn't want a consultant to give us an example of what they did with Sherry Hill for $30 million because it's a whole different ballgame. But Mars planes could be great. You know, if they did work for, you know, a similar size district. Show me like show me, you know, give examples of district where they've done many jobs. Give me give examples of our size so we can actually go look at them too and

124talk to them. It would be also helpful to see what we actually some of us weren't on the board for the last one just to know we paid for the last one and what it entailed so we have starting point. >> The other thing too is that we're expens >> just that was over 15,000 just to put on a separate this one is in November. >> So we have different turnout. >> Yeah. Yeah, with the the main election we got way more people. >> And again, it's a mix it's a mixed bag because people have done January ones, March ones, September, November, December ones, and November ones. I guess you could do >> Yeah, >> I think your best >> I think it'll help you get higher. You get higher turnout. >> That's true. You

125have higher turnout, you get better. That's >> I mean generally the turnouts have been low and that's historically >> but for another one year election. >> Yeah. >> Great. So hopefully I'm happy to execute all ideas and suggestions. The person who has the focus on teaching planning of these actions that that person has a they look through that lens and the the experience that I had is just a larger district and I don't have the initiative infrastructure the support to do that here. Um you know as a principal in the homer district we were charged holding meetings at all schools expressing what we need to hear at our school. But for me between both principal and superintendent position very difficult job to coordinate develop that strategic plan execute it and uh and bring up volunteers.

126What I have to say about Lauren's um information that she sent through earlier in the week um how do we do it? A lot of those items we've already done. So I think that the grassroots effort has already started and I think that was really great um to see and then of course once you get that letter um supervised communications some of these other ones having tables of presence be a good shall we discuss again in June after we've kind of vetted some of these options and then what would we figure out the staff and thank you Mr. Murray for doing the due diligence. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And that was it for facilities. Correct. >> All right. May I have a motion to approve facilities motion number one? >> I'll move. >> All right.

127No questions, comments, discussion. Question is on the adoption of facilities motion one. All those in favor say I. I. All those close say no. Any abstensions? All right. Finance. Mr. Chen. >> Finance committee did not meet at all. So I will maybe ask uh Mr. >> uh these are pretty much the standard ones that we do in May. You have your prices for the following year. The bids are we go through our educational uh services educational data. uh the teachers will enter everything in these are included in our budget. So you're approving tonight the actual bid that was done to the co-op and then once we do that we will then issue the purchase orders and start that ball rolling. Uh as far as uh based on the budget, these are the prices on finance

128eight for the tuition charge that we could charge another district or parent that wants to send their child out. We do every year. um some of the uh the conferences. Uh the focus grant is just a renewal of one that we've done this year. Uh the lead filter grant let me let's that's let's that's finance n that was money all districts got the money we gave them their a lotment and then we have to apply for basically what we do is we bought all these things already. We do it on basis but now they're going to reimburse us for it. So we got $1,000. Other districts that are much larger got more funding, but that's basically it's all routine this particular fun. >> Thank you. What do you guys think? Usually the board start >>

129next time. Okay. >> Um, may I have a motion for finance motions 1 through 11? >> Is there a second? I'll second. Any comments, questions? All those in favor say I. I. >> Any opposition? Any abstensions? All right. Where are we now? Personnel. So, we are approving the leave. We are approving substitutes tonight. Um, pay scales for next year. Let's see. Trying to think last minute. That was pretty much all that's on the agenda. We're approving a um new head of special services. Um approving additional hours for Miss Niola and some pair of professionals, three different pair of professionals and the appointment of two custodial staff as well as some site position. Any questions? >> Motion 14. I mean, I'm assuming we'll be posting start. >> Anybody else? All right. May I have a motion

130to approve personnel motions 1 through 14? >> Have a second. >> Questions, comments, or discussion? The question is on the adoption of personnel motions 1 through 14 and this is a roll call. >> Mr. Ba, >> yes. >> Mr. Brander, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cavana, >> yes. >> Tan, yes. Mr. Hinger, >> yes. Mr. McBride, >> yes. >> Mr. Million carries. >> Uh, at this time, I'd like to introduce and welcome graduate Dr. Martin. >> Thank you. >> Oh, I'm honored to be here. Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to joining the team and getting to know the students, the staff, and the families. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Program committee. What did we talk about? Oh, I have some notes. >> 33. Uh I don't have a lot of those

131schools here. Uh oh no, this was help with financial. So never mind. Uh what do we talk? We talked about the math uh I know we talked about math math curriculum mappings. >> We talked about um the new um attendance thing that we discussed front line front line systems on that. Um any enrichment G&T update as far as >> Oh yeah, Jerry criteria for the gifted and talented program with the very objectives member sent out that last week I think everybody for writing curriculum um updating the writing for That's it. >> Okay. May I have a motion to approve um program motion number one? >> Right. Questions, comments, or discussion? The question is the adoption of program motion number one. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any extensions? Moving on

132to policy. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Pini had given us the update on the different policies. Uh first one under conduct and discipline. Um it includes language for banning of cell phone use during the school day. Um and that needs to be implemented in the upcoming school year. Um 6171 special ed is the addition of we put it in two places. Um, it is being added about parents being notified of these two days, two business days before a student's annual IEP review meeting. Um, and then 9113, filling vacancies for board seats and the board will explain decisions during public session and allow public discussion. And then 9323 was just the addition of I believe it was different legal references. Yes. Added to that one and they are on for the first week. >> Thank you so

133much. And for governance we had it inaugural discussed a couple of things. uh logistics for the CSA evaluation board evaluation and setting of both goals including the concept of carrying over some goals uh to next year process. We discussed um new member orientation materials uh and update them or take closer look uh members. Uh we discussed as a medium or longerterm project taking a look at the board bylaws 900 policies on the committee. Most of those have been were updated in 2020 earlier. So there may be uh updates to the USBA or also LB project to update if needed. Uh and we also discussed uh also a medium-term project would be drafting um descriptions of work in the scope and we'll meet again. >> Thank you. Right. Open session number two. The second public comment

134period will be open to any topic. Please be mindful that public comment periods are available to enable the public to give comments and feedback to the board. Personal matters and day-to-day operations are not appropriate subjects for board meetings. These can always be most effectively resolved with the appropriate staff members or administrators according to command concept. Questions may be directed to the appropriate school personnel or board through email. Please state your name and address for the record and all comments are limited. Questions? Right. Old business come before the board. Ready? New business come before the board. Okay. So, we're going to enter into a close session and there will be no more bid um board business taking action after we reconvene. So, may I have a motion to enter into close session? >> Second. >> All

135right. All those in favor say I. >> All those say no. No extension. It >> is for student matters. And it's for student matters. >> I had this deprived. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other board actions from the fourth board? We have a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. Second. All those in favor say I. >> I.