001All good. All right. I would like to call this meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. This is a regular session of the Bin Township Board of Ed 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. >> Mr. Far >> Yes. >> Mr. Brander >> here. Mrs. Cabana >> here. >> Mr. Chen >> here. >> Mr. Hittinger >> here. >> Mr. Johnson >> here. >> Mrs. McGrady >> here. >> Mr. Mills. >> Rosenberg >> here. >> Also present. Mr. Pini, superintendent principal. And I see our student representative Gina Brandon. We have a quorum. >> Please stand for
002the pledge of >> allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible justice for all. We have no presentations this evening. So we will move to report of student representative Regina Britner. Um sports like basketball, wrestling and swimming are well into their seasons and the theater and development is well into preparing for the spring production of our business club DECA had just uh competed at the first competition of the year last week and the Lake Drive schools math team is holding a fundraiser on January 28th at the Corsip TripleA to help fund their upcoming annual competition. >> Thank you. So board business, may I have a motion to approve board business motions one and two? >> There a second. [clears throat] >>
003Question, comments, or any discussion? If no, the question is on the adoption of board business one and two motions. All those in favor say I. I. I. >> All oppose say no. >> Any extensions? Okay, moving on to administrative reports, Mr. Murray. >> Okay, just a couple of items. Uh, with the recent snowstorm, the custodial staff came in for a few hours on Martin Luther King Day to clear the snow for the weekend storm in order to get school open on time for the following day. There were no issues to report. and the um the roof system. Our roofing contractor came in recently to patch the upper gem roof and there appeared to be no leaks from the recent storm, which is a good sign. Um only time will tell when the thaws begin to
004see if there are any new leaks that open up [clears throat] and I would be recommending through the facilities committee that we uh prepare a roof for the summer of 2026. We mentioned that once before. I don't believe that we can wait any longer. So that'll be in the planning stages. uh and the building systems uh were all up and running. The heat was functioning properly and uh it was actually working overtime on all the freezing days and nights. So that's a good sign running on all eight cylinders. That's it. >> Thank you so much. Superintendent report Mr. Bikini please. >> Uh this past week we had our first round of Oregon training. This is something that we've been talking about as far as moving our literacy ahead. Our first training class happened on Thursday.
005Our next training class will happen tomorrow. We had 24 educators in attendance mostly from Morris County. We actually had one that flew in from Barbados to partake in the training. Uh Boom Township is hosting this cohort for other districts and training our teachers which are steps in the direction of being in my estation a leader in literacy. Also, Dr. Sea and Mr. Baldino hosted a rotation station class where they showcased collaborative teaching models utilizing link it data and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of targeted groups and the class as a whole. Once again, this is being offered to all of our teachers to come in during their prep times or their lunches, not only on a single day, but multiple days. This is obviously again something that we're we're promoting to elevate the professionalism
006and move literacy and differentiate instruction forward as well as excuse me our co-eing model. Uh also tomorrow on January 22nd, our seventh graders are going to see the show Outsiders on Broadway thanks to the Foundation. Uh Mrs. Snder took our forensics club students to the public speaking symposium two weeks ago on January 9th. They worked with students from other districts to participate and learn about public speaking. This was also in preparation for a competition in the spring. Our forensic club members participated in the symposium which is in Morris Plains. The students that attended from RBS were Charlotte Lang, Lily Landau, Caleb Schneider, and Julian Venique. Uh Mr. Snider is our forensics inviter advisor. Six six districts took part in this year's workshop. Uh please uh community members don't forget that tomorrow the 22nd is our
007open live stream session of our community connection uh in reference to the referendum and building needs and uh school programs. It's at 7 p.m. and all the information can be found on our website as far as the link is concerned. Uh if you can't make it, fret not. The sessions will be videotaped for viewing pleasure and convenience. And there's also a second community connection that's going to be on um on the Google meet on January 28th, which is next Wednesday. Um, in addition to that, we have more community connection meetings on February 6th, which is which is Friday, at 9:00 a.m., and February 7th, which is Saturday, at 9:00 a.m. Of course, don't forget the special board meeting to discuss the possibility of a referendum to support the school's infrastructure and program needs on February
00811th. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you. You've all seen the student attendance report and staff attendance report. Any questions? On to commendations, Mr. Fatini. >> Thank you. Um, first set of accommodations are the Falcons of the month for December. Congratulations to the following students for soaring high with their strong character and academic effort. In fifth grade, Ava Becker, sixth grade, Colton Harris. Seventh grade, Carter Long. And eighth grade, Jeff Pew. Flying high in fourth grade for December. This certificate is awarded each month to recognize students who display a variety of outstanding character and/or achievements within the classroom. Congratulations to Shiloh Schlider, Kefir Mutiano, Elijah Vichi, Ellie Kennedy, and Brady Person, Jane Kinger, Hannah Egan, Amber Woo, Ellen Burke, Ella Burke, Brady Pson, and uh Jake Gabby, and Angel Grant. Next is spotlight on
009student work for December. This uh shows exemplary work by students in preschool to third grade and those works are displayed in the lobby on a monthly basis. In prek, Llaya Tung and Madison Andreas in kindergarten. So Ara, Matthew Balo, Bennett Pson, Sophia Perez, Malcolm Rosenberg, and Tori Buo. In first grade, Gray Prasad, Maximleian Lamboa, Hunter Andres, Liam Yousef, and Thea Prasad. In second grade, Harrison Newbie, Lyanna Silva, and in third grade, Emma Ryerson, and Cameron Casper. We would also like to thank the Lens family for the generous donations to the RBS band program. This month, the Lent family donated a beginner drum kit to the band room, which includes a small snare drum, a drum pad, and a bell kit. This local contribution will greatly benefit our percussion students by providing additional instructional resources and
010opportunities for hands-on learning. And a special thank you to the Bootton Township Ed Foundation for generously funding the eighth grade field trip to the Buer Challenger Center in Paramis, New Jersey for an exciting sim stimulating mission to Mars. Students work collaboratively on hands-on projects ranging from specttometry to zenobiology, learning not only about the challenges of space travel, but also the importance of teamwork and problem solving. The Mueller Challenge Center Challenger Center was created in honor of the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Challenger in 1986 and continues their mission of promoting space education. RBS was proud to participate in this meaningful experience for the second year in a row. And I believe I have uh congratulations to our RBS Falcons who were caught soaring for the month of December. Dylan Wiggers, Riley Woo,
011Colin Ramik, Ashley Beermeister, Addison Shandell, Sienna Kern, Tina Bonitez, Zach Buzzman, Scarlett Parla, Linares, Coleman Harris, Harrison Heralum, Giani Misra, Emma Ryerson, Isabelle Holtz, Claire Kenny, Elijah Vinichetti, Maxwell Gabadian, Hunter Andres, Gray Prasad, Jack Favo, Nolan Bardac, Sworn, Scarlett, Lenaris, Kendall Holse, Sasha Patty, Tegan Bonitez, Cole Harris, Sienna Curran, Mike Curran, Nina Kat Kadamaro, Talia Diario, Jack Brian, Emily Schneider, Renee Aou, Grady Pson, Jacob Kovalinski, Anthony Shellingo, Jenna Oceanian, Tobinac is Isla Egan, Leanne Algam, Emma Ryerson, Alana Shrager, Oliver, Oliver Wills, and I believe I actually read a group before which should have been included in this. Instead of that um group being part of the Flying Eye in fourth grade, I would say that these kids are the the Falcons that are soaring. So, I'll say their names. greeting person Jane Cringer, Hannah Egan,
012Amber Woo, El B, Jake Davi, Angelina Brim. And that concludes my report. Thank you. I'm sorry there's a lot of names. Kids are doing really well. That's all. >> 10 more times fast. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Correspondents one and two. Any questions? Open session number one. The first public comment period will be limited to agenda items only. The second public comment period 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. Personnel 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 concept, questions may be directed to the appropriate school personnel or board through
013email. Please state your name and address for the record. All comments are limited to 5 minutes. Do any questions? Please reports like we had uh one meeting so far after the reor meeting. Um it was uh last week on the 12th, right? So um we had a New Jersey school board's uh the new rep came uh and provided ethics training to the board which was uh was good. It was pre the meeting so we went through extensive ethics training. Um the board had they acknowledged the governor's educator of the year award. Um so they had two teachers from each of the schools. So they had eight teachers that were recognized. Um which was great to recognize the teachers. Um it was a very good ceremony. They brought their families and uh it was great to
014see them. Um they are there was a notice that went out about a delayed opening due to the upcoming special election. So again why the elections going on the voting warning they're delay opening schools. That's because previously they closed the schools during the last election but this is a primary so they thought the traffic would be less. Um eventually I think they're looking to move the elections outside of the schools for safety reasons. Uh but for now it'll be delayed opening on uh the upcoming election if you get the days. Um and we went through the new committees including the new co-curricular committee. Um I am a member of the co-curricular committee as well planning committee. >> Thank you. New Jersey school boards >> actually that um um at the end of December um the
015school board's rep was arranged to consult March 14 for training. >> Okay. >> What training was there? >> Um the um that's what thought. Okay. >> March to March. We do that early. Yeah. >> 6:30. >> Okay. >> I'll just send out a notice. >> So March 18, 6:30 we're going to start. >> Mars County School Boards. >> Yes. Um, so the next Morris County School Board Association meeting, Mr. on this one. I didn't realize the time, but it's scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th. Of course, um, it's a virtual meeting, so typically other people other than myself typically like to register and attend. The topic is creating a positive school culture, addressing ethics, self Um this is an important topic but I think the things that we have going on. >> Okay. >> We typically
016do get a good followup from that group from um county and they set slides and so rather than drive ourselves crazy maybe we should take that into consideration. >> Did anyone else register? >> You did great. You said >> yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. We'll talk about the date later. That's it. Thank you. Educational Services Commission. >> I attended their meeting last Wednesday. Um that we conducted routine business. >> Thank you. You can stay on for township special education fair. >> Yes. Like they held a very informal presentation on January 12th when they said in the library. Uh it was part two in an ADHD series supporting your child with practical tools. Practical tools and demo strategies. It was put on by Sarah again that's right was very informative. That's probably 20 20 plus
017people there at least and very informative. Um I I do have to say I apologize for upcoming events. I had to rely on last week's report what was coming up. I did not but I think >> February 26th 5:30 p.m. Zen night March 23rd ADHD event 7 p.m. >> You're welcome. The Booten Township Education Foundation. >> Okay. Uh so they met last week. Let's see a couple things. So the four kids programs are kicked off for the winter session. Um Mr. Fina mentioned the science center trip for the eighth graders. the seventh grade is one of the outsiders as well. Uh volleyball registration is open for sixth and seventh grade uh beginning the week of February 2nd. Um what else here? The bowling event is on February 22nd at Booth Plains too. Golf outing has
018been um confirmed for 1 pm on April the 20th at Mil West. Auditions for Matilda Jr. on this Friday and then there will be practices on Monday. Um the last thing I will mention is oh I think I mentioned before that they were having the aviation club. So that is now live. um kids from school uh to so that you when >> uh February 20 uh 2nd from 12 to 2 minutes registration is open. >> Thank you. uh the RVS HSA. So, we don't have a meeting till the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM in the library. In terms of new things going on, we just booked roller skating March 10th at Floren Park roller rink. I believe it's either 5:30 or 6 p.m. So, that'll be coming out soon. And that's pretty
019much it in terms of what's going on behind the scenes. So, the township committee, please. Okay. Um, a reminder, as I had said at our last meeting, uh, January is the month to renew your dog licenses. Um, also, the township public health nurse has weekly office hours on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the municipal building. The public health nurse serves as a vital resource to our community as health for health related referrals such as vaccines and COVID tests or weight loss management. Blood pressure screenings are done during office hours. No appointment is necessary. For more information on public health, email the Mars County Division of Health, the township's health provider at www.marsountj.gov/residents backpublic-halth. Early voting for the special congressional primary election begins January 29th to February 3rd. Hours 10:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.
020Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Special primary election day is Thursday, February 5th from 6:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. The polling place is in the public meeting room of the municipal building. This is the first election in the new building. And just a reminder again, if you have not already signed up for the weekly township newsletter, www.but township.com/newsletters to keep uptoate on what's happening in our town. The weekly circulation is at 10, thou sorry, 157. So let's keep it growing. That's my report. >> Thank you. Township green team. So the E team met on January 9th where we discussed a uh list of priorities for the coming year uh which includes the following. Uh the community garden here uh green team was got a $2,000 grant from sustainable Jersey to rebuild community garden. Um, also
021thinking about how to increase participation, uh, get people to come and and start gardening. Um, using that $2,000 grant and sort of restarting the garden is important because doing so will give the township additional points for sustainable Jersey and which would make us eligible for additional grants in the future. uh green fair uh after last year's success looking to do it thinking about end of May, beginning of June. Um need to look for uh volunteers to help out with it. Uh community cleanups, looking to start those again in around March or April after we get through the winter. And that is my report. >> Thank you. facilities committee report. >> Yes. So, we haven't had a meeting since our last board meeting, but just a couple of upcoming meetings. Uh we're kind of going out
022proactively and cancelling the next one, which is 126. The inclin expected over the weekend. Um so, with that said, the next committee meeting will be on 22 at 5 p.m. in the building. um and and two committee members uh joining and then just again just following up on the referendum planning that happened. >> Thank you. I had >> Oh, finance committee met uh before the meeting but no substantial. Okay. May I have a motion to approve finance 1 through five? >> There a second. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments, or discussion? If not, the question is on the adoption of finance motions 1 through five. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed say no. Any abstensions? >> Thank you. We'll move to personnel. There has not been a personnel committee
023meeting. There are some personnel motions um to approve substitute OB replacement for par profofessional a new hire of a retirement for a fifth ed teacher. And that's pretty much it on the agenda. Oh, pardon [clears throat] me. Can I get a motion for personnel? I believe it's one through five, please. I'll move. Is there a second? Um, any abstensions, comments, discussion? Sorry, I lost my train of thought. >> Was it a roll call or not? Because >> Yeah, personnel call. >> Sorry, I missed my place on the agenda. Okay. >> So, you ask for any discussion. >> Any discussions, questions? If not, the question is on the adoption of personnel motions 1 through five. And this is a roll call. >> Mr. Ba, >> yes. >> Mr. Brander, >> yes. Mrs. Cabana, >> yes. >>
024Mr. Chen, >> yes. >> Mr. Hener, >> yes. Mr. Johnson, >> yes. >> Mrs. McBride, >> yes. >> Mr. Rosenberg, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Right. >> And for program, >> program has not met tomorrow. Um so there are no items. >> Thank you. >> Policy policy met this evening six o'clock. Um our main focus tonight was to review and uh get together the AI policy which is new policy we'll have. Um it most probably will be on our February meeting for our first read. >> Thank you. governance. [clears throat] There's no report. >> I think you might be the chair. Number four. >> Thanks so much. So, open session number two. The second public comment period will be open to any topic. Please be mindful that public comment periods are available to enable the
025public to give comments and feedback to the board. Personnel 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, administrators according to the chain of command. Questions may be directed to the appropriate school personnel or board through email. Please state your name and address for the record if we have any questions. Lauren Martini Lane in town. I have a first grader and a fourth grader in attendance at RPS. Um, good evening. I do have my comment written just be my full time and to make sure I'm expressing my thoughts. I'm here tonight because I'm deeply concerned about what has become a troubling pattern in our district. Child's study team continues to delay or deny evaluations for an IEP even when parents provide
026substantial evidence that is one is warranted. My daughter has now been denied an evaluation twice because of these denial. We saw a private independent evaluation and a double board certified neuroscychologist. The results were clear and unable stateable. She was diagnosed with specific learning disabilities impairment in reading dyslexia and specific learning disabilities impairment mathematics fluency. The neuroscychologist also calculated 22 and 23 points severe discrepancy between her cognitive abilities and her academic performance which I told has been well within district's own criteria for IP eligibility. Yet during our most recent December 11th meeting, the child study team stated that because she's showing progress in RTI, they would still deny a request for an evaluation even after receiving the full private evaluation. This is not only inappropriate, it is illegal. US Department of Education and OCP memo 1107
027clearly states that RTI cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation of her ideas. We follow up on January 4th asking for their documentation or data, meaning that no disability is present. The district responded that while she may have a medical diagnosis, she does not meet criteria for a special education classification. This is simply incorrect. dyslexia both medical diagnosis and a recognized special education disability under NJAC614-3.5 number 12. We also requested an actual RTI progress monitoring data, the kind that should be tracked every 6 to 8 weeks to determine whether a child is responding to intervention. Instead, we were given a kindergarten skills assessment and antidotal session notes. That is not RTI progress data. The district placed her in tier 2 RTI in December of her kindergarten year. Despite that support, she ended the
028year significantly behind her peers at an ERA level two. And her past scores place her between preK and midk chronological skills. She was moved to tier three at the start of first grade. She has now received 10 months of RTI, down the tier, and still not meeting grade level standards. How is this not enough evidence to warn an IEP, let alone an evaluation? We keep being told she is showing progress, but with an average IQ, of course, she will progress. She does not have a cognitive impairment. The concern is how much progress and whether she is closing the gap. She is not. Her average cognition combined with the need for increasing levels of intervention and a clear medical diagnosis of dyslexia is exactly why she does meet criteria and IEP. Right now, this district is
029failing my child. She has not been provided a pretty appropriate public education. New Jersey dyslexia handbook sites well established research. 90% of children reach grade level if they receive proper support by first grade. If wait until age nine, 75% will continue to struggle throughout their schooling. Ask yourselves honestly, is that a statistic you would accept for your own child? Or would you do everything possible to ensure your child receives a healthy need now when it matters most? I will not gamble with my daughter's future. She's entitled support under the law and she cannot continue to be stonewalled. We want to work collaboratively with the district. We do not want to pursue mediation due process or litigation, but if we are left with no other choice, we will. Thank you. Thank you for your invite. >>
030Any old business that comes before the board? >> I have business. Last week we talked about John um changing the date on the uh record. So that week >> Yeah, I actually reached out to our attorney. I'm waiting to hear. So >> Okay. If if if you were a um if you were leaving the board, your term would be up correct December 31st. >> That is >> so what I'm checking into to see if you're still able to continue [clears throat] on as the old rep. >> If you're as long and that's the stipulation I had if you're leaving the board it should >> if you're leaving the board you're done December 31st. If you're not the the new member would take over on the reorg meeting. >> That's right. >> So it seems like
031you'd be able but I want to get it. >> Perfect. Thank you. So follow you next year whoever the you're the rep >> and I will probably just do it no matter who the rep is for that one and then we have our reorg meeting the ideal. So yeah if you find out that we can address that um >> I will I will email you as soon as [clears throat] I find it. >> All right perfect or email the board >> any other old and new business. >> Okay. So, I would need a motion to enter into executive succession to discuss issues that warrant confidentiality as permitted in the open public meeting act um chapter 231 of the laws of 1975. These matters may or not be made public when the board reconvenes. They will
032be made public when confidentiality of the subject is no longer warranted. We will be discussing legal matters and student matters. May I have a motion to move into close session? I'll move. >> I have a second. Got it. Second. All those in favor say I. I. >> Thank you. >> Um, we've just returned from close session. May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any obstensions, questions, comments, feedback? >> Meeting adjourned.