Hillsborough Board of Education - April 30, 2026

001I don't get into you should >> you should be but that means you probably >> Good evening everybody get >> welcome to the April 30th 2026 Hillsboro Township Board of Education meeting in accordance with the state Sunshine Law of New Jersey. Adequate notice of this meeting of the Hillsboro Township Board of Education was provided on January 6, 2026 to the Hillsboro Beacon and the Courier News. Uh Mr. Ekert, would you call the role, please? >> Mr. Arrance here, Miss Jackson >> here, >> Miss Craig >> here, >> Miss Lanning Beater >> here, >> Mr. Marin >> here, Miss Nurse >> here, >> Miss Stats >> here, >> Mr. Heo >> here, >> and Mr. Here we have >> do the pledge of allegiance please to the flag of the United States of America and to

002the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley for all >> the administration has received correspondence as noted on the agenda and we move to a public hearing on the 26 27 budget. >> Yes, >> Mr. Gulpy. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> Start momentarily. And thank you to everybody in the audience. as uh I go through this budget conversation. Um this will be briefer than at the tenative budget and then I know the board will have some discussion and we'll make some decisions tonight. And thank you again for everyone for being here. I did want to clarify a couple things that I have noticed um from a couple of emails as well as on social media. So I just want to make sure and clarify uh that there were some rumors stating that our last

003budget meeting that the myself or the board blamed the township for the school's tax increases. And I just wanted to make sure that everybody knows that that was not the case. That for any tax increase for this year, we specified what that was for. I wanted to be clear that the biggest reason for uh any tax impact or change is a big tax last year and it's still being paid over the course of the beginning of 2026. >> So last year the board took advantage of the tax levy incentive program. It was a big uh tax increase and school taxes are paid over the course of the school year. So that is the reason why with whatever decisions the board makes tonight, if there's still a bigger tax increase this year, it's because of that

004reason, the tax increase from last calendar year being paid over the course of a school year. And I just wanted to say later in that meeting last time at the tenative budget, I did reiterate that. >> I want to be clear, you make some salient points there, but the big the tax increase this year that people are seeing, biggest factor was last year's tax increase coming over here. So, just for clarification, I'd like to say one more time that the township was not in charge of the school's tax increase. That has to do with the tax levy incentive from last year going into this year. So, I hope that clarifies that. And now I'll move on to the budget presentation. if I can. So, just a little history how this all h the 202526 superintendent's

005recommended budget last year was the 2% uh on the tax levy plus the use of the healthcare waiver which was approximately 5%. That was brought forth to the board. Um I believe that was voted on as a part of a tenative budget and then the state gave another option in at that point. When the final budget was voted on last year, for those of you who are paying attention, you may remember that there were two options on there. There was one option for the tax levy incentive and one for the original tenative budget that was proposed. Uh in that middle part, you'll see once the board voted on the tax levy incentive, um I tried to come up with a strategy for the board and that strategy involved uh front-loading it with non-recurring costs, things

006like fixing buildings and projects so that that money could last for a longer period of time. when you have a non-recurring cost and that project is completed, that money can then pay for recurring costs in future years. So, as of right now, that is still part of the plan. The long-term use of that money, trying to make it last as long as we possibly can. Then, the superintendent's recommended budget for this year was 2%. Um, as stated on March 23rd, with no healthcare waiver, the board could have unilaterally added an additional $5.7 million. That was not my recommendation. and uh at the tenative budget that was voted on as the board's approved tenative budget. So the budget is no longer the superintendent as we've talked about. It's in the hands of the nine members of

007the board. Uh the discussion will be in and among them tonight and to each other trying to come to some agreement. And I'll kick it over to Mr. Eert to review the numbers that were indeed approved in the tenative budget. >> Thank you, Mr. Vulpi. And as Mr. Roby just said the numbers that I'm going to be discussing here are the ones that were the same as what was approved in the tenative budget on March 23rd. Um for the general fund is increasing by $6.1 million. The grants and entitlements portion of the budget which is composed of federal, state, and local grants and donations is increasing, I'm sorry, decreasing by $251,000. The debt service, which is the principal and interest payments for the bonds that were issued for the 2019 referendum, is increasing by $2750.

008So the total 202627 budget is increasing by just over 5.8 million when compared to the 2526 budget for a total budget of $182,748 748,175. With the proposed 2% increase that was approved in the tenant budget, the general fund portion of the tax levy is increasing by $2,891,24 to 147,451,418. So this next slide is the a little bit of a highlight of the revenue in this budget. So, the total state aid reductions of the of $1,519,761, which is comprised of the $1 million uh onetime tax levy incentive aid that we were given last year, and an additional state aid cut of $519,761, an uh an increase to the tax levy of 2% again equaling just under $2.9 million, a $500,000 withdrawal from maintenance reserve, which is the same as last year, and a 6.75 5 million

009withdrawal from capital reserve which is 5 5.75 million bigger than the increase from the prior year with uh prior year the increase was just $1 million. The big general fund revenue increases are capital reserve withdrawal again that is the 5.75 million higher than last year and the 2% tax levy increase which is just just under 2.9 million. This is offset by revenue decreases from the loss of the onetime tax levy incentive grant of $1 million. and a further reduction of stated again of the $519,761 and a $500,000 reduction to in tuition revenue since the cap which is children at play program that was the second half of kindergarten will not be running due to the start of full day kindergarten in the fall. Uh and the other reduction in this budget was a $475,000 uh

010reduction to our rate funding. Without the increased withdrawal from the capital reserve account, the general fund revenue is increasing by just $384,000 over the 2526 budget. So here we wanted to talk a little more about the tax impact. So that for both Hillsboro and for Milstone as a result of this budget which includes again this the tenative budget that was approved at a 2% increase the Hillsbor for Hillsboro the 26 2026 school tax rate will be 1.5347 which is an increase of 0796 when compared to the 2025 school tax rate of 1.4551. This is an increase of 5.47% in the tax rate when compared to the 2025 tax rate for schools. The calculations for the Hillsboro average home are as follows. The assessment for the average home in Hillsboro is $628,12, which is 5.71% higher

011than last year's average home of $594,89. The House assessed that this value will pay $9,63810 in school taxes for 2026, which is an annual increase of $993.51. For Milstone, the 2026 tax rate will be 1.3801, which is an increase of.167 when compared to the 2025 school tax rate of 1.2131. This is an increase of 13.77% in the tax rate. The calculations for the Milstone average home are as follows. The assessment for the average home in Milstone is $473,06, which is 15.48% 48% higher than last year's average home of $49,598. The House assessed this value will pay $6,527.96 in school taxes for 2026, which is an annual increase of $1,55912. Next slide. So in this slide we that we added here for this presentation um we show the difference in the tax impact for both towns

012if the board were to approve a budget with a flat or zero% tax levy. For the home assessment Hillsboro average of $628,12 if the tax levy were reduced to be the same as the 2526 tax levy. There will be an increase in taxes of $899.31 for the 2026 tax year. This would be a $9420 lower for 2026 than the tax impact from the tenement budget that was approved with a 2% increase for the home assessed at Milstone's average of $473,6 if the tax levy were reduced to be the same as 2526 tax levy. There will be an increase of taxes of $1,47540 for the 2026 tax year. This would be $83.73 lower for 2026 than the tax impact from the tenant budget that was approved with a 2% tax levy increase. The reason again that

013there would be a large increase in taxes as Mr. Vulpi said earlier even with a 0% tax levy increase is because every school budget impacts two tax years. The 202526 budget approved last April impacted the 2025 taxes and the 2026 taxes. Likewise, the budget that's approved tonight for 2026-27 will be approved will impact both the 2026 and 2027 taxes. And Mr. Vulpi, turn it back to you for next steps. >> Sure. So, when we presented the tenative budget, we went into a lot more detail and a lot more slides, but I know tonight is about the board members getting ready to talk about some specific items. Um, so anybody who wants to look at the tenative budget in further detail, it's for at the last board meeting and it's also been emailed out in Hillsboro

014happenings uh every week since that time. So those documents and that video is available. But what's happening tonight? Tonight, please keep in mind the board did adopt the tenative budget. So as of right now, that is the board's budget. However, it needs to be finalized. So there's going to need to be a motion on the approved tenative budget and that will get either an up or a down vote. If it is voted in, we're done tonight. If it is voted down, we move to step two. At that point, board members can make uh subsequent motions for different ideas about different numbers and about different things. This is where it could get more difficult for the board at this point. If a reduction is put up, let's say somebody says, "I want to reduce it by

015$1 million." and four people at this day is decide four other people say we want to reduce it by a million dollars. It's not simply enough to say this is how much we are reducing it by. It's the board's responsibility between a tenative budget and a final budget that if there are changes that they advertise to the public what those changes are for transparency so that if they if a million dollars is cut, I'm just making this up. Is it a million dollars of supplies or is it you know eight 10 teachers? However many it is. We can't hide that and just spring that upon you. That has to be decided tonight. So board members making uh different motions will have to agree eventually at some point on a number reduction and also what specifically

016is being reduced. Um, if that can't happen for some reason tonight, uh, the final contingency is that if if we walk away tonight and there's not agreement on those things, uh, the budget then goes to the executive county superintendent and he will make the final determination about the budget unilaterally. I've never had that happen before. So, he could just approve the tenative budget. He could say cut it by $2 million. He could say take that healthc care waiver for $5.7 million. I don't know. uh probably he doesn't either because he's probably not expecting it and it will be done. But I just want to let you know if you're wondering what happens if they don't come to that tonight, someone else outside of Hillsboro will make that decision for us. Then the only other thing

017in looking ahead that I do want to speak to board members about once we're done with this, I am ready right now and publicly if if we all are to start talking about parameters for the 2728 budget uh to have 12 months of preparation. I have no problem if a parameter is set delivering a budget within the parameter set by the board. If we're too tired and we're not ready to do that tonight, um in my confidential memo to you that comes out tomorrow, I am sending you all a survey to kind of get some ideas uh that we can start the budgetary process earlier rather than waiting for the fall because I think there were still some unanswered questions at the end. So, I'd rather start sooner than later. But that's many steps down

018the road. Uh what the board first has to do tonight is take action on the tenative budget. Um we do have listed on our agenda tonight those uh steps that will be involved in that. Um which the next thing now that we are done with that is I know we have a lot of people here Mr. President for public comment >> and good evening. Uh this is an opportunity for public comment having to do with uh the school budget and action items. We very much welcome input from the public during board meetings. There will be two 30 minute periods of time that the meeting will be open for public comment where members of the public are invited to comment which they may do if they are attending in person. There is a clipboard for all

019participants to write their name. Before commenting, please state your name and address. There is a threeinut time limit on public comment. Please understand that our public forums are not structured as question and answer sessions, but rather are offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. In instances where the board believes that there is a misunderstanding or inaccuracy, the board president or superintendent will address the comment. There may be times when a member of the public makes a comment or asks a question about personnel or hiring decisions. Kindly note that the Open Public Meetings Act and the Privacy Rights of Public Employees and Compass therein do not permit the board to discuss personnel issues in public session. And at that, if there's anyone who'd like to make a comment at this time, please come

020forward to the podium. >> Good evening. My name is Louisis Orango, 55 Glee Drive. been in residence since 92 and retired, both my wife and I. Earlier this week, I sent an email to the board and I copied Superintendent Vulpi where again I want to thank him and his staff for catching an error in that email. But I want to repeat the last paragraph of that email I sent. I respectfully urge you to adopt the final budget with budget knowing what I meant by that was no percent increase in the tax levy. Residents are not only evaluating the size of the budget but also whether stated priorities fiscal uh discipline, affordability and responsiveness are reflected in the outcome. A budget that increases taxes despite opportunity for seniors will raise concerns among the residents. I know

021that the increase is minimal compared to the massive 26 plus million dollar from last year, but a key word that I want to focus on is affordability. We all hear a lot about affordability just turn the TV year about affordability, but it's a lot of talk and no action. Give you a few example. The qualification benchmark for the new new the new New Jersey pass that combines the senior tax freeze, the anchor and the new state New Jersey for seniors has been significantly reduced by half. And who knows what the final number is going to be because of what the state budget didn't pass until the end of June. Um my wife who I mentioned a moment ago who's retired was also a New Jersey teacher. As you may know there's no cost of living

022adjustment increase in the pension that should receive from the state. That means that inflation goes up year over year over year the value of the pension goes down. And this morning I read in the patch that our sewage rates are going to go up because the sewage authorities they want a new building. makes you makes you wonder where all this is going to stop and when those in charge in power will take affordability seriously. Tonight is an excellent opportunity for this board to do so by supporting a 0% increase in the tax levy, especially after years of last year's massive tax increase. And after Superintendent Bothi stated at the last tenative budget hearing in March, and I quote, that the district could absorb anything in the budget this year without looking at Thank you. Good

023evening members of the board. My name is Cindia Sini Ski Drive parent of an elementary student and a rising kindergartener. I wanted to speak briefly about the budget questions that you have in front of you this evening. When the board approved the preliminary budget number a few meetings ago, our administration began planning around it. Between when the district gets state aid figures, as you know, and when the budget needs to be finally approved, it's a short timeline. There are many important considerations, staffing decisions, programs, operational adjustments that the administration is trying to figure out and they are doing all that planning day in and day out based off of the tenative budget that you approved. Significantly changing that number now this late in the process takes away the administration's ability to make any cuts at

024the board solve it carefully with input from our community and stakeholders. Any changes that you make tonight will not have the opportunity to have people share with the board the impact of those cuts. It limits our ability to make those cuts in a way that's going to limit harm to our community. Mr. Holy has said before that the district could be dismantled to achieve budget goals and that he would do it as carefully as possible. He's also said many times that he came back to Hillsboro as a resident of this community and a taxpayer to grow the district and opportunities for our students. I respect the board's desire to balance the needs of our children with the burden on taxpayers. Responsible budgeting also means giving our administrators the time and runway that they need to

025make any cuts responsibly. Really appreciated Mr. Mulpy's indication that he'll start working on the budget for next year now so that any changes the board wants to make can be done in a responsible fashion. Please move forward with the tenative budget that you approved. It's not as much as I would have liked. The fact that the district is absorbing a 30% possible change and increase in healthcare costs means that there are a lot of other things that the district will not be able to do if we're only raising the entire budget 2%. It's the most sensible path at this point to continue with the tenative budget and our children are counting on you. Thank you very much for your service. I know this is challenging and I hope that you keep our kids at the

026forefront of your mind as you discuss tonight. Thank you. Hi, this is Michelle Coker. I live on Tward. Um, and for us, I guess I'm following online all this time. So for me I'm trying to understand because um education I know is different from the corporate environment but I know some of you have been in education most of the career but I know some of the members have been in the corporate world right and the corporate world when the companies don't have funds um we cut right so we have budget we do what we can if we Don't us as employees get our jobs eliminated, right? Not the case, of course, because we're not eliminating teachers. But the first thing to go is training and development. It's trips for the staff. Whatever is extra gets

027cut. The companies don't have who to pull funds from to support the company, right? So my I'm confused. How is that principle sometimes not applied though in here whereas we assume that the community should cover that cost that's how I feel we could be wrong but that's how I feel like okay let's pull that fund from the community right and people who are even without a job like me have to figure out how to make it happen and pay for those taxes day in day out in addition to the increase that everybody's going through for food for everything on the dayto-day. So at home even not even the corporate world at home if we don't have the budget for a new car we're not going to get a new car. If we don't have the

028budget for a new system a new computer we're not going to go and get it because we are not going to update if we don't have it. If we don't need to renovate the kindergarten classroom, if we have a functional kindergarten, do we need it or can we make it do with what it's already existing for the classrooms and for the kids? You know, the teachers, of course, the support of the teacher, we wanted to support them, but how much can we continue to expect the community to put out for for everybody else, you know? I think it's just leadership, financial management is very key important to keep the community. We have a lot of seniors. Not everybody in this town has kids and a lot of people are struggling financially um because of you

029know the taxes and increases and all of that. So I'm trying to understand um what has been considered already or what has been cut already from the budget and it's still not enough. We still have to do the percent. Okay. Already cut from the budget you know these things these items. What was that cut? Okay. So, if you can please let us know because you're asking for an additional 85 to $95 on top of $250 to 450 that was already an increase for last year. So, going from probably 350 to 550 um total taxes increase within um two years. So, please consider the budget. I don't like speaking in public like this so my heart beats is fast. Um >> excuse me. There is a three minute time limit >> increase. Okay. >> Thank you.

030>> Good evening. My name is Elaine Welsh. I live at 1210 Orchard Drive. I've lived in Hillsboro 35 years or a little more. I am married. I have no children. I never have had children. I agree we need to support our schools. However, I will tell you on a fixed budget, I'm 67. My dollars are not going up. Since 2021, my property taxes have been increased by 40%. Last year alone, my taxes went up over $1,400. I have a question for everyone who's here. Starting with you folks up here. Would you raise your hand if you have a mortgage? Who has a mortgage? In the audience, who has a mortgage? Last year when I received my anchor rebate from the state, it went straight from my bank account to my mortgage company. Every dollar in

031property taxes that goes up is doubled for anyone who has a mortgage. And we're looking at for my house roughly another $1,000 this year, which translates to $2,000 out of my pocketbook. I urge you to reconsider the amount of the increase. I understand the state's funding keeps going down for Hillsboro. the cost per student in Hillsboro is so much less than let's say Newark and they just the state throws money at Newark thinking that's to fix the issues in Newark and some of the other communities in our state. Meanwhile, Hillsboro keeps getting cut and the burden falls on all of us who are here. I just urge you to agree that every dollar it raises is double that for the vast majority of people in Hillsboro who have a mortgage and especially it's hard on

032folks who don't have children and who are on fixed incomes. Thank you very much. Good evening Steve Sloan and we'll drive Um, I believe that uh a $994 increase on the average home two years in a row is both unreasonable and unfair. And this was uh the last budget meeting was thoroughly covered by the Courier News. I'm sure you all read it, but I'd like to just refresh your memory because many people maybe had not read it. But the uh April 16th uh issue of the Courier News and I'll just read some excerpts. It said the central question before the board is whether to keep the gross school property tax levy increase at 2% or scale it back to 1% or hold it flat at 0%. And uh by a narrow 5 to4 vote on

033March 23rd, the board introduced a proposed 182.7 million dollar budget for the coming school year, setting the stage for school tax increases in both Hillsboro and Milstone. But on April 13th, the board president, Joel Davis, said he regretted his vote in favor of the budget. "The more I think about it, the more I regret it," Mr. Davis said. And had he voted against the budget, Mr. Davis said it would have sparked further discussion among board members about the size of the tax levy, especially coming off last year's increase. Mr. Davis said the town is reeling. Mr. Davis said keeping the pro gross property tax levy flat would bring a tremendous emotional benefit for residents while forcing the board to make tough decisions. Mr. Dave said he had believed last year's tax increase would prompt the

034state department of education to provide more aid to the district, but instead the state betrayed Hillsboro by cutting aid by 500,000 this year. There is no hope with the state, Mr. Davis said. Uh, a major driver of rising property tax bills is increasing home assessments, which are based on recent sales and still strong real estate market. I live in a home I could not afford to buy, Mr. Davis said to bring the gross property tax levy to zero, the board would need to cut about 2.9 million from the proposed budget and 1.5 million to make the increase 1%. But even with the 0% increase, we'll still see uh a pretty substantial increase. And um at this hearing, it would raise the school tax rate uh up to $153 per 100, which is a 5.4% increase.

035And at Milstone, it's a 13.7% increase. Milstone homeowners would even see a sharper impact. It would be um a 15.48% jump. the average school tax bill would rise by $1,559, a 38.8% increase. Now, among the items being considered for cuts is a $2 million new transportation and maintenance building. Uh, and um, I'll just finish by saying that I think that is where the cut should be and that Mr. Davis has already expressed his opinion that he's in favor of joining the other four board members to vote 5 to four for 0% tax levy increase. Thank you. Good evening, Mary Beth Lesey Drive Middle School interventionist. First of all, I want to say thank you for all of your work in trying to ensure a fair and responsible budget. I know it's not easy. Um, and

036I appreciate your efforts. I am urging you to go to the 2% increase and I'm not sure that all residents or I understand the difference between the tenative budget and the flat budget. As Mr. Roi explained at the March 23rd meeting using his home as an example, thank you for doing that. um that even with a flat increase, his taxes would go up about $1,200 roughly. If we go to a 2% that would add an extra approximate $100 over the flat tax increase. Um am I correct in this understanding? >> I know I'm not supposed to ask questions. >> Yeah, it's not a question and answer session. >> Okay. All right. So that's how I understood it. Um I know the board wants to do what is fiscally responsible, but the effects of a 0%

037increase I believe would be detrimental long past this school year. I've been working in this district 20 years and I've seen terrible budgets where we're in truly between a rock and a hard place. And if we don't have to continue to be in that place of a rock and a hard place, I implore you to do that. And I also believe a flat budget does not mean that taxpayers won't see an increase. Thank you for your time. >> Good evening, Grant Culmer, Taylor Avenue. First of all, I just want to acknowledge and thank everyone for their time, their discussion, their candid conversations throughout the past month. It's been open and eye opening, so I really appreciate it. Uh, and I'll start off first. I was skeptical of the 2% increase, and I'll admit it. And

038I found myself thinking, you know, what are what are we getting for this? What are we what what are you buying? You just received $20 million, and how much more do you need? And after watching the board meetings and a couple conversations throughout, I'm hearing that same sentiment through some of the conversations. The problem is that thinking is transactional a transactional thinking. Okay? And education is not transactional. You know, it's shortterm. It's single-year thinking. It's what do we have? What can we cut? What about this? What about that? seems like a grocery list at this point when it's not forwardinking. And while I understand fiscal responsibility is utmost and priority and it needs to be framing it as a transaction and what I'm hearing misses the larger point entirely. So I've since pivoted and tonight

039I'm hoping those of you who are us not yet ready to support the tenative budget will pivot with me because the budget is not a shopping list. It's not a transaction. The budget is a vision statement, right? It reflects who we are as a community and what we believe in our students and our educators deserve. It's the declaration of values, not just for tonight, but for a generation of young people sitting in our classrooms right now and the years ahead. Speaking of the future though and several board meetings noted during the conversations, you know, the budget sets for this long-term, right? That's what this budget does. It sets the stage for long-term fiscal responsibility and forward planning, not reactive planning. So, Mr. Vulpi illustrated a couple meetings ago, you know, what happens in just two

040or three years from now, we could find ourselves right back in those very extreme difficult conversations you've had over the over the years. The budget changes this trajectory and it creates a foundation for consistency and long-term sound planning forward. So when you vote on this budget, you're not voting for things, okay, or equipment or materials or line items, okay? You're voting for learning. You're voting for people. You're voting for the conditions that allow educators to inspire, coaches to mentor, educators and support members to show up every single day for their children and the children that they serve. It is an investment. When we invest in the budget, we invest in the town and this district. We invest in knowledge. We invest in human potential. We invest in educators, coaches, support staff, administrators who pour themselves

041into this district every single day. And it is critical we invest in our students. So investment in students is not a cost. It's not a line item. It is the highest return commitment the community can make. And for those of you who are still skeptical tonight, I ask you to make a choice and invest in knowledge. I ask for you to invest in learning. I ask for you and invest in staff. I invest I ask you to invest in our students. And I ask for you and invest in Hillsboro. Please support this budget. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Henry Goodw. Uh I am the president of the Hillsboro Education Association, but most importantly of all, I'm also a Hillsboro resident and a Hillsboro parent. And oftentimes when I come up here to speak

042as an educator, I'm compelled to frame things in the light of what it's doing to students, how it's impacting kids, the quality of education that we're trying, which you've all suffered through that at various points through different meetings. I think what's important today as we consider where we go next is the history of how we got here because that part hasn't been fully articulated yet. We're here to make a responsible decision. But the fact of the matter is is we were put in this position because responsible decisions were not made many years ago with budgets. We had budgets that were shortchanged and they were suppressed. Whether that was for political reasons, financial beliefs, or whatever it was, the because those budgets were suppressed, we found ourselves in a position where state aid was reduced and

043we had no other choice but to take extreme measures. I recognize those measures. I'm a taxpayer. 50% of my members, almost 500 of them, live in this town and they're taxpayers, too. But what they get on top of additional taxes when that happens, when there's short change budgets, is they're going into their pockets to offset those losses. Every single one of our members goes into their pocket to offset budget deficits. On average, it's $500 to $1,000 for the average national teacher. I I would argue it's probably higher for Hillsboro ones. We're supplementing those on top of whatever else happens. And I'm still encouraging you to make a budget that is responsible. And the key aspect of this is that it is responsible. Everybody here wants a responsible budget, no matter what side we're talking about

044this from. But the fact of the matter is is that if we suppress this budget and we return to the practices that put us in the position that everyone here recognizes was difficult last year, we are going back down that road again. So the only responsible decision to make, the one that ensures there is stability and that taxes don't spike drastically from year to year and that we don't return to cutting 56 jobs or losing programs or taking away busing or reinstituting fees for students for basic things that they should get in schools. The only way we do that is through responsible budgeting. And I have to urge you to move away from what feels good in the moment and do what is responsible in the long term. Pass a budget that keeps us stable.

045Keep us on the path that we don't return to the budget spikes we've seen in the past. Thank you. Good evening. Um, my name is Sheri Augustine. I'm on Metabbook Drive in Hillsboro. Um, this is my first time attending a meeting of this sort. Um, so I'll be very quick. Um, but I just want to say that like I know firsthand how expensive things are right now. I just bought in this town almost a year ago. Um, and I'm a social worker, so we all know what that means. I don't get paid much. Um, but I bought into this town for a reason. I bought into this town for the education, for the services, um, that my children can be provided with. Um, I bought my house at two times what it was worth um,

046maybe a couple years ago. my taxes are astronomical, but when you make cuts that are going to potentially impact our children, um like it it doesn't make moving here worth it, right? Like my old district is cutting 77 support staff, 77 teachers, which means 77 people are going to go without a job. 77 teachers that have families of their own are not going to have opportunities to take care of their families. So, I think we need to be responsible about how we do this. Make sure that we consider the children that are in this district, um that need those special services, um that need the sports, the extra activities, the um my kids um like the resource room, like all of those things are so important for our future. So, I just want to say

047that and I hope we consider consider that. Um even though it might mean I pay more, um it's worth it. So, THAT'S IT. IF THERE ARE NO more comments, uh we will move on to the next agenda item which is uh the motion to approve the 2627 final budget. Uh >> so moved second. >> Do we have any discussion >> at this point, Miss Nurse? >> Surprise, surprise. I did have something to say. You know, I I'm hoping that this will be not um as long as I originally anticipated, but you know, something just stuck out from the gentleman who spoke about forward planning, not reactive planning. And that, you know, just really hit home. We have worked so hard to dig us ourselves out of whether it was state funding, whether it was decisions

048of not going to cap for years before. I have to say I I think that's what Mr. Good was alluding to. Um because I I'll be honest, 101 15 years ago I when I first moved here, I wasn't really paying attention to those sort of things. Um, even though I've been a longstanding educator, uh, my focus has been on doing what was best for the kids in the classroom that that I taught. Um, so, you know, I just don't want to see us going backward to the fight again, um, of trying to dig ourselves out of another hole. And yes, um, I know that Mr. Bulpi said that we'll be fine for this year, coming year, the 26 27 school year. and possibly maybe even um into the next year. But it is not long

049term before we decide to cut or hold back. We need to be stable. We have not been stable in 10, 15 years. I don't understand why we would jeopardize the what seems to be an easy reach right now to stabilize ourselves. Um, so that's all I have to say. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else, Miss Stats? >> Um, my ma my main focus has always been the students and also fiscal responsibility. Um I do think there are things in the in the proposed detentative budget um that does not necessarily help students certainly not directly. Um, also when one of the things that's important to remember is um this it didn't happen before that we've had two years of pretty big increases especially last year in in the tax levy. Um so um talking about this

050year in isolation without that consideration and then compare it to what has happened in previous years um I don't think that's looking at the whole picture uh and uh speaking for myself I think some other board members this is just we just want to uh have one year of not going to the 2% cap um and I am looking at the at the big picture And what I would cut back is are things that would not hurt students. Um now there can be an argument made as to some of the things that I might consider cutting back would indirectly hurt students. In my opinion it wouldn't. Um uh for example in 2019 uh we cut a lot of uh staff. Now we have more administrators than we did in 2019 before the cuts. we still

051have fewer teachers than we did before the cuts in 2019. So that's a concern of mine. Um so those are my considerations regarding the 2% proposed budget. Thank you. I'd like to make a comment if I may. Um there are items in the budget. Uh it's not as has been pointed out is not simply a shopping list, but there are line items and there are line items that are within our purview and consideration. And there are some items that that are included in the proposed budget about which there has been discussion in various committees and uh among the members of the board in the last few weeks and it's my understanding and Mr. Eert and Mr. Vulpi you can please correct me if if I don't have this right. It is my understanding that uh

052if if the board wants to question specific line items that were are in the proposed budget in order to raise that question. We would have to vote no on the proposed budget in order to question what's in it or discuss what we want to do with certain items. If we vote yes on the proposed budget, we're saying yes, it's okay for all these individual items. So in order to drill down whether it's one level or multiple levels even to open discussion on some of the items on this budget just strategically or procedurally we're compelled to vote no on the 2% budget if we want to question anything about it Is that accurate? >> I would say that's accurate. The only thing I would say is you can question first, but your bigger point is correct.

053If the board votes on this, we're done. Uh, and all those things are tacitly accepted whether it's 5490 in between. But the one thing that I wanted to point out because the public may not be aware of this as well is that uh, President Davis asked me to to come together with options. um what does a you know if if we got rid of the things in the straw poll what does that levy look like? Um if we went down to 1% what would my recommendations to eliminate be? If we went down to 0% what would my recommendations be? We know what my recommendation was at 2% but uh Mr. Dav President Davis I just want to know that that I am accurate about that. Right. So the so all the board members right now

054have a list in front of them of line items with costs uh percentages. Yes, he's showing it right there. So, there has been a lot of discussion of these things already. To shorten your answer, yes. Uh to to make any subst to make any differences with that, you would have to vote no. Once you vote yes, it's accepted. >> Mr. Hugh, >> I would like to make a comment. My comment is about tonight's budget not really being about 2%. And I understand that the board voted last year, April 28th, 2025, something like that, to raise the tax levy by 26.6 million. My discussion earlier with Miss Nurse, Mr. Eert, and Mr. um Davis, and Mr. Vulpi was about what that impact was for the taxpayers last year. So I review the video from last year.

055Last year there was a conversation between Miss Stats, Miss Nurse, myself with Mr. Eert about what was the tax impact and the discussion settled on $720 increase compared to last year. The statute asked that question, it was affirmed. So, at the time, I believe that the board understood it to be $720, which was incorrect, for the academic year, which was what the tax levy portion was. So, the tax levy was $26.6 6 million on the 2526 school year. But in fact, that $720 was for 2025 only, which is why when I got my bill, as many residents got their bill this year, like last year as well as this year, 2026, we were stunned to find out that actually that $720 was only for 2025. In the conversation with Mr. record. The reason the impact

056on 2026 was not um shared is because it was unknown at the time. So when I've been thinking about this, tonight's vote for me of a no vote for for 2% I mean 2% we we've always said yes to it. It's not a big deal in my opinion. I mean sorry for the the folks who are on fixed incomes. I understand that. But 2% was relatively low. The issue was that last year's $26.6 million had a much larger impact than than I knew. I'll just speak for myself than I knew. And for that, I'm really like I'm questioning like how did I miss that that it was $720. And in fact, it actually really wasn't $720 because that was final to tentative. it was actually another $300 or 350 for the average home from from

057tentative to the prior year. So the actual school tax increase for the average home was $1,000, which kind of makes sense because my overall my personal property tax for 2025 compared to 2024 was $1,700. So for the people who are on fixed income, I mean, how do you come up with $1,700 in in two quarters? Like where does that money come from? So, for me, it's more that financial or fiscal responsibility for me to say, you know what, we've got to take a pause on this. And in fact, the the numbers that were shown tonight, um, if you could put that slide back up where it says the difference between 2% levy versus 0% levy, that 0% that 0% of $899, that's actually from last year's, that's the impact from last year that we're going

058to be paying for in the in 2026. So, >> exactly. So, so I mean, am I the only one who's like didn't didn't know what I was talking about last year? Maybe I was. >> Any other comments at this time by the board? Miss stats, >> I also want to talk about the uh the proposed transportation complex at Aris here. Um there is two there are $2 million for that in the proposed budget, but there's a total cost for it is $7 million. 5 million is in capital reserve and I definitely do not support that. Um I think uh we can upgrade and add there is space to add at the complex at Bloomingdale. Um yes it could be inconvenient but I you know uh sure uh the architects can come up with a a

059way where it's uh there's less use of buses during the summer um and uh have them work out of another school. Um, yes, it's inconvenient, but um, as a former teacher here, uh, I worked through several renovations at the high school that, uh, was very inconvenient for staff there and students. Um I I certainly don't wish ill upon any of the staff that works at Bloomingdale, but um in the big picture uh we can still accomplish having a a a better complex um uh but use being fiscally responsible if we do not build a whole new one here. >> Mr. Erin Curts, >> speaking to Jane's concern, um, we're talking about two different facilities for the bus transport, which means we have two choices. We haven't defined which path we're going down. So, we have

060$5 million in capital reserve. I cannot see putting an additional $2 million in capital reserve before we know which path we're going down. So, I can I can't support the the $2 million reserve. Miss Nurse, >> I just want to say I I I understand that, but when we heard about exactly what that building looked like, we where flies were coming out of stalls and piping and everything. You know, we talked about I if I misspe, please jump in. $7 million for a total brand new facility that meets the um ability to house the buses, to work on certain buses indoors throughout the whole winter. Um and to have the space to continue to build our fleet of buses so we do not have to continue to uh pay outside companies for buses, right? Um,

061and then when we ran the numbers about renovating that facility, I think we were in the three to4 million dollar range. >> Is that correct? But then at one of the committees, at least one, the committee that I was on, maybe more, we asked to do some preliminary research on what the cost would be to house the buses somewhere else, to house the people somewhere else. And I, you know, for a project that could take up to 18 months, and I believe, if I'm remembering my reading correctly, that came in at about a rough estimate of 2 million two, yes, a rough rough rough estimate of two to$2.5 million. So ultimately, we're talking possibly about only a $500,000 difference for a new facility versus renovating an old facility when the old facility is on ground

062that we're not really sure that we are keeping for the long term. So to invest three to4 million dollars on a property that we might not need to me, you know, doesn't equate to what could be much better for the district um with a new facility. >> Mr. Erin Krabs, >> I've looked at the same numbers, too, and the difference between the two facilities is much closer to $3 million, not 500,000. 500,000 is not even close. So, we're talking about a good chunk of change here. And and I would like to also suggest that perhaps we had form a special committee to get to the bottom of which path we're taking. Are we going for the the seven which is closer really to $8 million in truth? Are we going for the expensive uh full

063boat or are we going to update the other facility? We can go one or the other, but we have to pick one and go with it and then decide how we get there. >> Mr. Marini. So, The price difference is 3 million, but the the idea here was that the cost of moving the facility, storage of stuff in that facility, and relocating over the course of that time period would be approximately $2 million, which that $3 million savings now becomes a $1 million savings for what is a renovated old building as opposed to a brand new facility that has long-term sustainability. >> Mr. bureaucrats. >> Look, if the difference was just $1 million, I would go with it. But we're throwing around a lot of numbers here, and those aren't the same numbers that I

064saw represented, and I see them as more than more than a million and a half that you're representing. I I just don't see it. >> Miss Jackson, I'm sorry, Miss Jackson. >> Yeah. I I um along the lines of Mr. Eron CR's comment about a special committee. I think um for most of us we don't have equal footing on our understanding of the um transportation and some of the other capital improvements. So I would think that we should probably invest some time maybe even in executive session for everyone to hear where we are or um go over what the plans what the information that we have now. I just I don't feel I have a complete understanding of it. >> Sure. So, I think there's a couple things to do and some of that's going

065to come off in my my survey tomorrow about what further information that you need. The only thing that I would say is if people are asking for a committee to talk about long-term projects and and the the um the pros transportation facility like we do have a committee for that. That's under the charge of the operations committee. So, there can only be four of you on a committee. Um, so we can't have nine people together to discuss that except here in public session. Unfortunately, it's not a closed session item. We would have to talk about that in front of the public. So, what we can do, Elaine, though, is we can we can brainstorm different ways to get you more information, whether you need information from me in my confidential report to you weekly if

066we need more specific um minutes being posted, if the operations committee needs more uh when we go over our minutes, more details, and I'm going to be surveying you about that. I just wanted to clarify that technically it's under the charge of the operations committee and we can't talk about it in close session but I would like to get you whatever information you need to make a a a good decision um and we can talk about that >> and obviously at some point it's going to come up for a vote and so with the amount of money and the importance of of the upgrades because it is important >> because there are things that we do need to improve especially for our staff. I I think it would be good if we could uh gather

067that information and make it a little easier to understand what we have and where we're going. >> Miss Nurse, >> I I don't really know for sure the cycle that we're in, but human resources and governance and I can't remember which one the request came in. I but they were the same day. I'm thinking that maybe is it only operations that's after us? >> Yes. >> Okay. So I guess my question for either of you because you sit on all the the committees is if Mark didn't see the same numbers that I saw like where are we getting different numbers from something like that because my assumption would be if we met and we got to see numbers of the again I know it's a rough estimate and but we are going on the reality

068of what we looked at last year when we were talking about other options for different things. So I know that those numbers we had seen before and they that's where we based that on. But did operations not get an opportunity to see that? >> I I would say operations saw all the plans um initially too if you remember for those of you on the operations committee when we were just in the planning phases of this and we said to our architects give us give us the works. What what's a new place with everything we want going to look like? It was around $12 million. And at that point, the operations committee said, "No, come back and and get us other options." So, I think we had three options. We had a a paired down option

069here that housed both transportation and buildings and grounds. We had one that just housed transportation, and then we had one that upgraded the the current site. I don't remember all the costs off the top of my head, but yes, operations has seen all of those plans, and I think they've been posted as the minutes. Um, if there's things that we can do in the minutes to make things clear or make things stand out, we will certainly do that. But, but all that information is out there and I will try to I'm not going to be able to get it for you all at this moment. Uh, but I can get that to you shortly. >> Clarify. I'm I'm sorry. I'm talking about like that how much it would be to offset. >> I don't Yeah,

070I don't think that was discussed in the committees. I think I put that in my brass tax to you all because it was just kind of coming to fruition at that time and I was getting some numbers. Mr. Eron Krauss. >> Yes, I'm on the operations committee and this all goes to my point that allocating another $2 million to this project is premature at this time. >> I if I can just clarify, Mr. Aaron Cransier, your your point I think here is well taken. I know people couldn't hear it. Essentially, what you're saying is in the new budget, in order to potentially make a transportation facility work, there is an additional $2 million budgeted. And that's essentially what you just said you were against right there. Correct. >> Yes. I just think that >> I

071didn't know if your mic was working, so I wanted to say, >> yeah, it's it's this general confusion is just indicative that we need uh more study of this and allocating that additional $2 million is just premature at this time. And regarding if we were to upgrade the Bloomingdale facility, um what would how that would be addressed as far as uh the staff and busing while that's going on? Um it was my understanding that this there was one specific scenario that would even involve another township uh and leasing property another township. Um, and it was my understanding that it was not um, a scenario that uh, the architects came up with. So, I think that would be a good idea. I'm sure there's other ways to do it. I mean, I had a rough outline

072of where it could be done without resorting to that. Um, yes, be more inconvenient maybe, but I don't know. Going to another township adds it to other problems. Um, but I would like to rely on the expertise and the knowledge of architects that can be very creative with and and have experience with dealings with situations like this. The issue of the transportation facility is itself a major issue and uh I believe the board is unanimous in recognizing that it is an important issue and something that we need to address and want to address. But uh the questions that are being raised here with different options, different approaches, and there are yet solutions that perhaps we haven't even encountered that sometimes present themselves. Uh I have a procedural question perhaps for Mr. record when it comes

073to school funding. And I've heard it said that we cannot embark upon a project unless we have the money already set aside for the project, which therefore presupposes that there's a concept, there's a design, you you know what you're doing, and then everyone gets to say, "Yes, we're going to allocate this much to do that project. My question is what happens if along the way a better solution presents itself? Can you change can you change course midstream? So at this point of that project, yes, absolutely you can change course midstream. Um, however, if the if if we got to the point of the project going out to bid and we had bids in front of the board to approve, we need to have that money in that budget to be able to award that bid.

074Um, however, if so, in the instance of tonight, obviously, we're not anywhere near shovel on the ground type of situation or even even preparing bid specifications yet because it's premature for that. Um that all comes after we we know it's in the budget because then we would contract the architect to actually move forward and do that that process um of putting putting together bits backs putting together all the investigation they need to do to to get that final project designed. Um if designs changed and we had other ideas during that process we could certainly pivot to that and if that comes in at a lesser number we don't have we're not married to the seven million being the cost. It would be whatever the cost of the bid, whatever the market bears really with the

075with the bid. Um, based on the design that's put forward, >> if we did not have, right now we have 5 million that's already in, if you will, the capital budget >> that we could use for a project. But if we did not have that five million, even if a wonderful solution appeared this year, we would simply not be equipped to respond to the opportunity. Is that true? We would have to if if we did not have money budgeted for it, we would need to budget it in a future year. uh and the the concern with the way our budgets have been and the way they you know likely will go. This may be the only opportunity to do it in a situation where we don't need to go out for referendum for it or

076or do anything and raise additional taxes for it. >> But having this 5 million in capital reserve equips us to be able to even explore the cruer. >> I depends on what we're exploring. If we're exploring the the $7 million option, then I would say no. And we couldn't explore that because it wouldn't be we wouldn't be able to pay we would not be able to cut a purchase for purchase order for it. Well, no, we can explore it, but we couldn't go out to bid for it because part of what's being said here is there are apparently still a lot of questions about the strategy of what's the best way to address the issue with the transportation facility. And there are folks that would like to explore that more in one way or another

077to to get more facts to get it more nailed down. And so if during the course of of the ensuing months, uh we are going to ask questions. We're going to ask the architect for opinions or we're going to be looking at different options. >> We can do that. you you could but what Mr. Eard is is kind of speaking about here and I think you both are was about the strategy um that had spoken about with the board once the tax levy incentive was passed and that was about the u budgeting for non-recurring costs versus recurring costs. So if you didn't put in enough money in this year's budget and you did your exploring and then say, "Okay, we could do this in next year's budget, I would s surmise that the way the

078non-recurring costs then turn into recurring costs with the increases in in health care like we've seen this year, staff salaries going up, that that that placeholder of money that you're putting in there to potentially do the transportation facility would be gobbled up. So the only point at that point, although you're exploring it, would be to potentially put it out for a referendum. This is probably the only time we could budget without going to, and I don't want to keep going to people saying, "Hey, we need more money." The the the issue that I have with that is when we accepted the tax levy incentive, rightly or wrongly, whatever you whatever you decide you were on, we said, "Here's how we're going to handle that money so it lasts us as long as possible." That's why

079I frontloaded it with a lot of non-recurring expenses. And if we remove those non-recurring expenses from the budget, I just don't think we would be able to budget for that in the following year. >> Is that your premise is that we wouldn't have the discipline to not spend it? >> No. >> Okay. Well, then why why do we have to? >> Because you're talking about you're talk are you talking about not putting the $2 million in the budget? Well, you were just saying that we've got the $5 million available now. Yes. >> And if we don't commit to a project now, your concern is that it's just not going to be there next year. >> No. No. My my my concern, and I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear. If because what I'm hearing

080is some people don't want the $2 million budgeted for that. We have the five million in there. What I'm saying is if you don't put the money in this year's budget for that potential $7 million project, you are essentially eliminating the $7 million option, and you can explore those other cheaper options, anything $5 million or less, but you're not going to budget another $2 million for a capital project moving forward. >> Well, we my and we'll get to just one more second, Mark. What I'm trying to get at is we could vote to take $2 million to commit two mill an additional $2 million this year with the intent of banking it toward a future transportation hub project. >> Yeah. So if the Yes. If the $2 million was included I'm sorry if I didn't

081understand that. If the $2 million was included in the budget and we're still exploring, could that then move to capital reserve while we're still exploring an additional year? Yes. >> The difference is it would still be a tax impact because we need to collect that in this year then to move it into capital reserve. But your understanding there is correct. Yes, >> Mr. Eric. >> Yeah. It's my contention that the the the the big project, the fat project is going to be over $7 million, which means even if we put $2 million in now, we still wouldn't have the full amount that you need to do whatever >> we need another million next year or whatever. >> Exactly. So whether we put it in now or we hold off on it, it's going to be

082the same net effect. I don't I I just don't see putting in the additional $2 million now. Miss Lanny, I >> I'm just We have a vote out, correct? Or just go there. >> So, okay. >> So, to go back to a statement I made way earlier, right? We're going to vote on the standing 2% proposed budget. Uh and if there's anything in the proposed budget that we want to change or take out, we have to vote no in order to get there. On the other hand, if we vote yes on the 2% budget, it does not necessarily mean that we are committing to building the transportation hub exactly as stated. It's really setting aside a reserve to be able to address that at another time. On the other hand, if we want to make

083changes to what's on this list to tweak it even just a little bit, I mean, there's a $700,000 line item in here for architect costs for that project and so on that could maybe be abated or could maybe be paid by current funds. But in order to get at that, we have to vote no for the whole enchilada. Uh so that's kind of what's before us. That having been said, Mr. Eert, would you please take the vote? >> Miss Jackson, >> no. >> Miss Craig, >> yes. >> Miss Lanning Beater, >> yes. Mr. Mariny, >> uh, yes. >> Miss Nurse, >> 100% in support of this budget. So, yes, >> Miss Stats, >> no. >> Mr. Yo, >> no. >> And Mr. Davis, >> no. >> Forgot me. >> Oh, you forgot Mr. Mr. and

084Mr. >> No. >> And now Mr. Davis. >> No. >> Motion pass. So the motion fails. So now what is set before us is how to proceed with addressing line items. Now it's my understanding and as Mr. Vulpi alluded to earlier, so there there is a list. It's not in the public documentation, but uh the board members have had this list in a couple of different forms and Mr. Vulpi uh and Mr. Eert and Andrew uh sorted this list in such a way as to say if the if this list of items were to be removed, it would result in in a 1% levy and then the rest of the items would be included and that those choices exist on this form. So, I think one question, and I'm not making a motion yet. I'm

085just explaining the exhibit. If the board were to agree that all of the items in the gray area on this form, if we were to agree that all of those items should be removed from the budget, we would in essence be approving a 1% budget. But it's my understanding if that were the case, we would not have to vote on each individual item. We could say we accept this proposal. >> Yes. So what someone would have to do at this point is to make a mo for for that example. Someone would make a motion to reduce the levy by whatever that number is. I'm sorry I don't have my glasses on. And here's how I would get to that by eliminating this, this, this, this, and this. Just so that everybody knows what they are

086voting on. Essentially, you are correct. But it would be good to identify both the number and the cuts. Now, people you can just identify the number and then horse trade to nor end all evening. Even things that aren't on there. Uh might not be the most effective way to to get this moving. Um but yes, you come up with a number uh identify the cuts, call a motion to that, and that could be voted on. That gets voted on. That's it. And if not, then you get into the situation where it's all over. >> Mr. any so so given that we are not approving the 2% as is um my first recommendation would be the the top three items that are in dark gray that a majority of the board voted as uh things that

087they would be okay removing from the budget. Um, and I think as uh our superintendent mentioned, the next line item, the architect cost, could potentially be rolled into this year's budget and be effectively covered without having to tax uh folks for next year. So, my recommendation would to be at that point do a stop and that would leave us at, I believe, 1.31% uh increase and and that would be my motion to move forward with that. So if I can summarize or or itemize what you just said uh Mr. Given this exhibit with the line items so noted Mr. Marini is suggesting that uh if the board were to agree to eliminate what amounts to the top four items, which includes a K to6 math supervisor, a kindergarten teacher number 12, >> teacher number 12,

088right? Whatever. Automated license plate readers, and the architect costs for the transportation facility. Those four items total 1,2450 and it would be your proposal. Do you want to make a motion? >> Yeah, I did already. Yes. So that would be my motion that budget which cuts eliminates $1 million effectively from our 2%. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Miss Lanning beater, you offered the second. Do we have discussion, Miss Nurse? >> Although I am very reluctant to go below 2%. I can see that as a compromise, but I would like to know how my colleagues feel about whether they're going to vote the architect costs in for this year. if we have the funds because that's a that's a big difference. All right. Um because you know the top three I mean I

089voted yes to everything, right? But the K to6 math supervisor, the the 12 teacher, the automated license, I mean that's probably the only thing I don't really mind to see go. Um that only cuts out 20 >> 21% The big chunk here is the architect costs for the transportation facility which we will need to do something right in order to move forward with anything we need the architect um to do that. So if some of us are willing to compromise and get this down to a tax levy of 1.31, are is the majority of the board willing when it comes time and in June we find that we have the money to cover the architect cost? Are you going to vote yes? >> I have a question about the architect costs. Um just from a

090a practical point of view, uh if there is question about how to move forward with the transportation solution itself, what would we be spending $700,000 for? So for for if we were to move forward for forward and put a proposal from the architect on the agenda for this, it would be written in a way that if you recall back in December, we already approved about 149,000 I believe towards this project for them to do the investigatory work as to whether or not this site is feasible. And they're in the middle of all that work getting ready to get the the D letter of in of uh intent or letter of interpretation on that. um which again will take a few more months for the D to respond and and finish that. But they would certainly

091be able to write the the pieces that would go into the design of the facility would be a not to exceed number and it would be obviously lower if it's a smaller above it. So the if the scope of the of the project changes even if the even if the placement of the project changes it would be a not to exceed number and we would before they start any design work we would know we would hopefully we we'll have that defined >> Mr. Eron Kurtz >> and what would the uh architects be focused on? We still haven't decided on which path we're taking. I assume we don't have architecturals on multiple that be extra money that we don't need to spend. >> Exactly. >> I think it's I still think it's we need to have

092clarity on the path that we're taking >> and just the the process for for developing projects is pretty much the way this is is rolling out. The we we never have plans. We we don't pay the architect to develop plans for projects we don't think are going to happen because then we'd be just wasting money on that. We we tend to develop the project with them. Then they develop the scope of work. They develop their proposal. And once we do that, they do all of their leg work on the proposal. They'll talk to staff. They'll investigate the sites to find out exactly what the needs are. And then they will come to us with the first pass of a design for what that project would be. We we would just we would never have full

093drawings at this point. Um we wouldn't have those for quite some time. >> Mr. Marini. Um so with that in mind, if we're following up with additional details and we come to a conclusion where it's a smaller facility that would likely result in maybe slightly less cost here and maybe not the full 7 million that we'd spend. So we're not obligated to spend the full amount of either, >> right? No. and the bid for a lesser building would be, you know, presumably less. So, >> but this gives us the option to >> Yeah. And this would give the option and if it wasn't needed, that money would then roll back into capital reserving at the end of the following year. Thank you. >> There's a motion. >> So, we have a motion on the floor,

094Miss Nurse. >> I asked a question of my colleagues and I would like to know like the thoughts like we're having honest conversations, right? So, If I'm saying I'm willing to make this as peaceful as possible and willing to compromise, is there going to be compromise and honesty? And yes, we're going to have the funds to do what we need to do come if we are ready to do that in June. >> Mr. Erin Crafts. >> Well, then I suggest we have a vote and find out. >> I didn't hear that. >> Let's have the vote and find out. find out whether they're passed or not. >> I don't know if we're quite ready for that. >> Oh, okay. >> I'm that's what I'm basing my vote on. >> Like honesty and openness of what

095the board's planning to do. >> Speaking question, >> if I can respond and uh we're not voting, we're talking. >> Right. Uh I I would be reluctant tonight to say I commit unwaveringly to approving 700,000 uh for the architects in June at this point because I'm hearing that there's still a lot of question about where this thing's even going. It's not a reluctance to solve the problem, but uh I and in a way I guess I'm agreeing with Mr. Erin. >> Restrain yourself, please. >> Can I ask a a question to to frame this? When you want more information about the possibilities for the facilities, how would you like to get that information? Like I I'm here's my point. I'm not an architect. No one here is an architect. So if you want us to

096explore the options, we have to budget money for the architect. So the question with this is do we want to budget for that in next year's budget or because we have done well with our spending this year and we are going to be able to move that cost into this year's budget, we can take it out of next year's budget. That's what we're doing. I'm trying to move it out of next year's budget so that we can spend it in this year's budget so that when you have the questions about which transportation facility, we have the money reserved to pay our architects, Jerry, Andrew, Lisa, Jolai, we can't draw plans for three different facilities. That's why we're have that placeholder for the architect and like um like Mr. Eert described, it's like a draw account.

097So, we've we're we're budgeting for the maximum amount. If it comes in less, it comes in less. If you scrap the plan, we don't continue paying the architect. But the information that you want about the facilities is done by an architect that we have to pay. >> So I think I'm hearing that we have the ability to move this $700,000 into a current expense. we could pay for it this year >> rather than adding it to the levy for next year. >> Correct. >> And so my response to that is well then if it comes up we'll pay for it. Uh, and but if it doesn't come up, I' I'd entertain a motion, maybe this would be in in May or June, that we could say, I think, um, let's take $700,000 and move it

098to capital reserve so that we've got it there next year if if the uh, pro project presents itself. I I mean it's maybe possible in some scenarios but not likely. We we can't really move things to cap reserve midyear. The only time we do that is uh with a motion in June. So I guess theoretically could be included that the deposit we would do would be enough to include that potentially. Um but if we did that we would not be able to >> I mean even if there's not an invoice to pay in June, we could reserve the funds in June. So what would happen is we would cut a purchase order in June and that purchase order would encumber those funds for for the duration of the project till until they're used until we

099pay the final invoice on that project. So it wouldn't you wouldn't be moving into capital reserve because next during the next school year we wouldn't be able to just take it back out. We'd have to do that at this time of year to this. So perhaps I'm using the wrong words, but the concept is that we can commit in some way to saying we do want to address the transportation hub problem. And so we're going to reserve those funds in June, whether it's to actually pay an architect's invoice, per se, um, or reserve the funds in some other way. Well, the res the reserving of the funds would basically be, as we've done in the past with our architect, we've put proposals on the board agenda in front of the board for them to do

100specific projects. That's what would happen in this case as well. That project would be for not to exceed the 700,000 or whatever it ends up coming to be. We'd have to work with them to to update that. Um, but it wouldn't be more than that, right? And that by we would then if the board approves that at a board meeting we would then cut a purchase order to the architect the next day that would then authorize them to work on those projects >> to eat away at it. >> Yes. And and we can pay off of that for the next year. >> Mr. Marini. >> Yeah. So in the fear that Miss Nurse is expressing is in fact the situation where even with the the two million for the transition budget and the 700,000 we're

101talking about spending this year, none of that is guaranteed to be spent until the board votes to spend that money. So we are reserving the ability to spend that money as part of this >> in essence is what Miss Nurse is asking. >> Which Right. >> Right. >> But I mean I I guess the concern is we're not saying we're definitely building a $7 million facility. We're definitely spending $700,000 on this. We're reserving the ability if that is the max that we're going to spend in those areas. Otherwise, we would not be able to go to that. >> Right. So, in response to Mrs. Nurse's question, we're still just talking. Uh, yes, I would commit to setting aside the funds uh even if we're not ready to execute the project in June because it has

102to be done in one way or another. >> Yep. Uh, another question I have. >> Wait, I'm sorry. I'm gonna push this. I I I would if people are willing to talk and just let me know. Like I I feel like I've been very honest and I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I wasn't called on. I'm trying to be better. Am I allowed to? >> You have to say, "Mr. President, may I speak?" >> May, please speak to to follow up because I'm I I appreciate your your thoughts, but everybody knows me. I'm a book. I say what I think up here. Hopefully it's respectful and um you you'd always know what I'm thinking because I tell you what I'm thinking, but like I'm just trying to to figure out how to compromise so everybody can leave

103here with a little sense of peace and the community can leave here with a little sense of peace. But it's just like if people are staying quiet and I'm not sure if this money is going to be available, then I'm not as likely to say, "Okay, I'm going to compromise." So, I just need to hear what your thoughts are. >> Miss Jackson, >> I I'll I'll uncomfortable because we are all on a different page pretty much. >> I'm sorry. I I'm I'm uncomfortable with committing to anything because I think we're all on a different page. I don't I I think, you know, with Mr. Mr. Vulpy's help and digging out all the details that have transpired over operations, um for me, I would like to see what's out there now. I'm not comfortable putting that

104amount of money out there, collecting it right now without understanding what details we have now, what directions we can go forward in. And I in some ways I I'm I don't know if I'm right, but I'm getting the impression and it's from both the the folks in the audience as well as on the board. We're just assuming we're never going to get funding again and we have to go out there and we have to continually tax for what we need. And I would hope that this S2 funding formula, which is now officially over technically, there would be some opportunity for the state to step up and start funding all the other districts that are in disrepair. So, I I'm that's what I'm struggling with is is it's like a it it's a sense of defeat

105that we'll never get funded again and we can't do these things. And I I'm a proponent of infrastructure. I'm 100% behind this. But I think the difficult decisions have to be made here and I am not comfortable that all the details that we're all on the same page with understanding all the details that are out there for it. So, so to Miss Nurse's question, I am a no. I am uncomfortable. >> Mr. Hugh, >> so um Miss Nurse, are you asking are we individual board members would vote for yes to a 1.3% tax levy increase or about the 700,000? >> I I think I'm more Am I allowed to answer? >> Well, let let me see if I can clarify. >> Okay. I think what Miss Nurse is asking as we are merely talking and

106not voting. What Miss Nurse is asking is who among us would be willing to commit to supporting the idea of setting aside or spending $700,000 for architectural fees in June or May or June and take it off of the proposed budget for next year. Is that right? >> That is perfectly correct. >> So, no. And um I'm also a no on the 1.3%. I feel like I am definitely a yes for 0%. And I think that's a compromise because of last year's tax increase. >> There's a motion on the table. >> We still do have a motion. Now, I have a procedural question if I may. Um because what Mr. Marini has proposed uh and we've identified them as the first four line items on this worksheet. Right? And in on this worksheet, the area

107that's highlighted in gray has four, five, 6, 7, 8, nine, 10 line items, that uh if all 10 of those line items were to be removed from the budget, that would result in a 1% levy. So there may be other board members who would want to ask about those remaining items. >> Right? We have to act on Mr. Marine. But my procedural question is if we vote no on Mr. Marini's proposal because we want to continue talking, not because we want to stop talking. >> Right. If we vote no on Mr. Marini's motion, we can keep talking. >> Yes. >> So, let's just get that out of the way. >> You have no choice. >> Okay. So, Mr. Marini is proposing that we approve a budget that would remove the first four line items from

108this worksheet, resulting in a 1.31% levy instead of a 2% levy. Mr. Eert. If I may, I need I I'm going to read um if you look at the motion 6.3 on the actual agenda, there's a table in there that spells out what the budget is. So, I'm going to read what that is based on this motion. >> So, that that way we're voting on what is on here and we will update this table accordingly. >> Yes, sir. So for the 2026 27 the total expenditures for the general fund would be 177,859,255. For the special revenue ser uh fund it would be $1,687,270. For the debt service fund it would be $2,199,200. for a total general fund budget of 181,745,725 and that would be less the anticipated revenue. So for the general fund the the

109anticipated revenue it the other anticipated revenue is 31 million um $410,287 for the special revenue fund it is1,687,270 and for the debt service fund it was $7468 $184 for a total of 33,843,741 and that leaves the taxes to be raised to be 146 for general fund 146,448,968 for the special revenue fund zero and for the debt service fund 1,453,16 for a total tax levy of $147 million 911 91,984. So with with that we have we can have the call. >> Mr. Arrance. >> No. >> Miss Jackson. >> No. >> Miss Craig. >> Yes. >> Miss Lanny Beer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marini? >> Yes. >> Miss Nurse. Am >> I allowed to exercise a right to be called upon last? I think that used to be something. Is it still something? >> Is that permissible?

110Don't know. I've never heard of that. >> Never heard of that either. No, >> somebody did it here. >> I don't think so. >> No, he got skipped. >> No, I'm not talking about today. I'm talking about years past. >> There's not something that I've seen that says I guess I'm going to trust that there's enough people that will put this architect uh costs in this year's budget. That's the only thing I can do. I I think is to trust in the people that I'm supposed to be working collaboratively with. Um for those of you who did answer me, thank you so much. I really do appreciate it. Um, I'm going to say yes. >> Miss Stats, >> no. >> Mr. Ho, >> no. >> And Mr. Davis, >> no. >> So, I voted no

111because I'd like to go deeper. Um, and again referring to this work list. Uh, and just for reference and for everyone's edification, the items following on the list beyond the four that Mr. Marini cited include, and this is just how they're identified here, kindergarten teacher 10, kindergarten teacher 11. What that means is that uh we are embarking upon all day kindergarten in September. And originally, Mr. Vulpi had projected that we would need 12 teachers. Based on more recent data and enrollment statistics, it was determined that we really will only need seven teachers. So, there are in essence five surplus teachers. Not that everyone would agree with that word. Some folks would say, "No, we need all the teachers we can get, need them or not." But that's why these positions are identified as teacher 10

112and 11 because they're beyond the seven that we will need in September. Continuing down the list, uh there's uh a Hillsboro Middle School building monitor, an addition to the security staff at that school, uh an Auton Road, uh additional building monitor, and then there are two items which are going to seem perhaps pretty vague. Uh HVAC repairs and boiler repairs and the original budget. These are reserve accounts for uh air conditioning, heating, ventiling, air conditioning, air handling, uh boiler repairs. These are reserve accounts that are set aside against the need for service and uh in working on adjusting how much we need to ask in a levy. Uh Mr. Vulpi has suggested that the reserve for HVAC repairs, which was originally $240,000, keep in mind that's not a bill, that's a reserve, that that could

113be reduced by 10,000 to 230. Um, and that the boiler repairs, which were originally reserved at 130,223, could be reduced to 121,823. These are relatively arbitrary numbers, but what it means is that the amount of the reserve would be reduced, but certainly not eliminated. That's still a reasonable reserve. And those additional items, if they were removed from the proposed budget, that would bring the entire proposed budget to this level of a 1% levy. Um, that's what remains uh on this worksheet. Items on the rest of the sheet going all the way down would uh as we remove line item by line item by line item. Uh that's where the impact below 1% begins to come in. And that includes things like additional teachers that were slated for kindergarten that won't be needed necessarily. Uh an

114AI uh powered weapons detection system for security. Um and various uh lock upgrades for the football field, for the pole barn, for the snack barn, all these things. Uh, you know, some of these things may sound frivolous, but they're ultimately important security additions and so on. Um, so are there any other motions, Paul? >> So, I would like to put you on the spot. >> I'm sorry, >> I would like to put you on the spot. So, I know you had a comment that you would like to reduce this further. So, I would like to hear your recommendation. >> Well, okay. My recommendation is I'd like to get to 1%. So, I would like to remove all of the items that are in the dark gray area. Uh, and I don't think anything that Mr.

115Vulpi proposed is frivolous. Ultimately, there's benefit to everything that would have been in the budget, but I believe that there are items in the budget that are not emergent. Mr. Marine, >> so second question to Mr. Vulpi, um the elimination uh the prioritization of elimination of the two additional teachers, can you explain um just for the whole board why you put them on there? >> Yeah. So, so one of the things I was looking to do if again my recommendation if the board is going in this direction is still to continue balancing those recurring costs and those non-recurring costs. If there's the temptation to let's get rid of all the non-recurring costs because we get to hire more teachers. We are in a budget problem next year. We need to have some balance of recurring

116costs and non-recurring costs so that those non-recurring costs can then turn into recurring. So, I was looking to try to create some kind of balance. Uh Bob question is okay >> please. >> So if I will take his comment as word that we need seven teachers why the request for 12. >> Well initially there was there was 12 when the budget was put together. Then the kindergarten registration started coming in and honestly I don't know exactly how many we are going to need. So there there are two two things that happened here. I'm reserving we have five full classrooms right now. We have another one that's ready to go over. I'm assuming there's going to be kindergarten special ed needs coming in with the increases for that seven. So, could I potentially be coming to

117the board if our population doubles and asking you to create a non-budgeted position? I could. Um, it's just a matter that we wouldn't be budgeting it. That being said, too, if those 12 teachers all did stay in the budget and have five to play with, we have plenty of other areas in the district where we have high class sizes or additional needs that we could reallocate those positions to. So, that's my reason why I again remember my original uh proposal was, but if we're going to 1%, that's why I decided to include those in there. >> And can you explain the building monitors? >> Sure. The building the building monitors are our security people. Um, essentially we have one person at each elementary school. A couple of them are here tonight. Uh, we have one

118person at the middle school and the high school and I think we have about 7.5 people at the high school. And based upon our coordinator of school safety operations analysis, uh, Autton Road and the middle school are are bigger buildings. Uh, >> sorry, I think you misspoke. You I did. >> Yeah. Aerys. Aerys has I didn't think you mentioned Aris. >> Oh, sorry. Aris has one. The middle school has one. >> Then the high school has seven. >> The high school has Yes. Sorry. I said the high school has about 7.5 and all the elementary schools have one. And it was the feeling that the elementary schools are properly staffed because this is relatively new on road. As you know, we have a a second floor here and the middle school is bigger too. So,

119we were looking to just increase eyes on kids uh for those reasons. >> Yeah. Thank you. Any other comments? Anybody want to make a motion? >> Miss stats, >> are we still discussing the >> Sure, we can still be talking. >> See, my my focus isn't like I'm not aiming for a certain percent. I'm aiming for what's best for students, but still al also being fiscally responsible. Um, I am not happy with eliminating even more uh proposed teaching positions. Um, and I still go back to the the transport the 2 million for the proposed transportation complex. Those those two issues concern me. Um, Any other comments? I can make a motion. And so I am going to move that we do eliminate those line items. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. those

12010 line items that I previously enumerated which would uh result in a 1% tax levy. Do I have a second? >> Okay. >> Do we have a second? >> Thank you. Any questions? I'm just saying before you vote, Mr. Eert might need a a minute to Do you have the numbers? >> Oh, yeah. Ready? >> Oh, you got it ready. Okay, great. >> Okay, Mr. Eert. So, as I did did the previous motion, I'm just going to read the table again for what the updated table would be. Um, and since the special revenue and debt service funds are not changing, I'm not going to read those lines again. Let's just read the general fund and the total. Um, so the 2026-27 total expenditures in the general fund would now be 177,416,29 and the taxes to

121be raised for the general fund would be 146,5,742 and the total tax levy for the yeah the total expenditures for the entire budget would be 181,32,49 $99 minus anticipated revenues of $33,843,741 for a total taxes to be raised of 147,458,758. >> Ready to vote? >> Are we ready to vote? We are. Quick, Mr. Erics. >> Yeah. To Cynthia's question, u moving the $700,000 to fund it this year. If that takes that up next year's budget, I don't have an objection to that. >> Okay. >> Mr. CR, >> no. >> Miss Jackson, >> no. >> Miss Craig, >> yes. >> Miss Lanny Beater, >> no. >> Mr. Marini, >> no. Miss Nurse, >> I will not be voting tonight on anything that jeopardizes the possibility of stability. So, no. >> Miss Stats, >> no. >> Mr.

122Ho, >> no. >> And Mr. Davis, >> yes. >> Motion fails. >> The motion fails. >> Okay, next idea. M stats. I I just uh looked at which items I would be okay with eliminating. Um so what I have here are the uh Ksix math supervisor, the automated license plate readers, the architect costs for the transportation facility. Sorry, you have these numbers, right, Mr. Record? You don't need me say say these numbers. Um well, if you're if you're going to say any numbers different than the number listed budgeted for it, we would need to know. >> Um and also the transportation maintenance facility, uh the total I came up with was $2,886,531. Um I think it's close to 0%. That was not my goal, though. I just looked at what I thought uh was fiscally

123respon mostly what wouldn't hurt kids and also fiscally responsible. Could you please repeat the line items? >> Uh, K6 math supervisor. >> Uh, automated license plate readers. Okay. The the I'm going to say the amounts. The cases of math supervisor is 157,331. Automated license plate readers 29,200. Uh, the architect cost for transportation facility 700,000. and the transportation maintenance facility 2 million. >> So you would be suggesting that those four line items would be removed and everything else would stay in. >> Yes. Yes. >> You want to make Go ahead. Mr. Aaron CR >> I want to keep all the teachers. >> Yeah. Yes. >> And the and the security guys and everything else. Right. Miss Nurse, >> I have a question. Jane, with that the $2 million is a non-recurring cost and we're keeping all

124recurring costs. Do you have thoughts about what Mike's concern is about uh the imbalance of that? >> I I don't know if I would call that. You mean the >> the imbalance of non nonreuring versus I >> and and I understand the argument that Mike Mr. won't be a set about um you know uh looking forward and everything but I just worry about us uh focusing on that so much um when uh the what supports our students are the most are recurring co things that are recurring costs you know teachers um uh aids and supervisors yes um I I did not eliminate the other one especially when there's an increase of uh kinder kindergarten teachers at the elementary level. So I I agree that there there's a need for that. Um uh but I just

125worry that we if we focus on the recurring versus nonrecurring uh I I just don't want that clouding our judgment as to what's best for students. But I do I do see the argument for that. >> Miss Jackson. >> Yeah. I'd like to um propose I I've worked with Mr. And I'd like to have him read off >> what motion. >> I don't think we've made a motion. We're now we're still just talking. Is that correct? >> Can I make a motion? >> I thought you did. >> I didn't use that. I don't think I I might not have used that phrase or if I did, it got lost. >> Would you like to make a motion? >> I I make a motion for what I said before. >> Okay. Do we have a number

126of what the percentage is percent? >> And it' be roughly zero. >> Can I ask that people speak into the microphones, please? >> We try. We do. Thank you. Yes. Um, do we have a second for Miss Stat's motion? I'll second. >> Do we have a so moved? Do you need a so moved? >> That was I made the motion. >> Do we have any discussion, Miss Jackson? >> I I think I'm a little more concerned with having the recurring costs um the additional teachers. I I think there's compromise with some teachers, but not all teachers. So that's really what my concern is and that's the reason why I had wanted to have some back and forth on what this proposal was. >> Mr. Marini. >> Yeah, I I have a general concern that this

127the cost of repairing the existing building is fiscally irresponsible. So, if we're talking about fiscal responsibility, I feel like putting money into a property we may not maintain long term and the cost of the cost of the maintenance replacement location would effectively cost close to what a new facility is. That feels fiscally irresponsible to do that. So, I wouldn't like to cut off the option um by not earmarking the money for that. Not that we have to spend it. If they come up with a really good plan and it's less great, >> you don't have to spend it. >> Yeah. I feel like not having the option is fiscally irresponsible. >> Miss stats. >> Well, I think it's I don't think it's uh set in stone that it's the the cost is as high as

128what has been suggested because we have not involved the expertise of architects as to what would be all how how to address um upgrading the facility and how to deal with the staff and buses during that time. So, um I think that can be done in a fiscally responsible way. And also, if we do sell, um the Hillsboro Elementary property, who knows? We we've talked about this for forever, but um we can still keep the Bloomingdale property. I mean, it's not they're not tied to they're not, you know, automatically a a combined unit that would have to be sold together. >> Mr. Eert, do you have a comment? I just wanted to clarify that in this model with the architectural costs being removed as well, the same would hold true as in the last one

129where if you want to do anything or any exploration of a transportation building with the 5 million that would be left from maintenance reserve or capital reserve, um that would have to be cut out of this year as well. >> Miss Jackson, >> I I I agree actually with Mr. about being fiscally responsible about the transportation department, but I think through the conversation, sorry, the conversation, it makes it clearer to me that we're not on the same page and and it would be more comfortable to be fiscally responsible to take a step back and have more discussion on where we currently are and what our options are, including any property sales that could go with it. So, um, and again, I'm I'm not comfortable with having so many recurring costs within the proposed budget. >>

130So, point of order really quick. I think we're being asked to speak closer to the microphone, which will prevent the uh feedback that just for people that are speaking, be closer. Yeah, if you're far away, it's it's causing the echo. So, apologies. Just want to >> solve that issue. >> Thank you, Mr. Erin CR. Yeah, I'd like to throw a little wrinkle in here. Um, I would like to remove two of the teachers, teachers 11 to 12. >> Wait, we have a motion on the table already. >> Yeah, it's you have they have to be done one by one. >> Um, so we have a motion. It's been seconded. And uh, so Mr. >> I'm sorry. >> He needs to read the numbers. >> Oh, you need to read the numbers. So again, the special

131revenue and debt service numbers do not change. So I will just read the columns for the general fund and the total. So for the general fund, the total expenditures would be $175,975,174. The anticipated revenues would be $31,410,287 and the taxes to be raised would be 144,564,887. For the total uh total expenditure would be 179,861,644 less anticipated revenues of $33,843,741 for a total taxes to be raised of $146,17,93. >> Mr. Dctor, you want to take I'm sorry. >> The actual tax levy. >> I just read that that the the tax levy would be 146 million >> 17,93% >> that is in effect a 0%. >> What is the number? >> It is zero. >> It is exactly zero >> in Yes. I'm not going out far enough rounding to see if it's 0000 point something but

132>> Okay, Mr. Eert call to vote. I'm sorry. Are we ready? >> We're ready. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Aaron CR. >> No. >> Miss Jackson? >> No. >> Miss Craig? >> No. >> Miss Lanny Beater? >> No. >> Mr. Marini? >> No. >> Miss Nurse? >> No. >> Miss Stats? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hill? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Davis? >> No. >> Mr. Marini? I would like to make a secondary motion of the what I mentioned before, but eliminating one additional kindergarten teacher. >> I guess it would be kindergarten teacher 10, which would reduce it to 1.23%. Uh, so Mr. Marini is proposing that we remove uh K to6 math supervisor, kindergarten teacher 12, automated license plate readers, architect costs, and kindergarten teacher number 10 >> or 11. Your choice. >> Oh, I

133don't know. We could fight about that. >> Be weird to keep uh 11 but not 10 or 10, but not 11. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. Little too close. Did >> you hear that? >> Any comments, Miss Stats? I don't know if this is pursu procedurally correct. Um, I am seriously reconsidering u voting again on Mr. Marini's pro proposal and I would change my vote to yes. >> Um, >> wait, which >> uh I'm sorry. His >> my original my original proposal which was eliminating the first four line items. >> Are we allowed to do that? >> We can re motion for >> a motion to amend the motion. >> We would have to vote no on this and then reotion that >> or or you can also make an an a

134motion to amend. >> All right. motion to amend to reinclude that teacher and go back to the what was the original motion of the top four line items which you've already read off the total sort >> yes that was >> that was at the 1.3 >> well at the 1.31% total tax levy of 147,91 correct $984 >> correct >> I second >> so the motion that we're voting on now is tocept Amend the previous motion. >> Correct. >> Right. >> To to amend the vote on the previous motion. >> To amend Mr. Marine's most recent motion which added the additional removal. >> We we already seconded that. So now we would vote on that. >> So you would So you you you either vote on that and see what it does or you this what

135he's attempting to do is vote to amend that to go back to his previous motion that we voted on. >> Okay. So, if we vote yes, that means >> if you vote yes this time, you're only voting yes to amend the motion. We will then hold another vote on that mo on the motion as amended. >> Mr. Huo, >> um, can Mr. Marini just withdraw his motion? Like, >> excuse me. >> Can Mr. Marini withdraw the motion even though it was like motioned and seconded? >> I could do that as well. I could withdraw it and then >> I will withdraw my original motion and I will submit a new motion to go to the top four line items so we don't have to go through the procedure. >> Actually, I think Mr. Marini can't

136miss stats can. It's whoever voted no on >> Huh? >> It's whoever voted no on So that motion failed. Mr. Marin's first motion failed. So it needs to be somebody I believe and we can check it. Maybe Andrew could Google it or somebody could Google it that um this person who voted no >> can then reintroduce >> it or do we >> So I resend my motion. >> So what what am I supposed to be doing? >> You can submit my original motion. >> I can submit Oh, okay. So I would like to submit uh Mr. Marini's original proposal and I I might complicate a little bit. I would like to um add $7,000 for the Robo Raiders to help with their expensive lease. It's $7,000. >> So that's an item that is not on

137>> correct >> currently. >> Now if that's really going to screw things up. >> Sure. Why not? >> Needs a second. >> Yes. So we're moving that needs a second. >> Yeah. I just want to clarify. So, the motion Miss Stats is now making is that we remove the top four items on this list from the budget and we add a new line item for Robo Raiders for $7,000. >> And it's still it's pretty small compared to what they still have to pay for their lease, but It's better than nothing. And I It's not like it'll really affect the percent that much. >> Not at all. >> Well, don't tell a math teacher. Not at all. >> Yes. >> Um. >> Okay. So, do we have a second? >> I will second. >> Mr. Marini

138has seconded. >> Any discussion? >> What's the tax levy at that point? The percentage would be a 1.31% increase. >> Effectively, it' be 131. >> So, we have a second. Any discussion? >> Mr. Eert does need to read the number. >> Mr. Eert, you have to read the numbers. >> So, again, I'll read just the general fund and total numbers. um for the 202627 total expenditures for the general fund to be 177,866,255 less anticipated revenues of $31,410,287 for a total taxes to be raised of $146,455,968. And for the total it'd be 181,750181,752,725. For the total expenditures, less anticipated revenues of $33,843,741 and a total taxes to be raised of 147,98,984. >> Mr. Eert, you want to call the vote? >> Mr. Errance. No >> Miss Jackson. >> No, >> Miss Craig. >> Yes, >> Miss

139Lanning Beater. >> Yes, >> Mr. Marini. >> Yes, >> Miss Nurse. >> Yes, >> Miss Stats. >> Yes, >> Mr. Heo. >> No, >> Mr. Davis. >> No. >> Motion carries. >> Motion passes. >> There you go. >> To vote on the other items in the >> Okay. Close the public hearing. Any other is the other items up there for the >> There are other items. >> So the other items for the budget that the board needs to vote on are motions to approve the capital reserve withdrawal for the 2627 budget. Motion to approve the maintenance reserve withdrawal for the 2627 budget. Motion to approve professional services for the 2627 budget. Those are maximum expenditures. Motion to approves the resolution for travel reimbursement expenses and maximum travel for 2627 and the motion to approve the

140corrective action plan for semi. >> Have a second. >> Second motion. >> What number is that? >> These are items 6.4 through 6.8. And I didn't hear the the motion. So moved. >> Second. behind me. >> Mr. Errance, >> no. On 64, yes. And everything else, >> Miss Jackson. >> Miss Craig, >> yes. >> Miss Lenny Beer, >> yes. >> Mr. Marini, >> yes. >> Miss Nurse, >> yes. >> Miss Stats, >> yes. >> Mr. Hill, >> yes. But no one >> and Mr. Davis. >> Yes. Motion's carrying the board president's report. >> Close a public hearing. >> Now I can close the public uh hearing session. Uh president's report. Well, we also have committee reports. I would report on the governance committee. Uh I will just like to use my uh president's report time

141to remind us all that we are notifying or celebrating the 250th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration of Independence which is uh one of the most important worldchanging aspirational documents. And one of the things that is so powerful about a document like the Declaration of Independence is that it is aspirational and it has served as as a guiding influence throughout the history of this nation which really has moved us forward in very positive and constructive ways. So much so that most of the world wants to come here and uh I think it's a worthy and righteous thing that we observe. Thank you. Mr. Vulpi, your report. Yes, I have a brief but important report. Um members of the board and the community, it was with great enthusiasm that I recommend Steven Miller as our

142next director of school counseling. Mr. Mr. Miller is a highly qualified educational leader with over 15 years of experience in preK through 12 counseling and administration. He currently serves as the director of school counseling for the Roselle public schools where he oversees district-wide programs, master scheduling, and student support strategies. His professional standing is further highlighted by significant accolades including being named the 2023 Middle Sex County School Counselor of the Year. Mr. Miller holds a master's of arts in counseling from the college of New Jersey and completed his director of school counseling and supervisor certifications at Montlair State. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated deep expertise in strategic program development, crisis intervention, restorative practices. In his recent administration roles, he has successfully managed vital district-wide initiatives such as student wellness screeners, the parent university engagement series,

143and hip prevention practices. Furthermore, his extensive experience with educational technologies like Genesis and Naviance ensures he will lead a department that is both data informed and technologically innovative. We are confident that Mr. Miller's blend of clinical expertise and administrative leadership will be a tremendous asset to our district. His commitment, including sitting here for four plus hours to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, aligns perfectly with our mission to serve the whole child. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Miller to our leadership team and supporting his vision for the continued growth and well-being of all of our students. And Stephen, at this time, I'd like to bring you up to the podium. If we still have Hillsboro people watching us at 10:00, please uh introduce yourself to Hillsboro. Thank you so much. Thank you everyone for

144for sticking with me. Uh I will be brief. Uh I want to express my profound gratitude to the board of education, Mr. Bulby uh for the trust that you've placed in me to be the new director of school counseling. Hillsboro schools have a stellar reputation and it's a great privilege for me to join this community in such a meaningful role. Served as a leader as you detailed uh in every level of education from preschool through high school and in every setting. What excites me the most is the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated counselors who show up every day to do something that truly matters. Our work is to help students find meaningful connection with each other, to find their purpose and meaning in the work that they do, and to find joy in

145their time in our schools. And that's not a small thing. So for our students, school is where they begin to discover who they are and start to set out on that path of who they're going to be. My goal is to make sure that our counseling department and our program is a steady guiding hand in that process. And I look forward to getting to know the board, to getting to know our staff, our community, and most importantly our students. So thank you again for this opportunity. I'm honored to be here and I'm ready to get to work. Thank you. >> Thank you, Stephen. Just a little bit down the agenda, you'll be approved and Stephen will be starting with us, I'm pretty sure, on July 1st, correct? Yeah. So, we'll be good after after we're

146approved. >> Yes. And that concludes my superintendent report. Mr. President, >> thank you very much. I think next are committee reports. >> Is that correct? And um Miss Jackson, can you give us the ED committee, please? >> The ED committee met on uh April 14th. We discussed the book for approval, revised the new curriculum for board approval, continued budget discussion, robotics warehouse, HHS course enrollment updates, and that's it. >> Thank you very much. um HR committee, Miss Nurse, please. >> Yes, we met on Wednesday, April 22nd. We talked about a sick bank application. Uh the proposal for a Spanish language and culture club proposal. Uh we talked about the candidate for the new director of school counseling position. Uh a personnel matter. We talked about some summer work, possibilities of summer work. Uh we continued

147budget discussions as well and we finished with discussions about unaffiliated salaries for the 2627 school year. Thank you very much. Mr. Marini uh had to leave. He is the chair of the operations committee. So I will give his report. Operations met on Friday, April 24th. Uh perhaps needless to say there was a lot of discussion about budget items and uh a lot of details which included uh discussions about the security officers, the teachers, all those light items that we talked about. Um there was also a discussion about the project of uh digitizing records uh which is a very important undertaking and a necessary undertaking. Uh it will take several years to complete but it's something that needs to get started. Uh we also discussed uh food pricing in the school cafeterias uh which have not

148been adjusted for 5 years and uh at the recommendation of uh the food providing service I'm sorry there will be a minor increase uh in school lunch and school breakfast charges. of 25 cents but we will do that that uh in the next two to three years to get caught up over time. Um we also talked about the robotics club uh and the expenses that that they uh endure. We talked about uh the warehouse where they meet and miss stats. Adding that to tonight's budget conversation is quite timely. Um and that was about that for the operations committee. We also uh had a governance committee meeting on Wednesday the 22nd. And I'm sorry, I'm waiting for this to come up. 5 4 3 2 1. Here we go. And um mostly it was budget budget

149items uh acknowledging student and extracurricular achievements. Some uh additions Mr. vote be made to the board of ed new member uh kind of on boarding program which is very important. Uh I have said I've been on the board I'm in my fourth year and I believe there should be a requirement of at least an associates degree in in board of ed. it's uh if if not a bachelor's degree and so as much help as can be offered uh for onboarding folks is highly appreciated. So that was that was good and I'm trying to get back to tonight's agenda which I've now lost. This is Thursday. So that's it for the committee reports. Thank you. Um, do I have a motion to approve uh public meeting minutes and executive session minutes? >> So, second. >> All

150in favor? >> I. So, Mr. Vulpi. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for the board's consideration to approve the following motions in the area of education. Travel and related expenses, the superintendent's HIB determinations, revised curriculum, a new book, curriculum writing, a new field trip destination, staff for the 2026 credit advancement program, an overnight trip, and the long-term suspension of a student whose name is on file in the office of the superintendent. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Eckert. >> Mr. Eric CR. >> Yes. >> Miss Jackson. >> Yes. With exception. I am a no for 11.8. >> Miss. Craig. >> Yes. >> Miss. Landing beater. >> Yes. >> Mr. Marini. Who's got your left? Miss. Nurse. >> Yes. >> Miss Stats. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hill. Yes, but

151no on 11.8 that overnight trip during the school year. >> And Mr. Davis? >> Yes. >> Thank you. In the area of human resources, I'd ask for the board's consideration to approve the following motions. Retirements and resignations appointments for 2526 MOS appointments for 2627 leaves of absence change in employment mentor co-curricular club extra coverage six period coverage and the submission of the comprehensive equity plan statement of assurance for 2627. >> Do I have a motion? So >> moved second. >> Second. Any comments? I do have one question on resignations. It seems to be a longer list than I'm accustomed to seeing. Is there anything going on or is it just the way it goes? >> I'm I can look into that for you. I'm not necessarily aware of anything in particular. >> Okay. Mr. Eert.

152>> Mr. Errance. Yes, >> Miss Jackson. >> Yes, >> Miss Craig. >> Yes, >> Miss Landing Beater. >> Yes, >> M. Miss Nurse. >> Yes, >> Miss Stats. >> Yes, >> Mr. Heo. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Davis. >> Yes. >> Congratulations, Mr. Miller. Welcome aboard. >> In the area of operations, I'd ask for the board's consideration to approve the following motions. Monthly bills out of district placements for 2526. Rescending a donation. awarding restroom renovations for full day kindergartens at various schools. Approve the digitization of records. Approve land associates to prepare submission of providing joint control replacements at all schools. And approving an addendum to a settlement agreement. >> Have a motion. >> Second. >> Any comments? Mr. >> 13.4 that was a late ad. Correct. >> Uh the update was late today. The um

153it was on the agenda when as soon as the agenda was published, but that was the email that I had sent to you about today about costs. Yes. And that's from this year's budget, just to be clear. Mr. Eert. >> Mr. Arcrants. >> Yes. >> Miss Jackson. >> Yes. >> M. Craig. >> Yes. >> Miss Lanny Beater. >> Yes. >> Miss Nurse. >> Yes. >> Miss Stats. >> Yes. >> Mr. Heo. >> Um, >> yes. But no on 13.4. >> And Mr. Davis. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Back to comments. We now come to our second public comment time. We very much welcome input from the public. There is a clipboard for all participants to write their name. Before commenting, please state your name and address. There is a threeminut time limit on public

154comment. Please understand that our public forums are not structured as question and answer sessions, but rather are offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. In instances where the board believes that there is a misunderstanding or inaccuracy, the board president or superintendent will address the comment. There may be times when a member of the public makes a comment or asks a question about personnel or hiring decisions. Kindly note that the Open Public Meetings Act and the privacy rights of public employees encompassed therein do not permit the board to discuss personnel issues in public sessions. Thank you. >> Yes, Steve Sloan, Tenwolf Drive. Congratulations to the board on approving the budget and not allowing the county executives superintendent to approve it. And um now that um the transportation and maintenance facility has at least

155been al the money has been appropriated for that uh hopefully the board will come together and reach an agreement as to the nature of that facility whether it's going to be here at a road facility or some place at Bloomingdale or some other location. Uh and um but I heard quite a few times tonight as well as at the last meeting quite a few comments about selling the Bloomingdale property or selling the Hillsboro Elementary School property. That is an idea that was discussed 20 years ago when I was sitting as a board member. So I don't know if it's going to take another 20 years to do that. Maybe sooner than that. But uh if that is the thought process, I think it would be fair to the community for you to come forward, be

156transparent, and discuss your future plans. um you know, without having to go into too much detail because it's uh it's not an issue of whe whether there's a contract or anything like that, but I think the public should know uh what is going on in your minds because I've heard it now twice tonight from two board members. I heard it twice two weeks ago at the last meeting. So, um 20 years ago wasn't a discussion type top topic. um it was something that perhaps was talked about in committee, not at the board table. So hearing it at the board table, uh I think it would be fair to the community to find out what's on your mind about that property and what is the plan to replace uh that school which has 600 students I

157believe with another facility. Are you going to build a new high school and then move the uh current make current high school the junior high the middle school and then uh the uh the middle school the intermediate school and then the audit road facility would be all elementary. I mean what is your what is your plan? I think would be fair to the public to hear something about that. Thank you. Any other comments? Cassie, do you have anything to report? I do and I'll make this quick. Um, congratulations to the Hillsboro flag football team for their ongoing and incredibly successful first season where they've gone undefeated and I think they're ranked number three in New Jersey right now. Also to the girls track team for winning the Somerset County Championships. We did that on Tuesday.

158>> Five in a row. five in a row and more to come. And then also tomorrow is spirit night which is a um really fun event at school where everyone gets involved. Um every group of people can get involved. There's the artists who paint the murals, um the filmmakers who do the movies, um the bakers who make the cakes and then like everyone who wants to participate in the tugof-war events. We have our special education relay, too. So, it's just a really great opportunity for everyone to get involved and we're very excited for that tomorrow. And that's it. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Thank you for your service. Um I'd like to make a uh one more comment. Um on Facebook, I received a post or whatever it is um that was forwarded

159to me of uh someone who lives in Edison. Actually, they're distant family member. I don't know if I should admit that in public. some third cousin four times removed or something, but he was at a board meeting in Edison. And this family member was in a sense reprimanding this the board in Edison for having failed to increase the levy in that town by 2% each year over the last several years, six years, I think, maybe seven. And now they're in the condition where they're laying off a 100 teachers and all these things. And uh the superintendent had recommended a 12% levy and they were voting him down and all the back and forth that that that entails. And the reason I want to make this comment is I I am in that position too of

160being a senior citizen with a fixed income and the increase in levy is measurable for me. It's not just noise. uh but at the same time I do agree also how important it is that we maintain some stability and although we didn't get as far down the list as I would have liked tonight I think 1% is would have been a nice in between but uh I really do appreciate that some movement was made because it does make a difference. I also want to say how proud I am of our board members and for your demeanor and behavior and clarity uh at tonight's meeting. Thank you all very much for all your hard work. So with that, any final comments? Miss Stats? Miss Nurse? >> Sure. Miss Stats, Miss Pierce, >> I know I along

161what you were saying, Mr. Davis, thank you to everybody who is here. Um, especially I know that I asked a point question um to help me make a decision. So, your honesty is very much appreciated. Um, and I also want to thank Mike and Jerry because really, you know, we are at a levy of 1.31%. However, because of their fiscal responsibility, we were able to come to that compromise because the biggest budget item that we cut for next year, we can fund this year. Um, which is this, you know, $700,000. And I I just want to make that clear to people who are still watching and you know at least where you know why I voted yes because ultimately even though we got it down to 1.31% um if my calculation was correct and the

162addition of the robo raiders which was a great idea and I appreciate very much uh Jean we are at less than a $300,000 cut for uh next year assuming that we can fund the um architect this year. So I think that you know really shows a lot of great collaboration um like Mr. Davis said. So thank you very much. Um I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that you know and and even if you said no, I'm not comfortable with saying that I might be on board for that. I really do appreciate that honesty um because it helped me tonight. So thank you very much. >> Miss Fats, >> I'll make this quick. I'm the leazison for the um garden state coalition of schools and there was a zoom meeting on April 15th and the

163topic was regionalization and consolidation of school districts which other than the un pro but having county school districts it really doesn't affect us but it was an interesting discussion for those that it does affect. >> Thank you Miss Jackson. So, I guess I'm going to bring the conversation down. I just want to express my disappointment that we had an opportunity to control costs. Um, I think all of this conversation was late. I agree with you. We need to start conversations earlier. But it's not just seniors that are on fixed incomes. There are people that just don't make a threat a certain level of of income. It's always assumed that people are making a certain level of income that they can afford to live here when the cost of living in this state in this community

164has gone up above and beyond what people are able to make. So I wish there had been more collaboration. I think there was more opportunity and I think there were voices that weren't heard. So I am disappointed that there is even a 1.3% increase. >> Thank you for sharing. say something >> Mr. Ho and then Mr. Vulti. >> Okay. Um so I have a comment. We in the presentation we said that we would I know it's late but I would like to throw out just to to start about the um next year's 27 to 28 budget. And when we were preparing this year's budget, I think Miss Stat, we were talking about the $5 million $5 million for the health. No, actually it wasn't this. I think I asked the question, Mr. Bulpi. I said,

165"Where hap what happened to the $5 million that we're putting aside for transportation?" And you somebody said you said that it was um the health health insurance costs. And I was going back on my notes and the health insurance is was 28% increase. So, I'm assuming that like that was $5 million and then when I looked in the budget, it was like hang on get the exact number just it was um 34.5 million like all included. So, like that to me says like last year was 30 million. This year it's about 35 million. Does next year mean it's going to be like potentially $40 million in which case I mean that's like what is that like 25%? I mean that's a huge amount of our budget just that and last year in the in the

166um final budget presentation one of the things you said was um and hopefully by that point the state has done something with this budget. Are they doing something with this budget? Because otherwise the 26.6 million if you divide it by five it's like five years like and if it's just for health insurance like it's going to be gone like that. No, and it's just not for health insurance too. Anything that was raised in the past also goes towards any recurring costs. Uh staff increases, you know, increasing staff. Uh so what I had mentioned was that when something is done being budgeted in this year's budget and it gets moved to capital reserve, people are like, "Oh, you have that $5 million again to to put towards that." And no, because it comes out and it

167goes towards any kind of recurring costs, healthcare or otherwise. And that's why I'm really proud of Mr. Eard and Mr. Zabiga who are already engaging in options about what our healthc care could look like for next year. Um we have engaged in all looking at different plans. We've started talking very briefly and high level about uh self-insuring which is boom or bust. You can save millions or you can end up costing millions. So we have already started looking at next year's budget and I am uh was talking with Mr. uh Joel Mr. Joel Mr. Davis in one of our committee meetings that this this budget was very uh psychological to a certain extent. There were certain numbers people wanted to hit and I understand that and understand why and that's why don't throw anything at

168me if you're not interested. I'm ready to engage right now. It's 1012. Uh if anybody wants to talk about parameters for next year. Uh what do you feel comfortable with? I'm ready to start doing that and building the budget uh for next year based upon the parameters that you give. If it's too late and you want me to hear my survey, I'm fine with that, too. But if you want us to build a 0% budget and the and the board's on there, I'm fine with that. 2%, fine with that. 2% plus healthc care waiver, you just let me know and we'll deliver that budget. But, um, direction would be good. So, I'm ready to engage in that conversation right now. If you're ready to to burn your eyes through the back of my head because

169I've suggested this, I understand that as well. But, if we want to start right now, I am ready to go. Well, you said that you're going to issue a survey >> in tomorrow's brass tax, correct? >> In tomorrow's brass tax to which we can respond. >> Abs. Absolutely. Yes. >> And um I would like to do that, >> Mr. He. >> I understand. And I would like to do that as well. I would like to just um add my support for self- insurance because from what I understand that there are ways that we can ensure our self- insurance so that there would be stop gaps and potentially pair it with wellness programs for our staff to well first to increase and improve people's health with the hope that that improvement in people's health would then

170benefit our um premiums. the premiums. Um, if I can change a subject. >> Sure. >> Um, I would like to inform the community or remind the community that Hope for Tomorrow is happening in May. It will be Thursday, May 14th. It's the 8th annual Hope for Tomorrow mental health and wellness fair. And it is being held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mun Municipal Complex. And it's sponsored by Burrow Safe, the Hillsboro Education Foundation, and there's gonna be a lot of food and games and prizes. Food from Lenny's. >> And it's actually it says free food. >> Yeah. >> Free foodies. >> Now you're talking. Any other comments? Miss nurse? >> I move to adjourn. >> Well, Mr. Vulpi wanted to say something or has has >> No, that was that was what I

171said that if we wanted to start budget discussions for next year right now I got energy and I'm ready to do it but there is a motion on the table. >> So move. >> All in favor of adjourning. I >> thank you.