001I'd like to call this meeting to order. Mr. Nutland, would you lead us in the flag salute? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Sunshine Law statement. All requirements of the open public meetings act have been met for this meeting of the board of education of the bureau of Ordell. Notice of this meeting was filed with the record and town news and all persons requesting such notice. Mrs. Norian, would you read the mission statement? >> Certainly. Um, the Oridel Public School District is dedicated to the ongoing pursuit of educational excellence through comprehensive, innovative curriculum and instruction. The district is committed to providing opportunities for social, emotional, and academic discovery to
002foster curiosity, courage, and character. Our goal is to prepare our students to become lifelong learners who are self-directed, resilient, productive, responsible citizens. Thank you. Roll call. >> On the roll, Mr. Delg Greco will not be here tonight. >> Uh, Mr. Darian >> here. >> Mrs. Downey >> here. >> Mrs. Moran >> here. >> Mr. Nutland >> here. >> Mrs. Walker >> here. >> Mr. Walsh will not be here tonight. Mrs. Norian >> here. >> Mrs. Nichols. >> Here. At this time, we'll move to the superintendent report. Since our last board meeting, three annual OPS events occurred. We had our Halloween parade on Memorial Field. We then sent the 49th OPS class to Sharp for their twoight field trip. OPS is one of the only elementary schools I know of that does an overnight field trip.
003I would like to extend my gratitude to the teachers who plan and chaper own the trip. It is a lot of work that goes above and beyond their normal job description. I'd like to thank this board for continuing to support the trip. While this is a parent funded trip, the board annually contributes over $15,000 to cover teacher stipens and transportation. There are some events like Sharp that stay the same. However, others evolve over time. For example, most people know that one of my favorite events during the year is the turkey trot. I believe it is important to find ways to teach children that they can make a difference. I love hearing stories of families who bring their children to the store and allow them to pick out the food items to donate, making it a
004financial literacy lesson, also on how to stretch a dollar. This year, on what was indeed the coldest night so far, we had our first nighttime family turkey trot, continually involving, which was an idea of our PE teachers brought forward. I hope it will continue to be an event moving forward. I am so excited to announce and you nobody's child knows this yet that we collected over 4,000 food items which were packed and sent off to the Center for Food Action by a group of sixth graders and representatives from the PTA this morning. If you follow our social media, you will know that 4,000 was the limit we needed to reach for our assistant principles to put on their blowup turkey costumes and have an obstacle course through the school. Um, I did have a uh
005a dental appointment yesterday and was out of the building. I might have driven all the way up here to drop off 70 items. I was a little excited. [laughter] On the district level, students in grades four through six competed the mandated NJSLA field test this last week. On a recent professional day, staff worked on completing mandated mental health training focused on suicide prevention, collaborated on report card benchmarking protocols, and our special area teachers had an opportunity to dialogue with their counterparts in River Edge. Several security projects were completed recently, including the deployment of additional cameras outside the building, and you will notice additional panic buttons within the building. Additionally, before the cold hit, an section of the back lawn was receded. As you look at your agendas this evening, you will be asked to approve
006the annual uniform memorandum of agreement with law enforcement. This is a standard document that outlines protocols for the police department allowable interactions with the school. The only portion that is district specific is a section that outlines video surveillance protocols, how the police department keeps the video secure, and who has access to review it. You will also notice that we are in the process of onboarding three new substitute teachers in our efforts to continually grow our substitute pool. The one event I would like to draw your attention to that occurs prior to our next meeting is that on December 11th, our fourth grade band and coral groups along with both handbell groups will be performing at 7 p.m. in this auditorium. I know that many of the board's children had their musical start in band at
007OPS. So, if you want to reminisce with a rousing rendition of Hot Cross Buns, we'll be here. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Aya Pell. >> Yes. Good evening. I know I'll sound like a broken record, but I'm still just finishing up the audit. So, I'm glad that they are offsite. Uh they are back at their office now just sending email requests. Um that's really been uh consuming a lot of my time. Um so that concludes my report. >> Thank you. I have a quick question on the superintendent report. Uh you said we did the test for the NJSLS. How did that go? >> Um what we noticed was the writing portion operationally everything was fine. The writing portion portion definitely pushed our students. It is 120 minutes of a writing assessment.
008Even with a break that's a lot. So, that is something that we'll continue to look at and I'm wondering if the state will be giving us an opportunity to provide some feedback on that. >> Was the test that they took now the same as the one they're going to take the same length each section or it was just a a shorter version? >> It was a shorter version. As a reminder, it's really a validity test to check the questions before it's actually operational in the spring. So everybody even in our school had different questions just so that they can callull and it was actually part of the RFP for the new testing company. They were required to try it on New Jersey students before it became operational. So the state kind of set it up
009from the start that we were going to have to do a field test in the fall. >> Thank you. Review of minutes October 15th and 29th. Any comments or questions, please email Mr. Ayapelli. Move to administrative. Mrs. Norian, would you take that? >> Certainly. Um, I'd like to present items A1 and A2. >> Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Second by Mrs. Walker. Any questions, Mrs. Walker? >> Um, and thank you for that update. Um, Miss Bosio's concerning the annual review of the uniform me memorial memorandum. But I have a question. Is that every year that we do this? This is just a matter of format. >> Oh, thank you. >> I have a question. Um, for A2 item number two, that's what's in our packet. Is that right? You received the
010executive summary for the first one in your folders on Friday and the second one is in your packet. Sorry. >> Any other questions? >> Call the question >> on the roll. Mr. Dariion. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Downey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Moran. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nutlin. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Noram. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Nichols. Yes. Uh, buildings and grounds, Mr. Delg Greco is on here. Mr. Darian, would you take that? >> Sure. For, uh, buildings and grounds, we have, uh, two items on the agenda tonight, B1 and B2. I'd like to introduce. >> I'll second. >> Second by Mrs. Norian. Any questions? >> I have a comment. >> Mr. Darian. >> Yeah, I I haven't seen the long range facility plan. I don't think we reviewed it at
011all during B&G. So, um, >> it's it's not going to be submitted. This is just to get it on. So, after you review it, it can just go. This is just the >> I I don't understand. What do you mean it's not going to be submitted? >> Well, it's not submitted yet. It has not been completed. This is just when it's completed, they could just submit it because it could be in between board meetings and there were dates that it's due. So, just to give some housekeeping. >> Oh, so we're kind of like pre-approving it. >> Pre-approve. Right. So when when it's done, it can go >> that it could go. Exactly. >> So we have another couple of weeks. >> So we're going to be notified that it's done. Then we're going to get
012a chance to review it. >> Yes. >> We're going to meet in building and grounds to go over it. >> Yes, we could do that. I will recommend um request Mr. Sakura to come. >> When is it due? >> Off top of my head. I can't I don't want to say um >> I mean is it due next month? >> No. No, it's next year. next, not next school year, but next calendar year before the spring. That's >> So, is there a harm in tableabling? It's I'm not that comfortable just voting for something that we're going to then go over. Mr. Darian, you have an opinion on that? >> Uh, yeah. I actually, to be honest, I wouldn't mind tableling it because um, you know, I feel uncomfortable just um, you know, approving it and
013then, you know, what if we never get around to it? and then um you know it'll be too late. So you know it'd be hard to go back and say well you know we we we got to review it etc or make any changes because it's already been approved. So >> there any harm in doing that? >> No. It's your prerogative >> because it's not due in December basically. Right. >> Correct. >> So it's up to you Mr. Darren. You're the one who made the motion. >> Yeah. I'll amend my motion to table B2 and only submit for consideration B1. >> Do I have a second on that? Second >> second by Mrs. Nor u by Mrs. Walker. Any other questions? >> Call the question on the roll. Mr. Darian. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Downey.
014>> Yes. >> Mrs. Norian. I mean Mrs. Moran. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nutland. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Norian. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Nichols. >> Yes. Curriculum. Mrs. Norian. >> Uh, no report at this time. >> Finance, Mr. Dariion. >> Uh, yes. Uh, we haven't had a um finance subcommittee meeting, so I have nothing new to report um other than I understand that our auditors have been completing. So hopefully that'll free up our schedule so that we can start with the uh 202526 school year budgeting process. Um, so with that, I'd like to introduce finance items D1 through D5. >> I'll second. >> Second by Mrs. Norian. Any questions? Mr. Darian, I think you meant the 2627 school year. >> See, I'm always [laughter] forgetting what year we're in. Did I
015say 2526? >> Yeah, we're done with it. >> Thank you for that. >> Any other questions? >> Call the question >> on the role. Mr. Dariion. Yes, >> Mrs. Downey. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Moran. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nutland. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Walker. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Norian. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Nichols. >> Yes. Delegate report. Mrs. Norian, you want to take that? >> Uh, just that you got the information sent to you about the things that will be presented at this Saturday's delegate uh assembly. Um, I plan to be there. Um, if anybody has any comments or questions about what was presented, please let me know so I know how to vote. If there's any issue with anything, >> I want to talk about that under new business. Maybe. >> Maybe. Okay. Okay.
016>> Okay. Good. >> When is the meeting? It's this week, right? >> It's this weekend. Saturday. >> Right. Um, personnel, Mrs. Walker. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, we did not have a meeting uh since our last one and which was LA two weeks ago. Um, I'd like to present F1. >> Do I have a second? I'll second it. Second by Mrs. Norian. Any questions? >> Um, I have a question. >> Mrs. Walker >> on um Roman numeral 4 a the extension of the family leave. Is that usual that we would extend it for the year? Um we have in numerous times when someone is supposed to come back and they've asked to extend it. It's always a difficult decision for a staff member and for us um staff member gets no health care. So a
017lot of times that pushes them to come back. In this case, the employee has said, "I really do need Chill June." And it is a valued member of our community. So, we're going to give her that time so she can be back and ready to teach in September. >> Thank you. Any other questions? Call the question >> on the roll. Mr. Darian, >> yes. >> Mrs. Downey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Moran, >> yes. >> Mr. Nutland, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Norian, >> yes. >> Mrs. Nichols, >> yes. Policy, Mr. Nutland. >> Nothing new to report. Thank you. >> Public relations, Mrs. Downey. At this time, we'll open to the public. >> Um, >> I need a timer. Mr. D, >> track of time. How much time are we going to
018have? >> 3 minutes. >> Okay. >> How's it going, Councilman John Kern? I'm the liazison for the board, as you know. Um, today I have a message uh from the mayor, James Co. I ask that it be read uh verbatim into the minutes. Um, dear board president Watson Nichols, superintendent Boseios, and Principal Holly, I apologize for not being being available to attend your board meeting in person this evening as I am representing the burrow at the annual meeting at the New Jersey uh state league of municipalities. As governing bodies leazison to the board, I appreciate uh councilman Kern's appearance on my behalf. It has uh recently come to my attention that the school of board's annual holiday sing along uh will no longer follow its traditional format as an in-person event um but be broadcast
019virtually. If understood this correctly, parents will no longer be welcomed into the school to see the festive event uh that both the children and the parents alike uh look forward to each year during the holiday season. Uh if that is true, I find it very unfortunate and disappointing. I have heard a variety of reasons uh which I will be contributing to this change in the format including a uh a disruption to academics uh and public safety concerns within the building. As mayor of our community, I am requesting clarification as to why this change is being implied implemented. OPS has always served as a hub for our community. It is the school of our children to attend where they play in recession pro uh recreation programs and participate in plays, musical musicals and other performances to
020name a few of the cherished events our community values as it as it it has come to be expected. In a society where we're trying to limit screen time and overall resilience on technology for our children, how can the social component of this event be removed by having the kids perform before a camera versus a live uh and engaging audience? Uh one where the children can see the happiness of their music uh brings to the uh approval of the parents and loved ones. Personally speaking, I have tried to view this and other performances virtually whenever I have not been able to attend. Unfortunately, I encountered technical issues on many occasions. The audio being absent from the sing along one year as issues with technology happen and are understandable. Changing the format to virtual only performance
021could cause a parent to miss the performance, which is simply unacceptable. our kids grow too quickly to wait another year to see um their perform again. Um if there are any issues, the school requires assistance such as public safety. Uh the burrow is happy to offer resources that are necessary to the school to ensure that the event can occur as it has traditionally has. Um I have called Ordell my home for the entire my entire life and I have cherished memories of my days at OPS. Uh the board was kindly enough to allow the burrow to hold our reorganization here. Um and I have sworn and to be sworn in as mayor as it gives me great pride to see the kids grow here. I hope um you get a sense that I'm personally conveying
022um about how meaningful this institution is to our community. I strongly urge the board and the school administration to revert to holding the holiday sing along in a traditional in-person format considering what this is and other events mean to the students and to the parents. Uh please do not hesitate to reach back out to me um or the burrow for assistance. Sincerely, James uh Co, mayor. Um and I, Jonathan Kern, also follow in his message and I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Mr. Darian, are you going to give a 30 second warning? >> Yeah. >> Good evening. At the heart of every choice we make, >> please state your name. >> Oh, Rosemary Catalo, steam coach at Ordell. >> At the heart of every choice we make is the
023well-being of our students and staff. The overcrowding experience in the NPR poses safety concerns that simply cannot be ignored. The new format allows us to celebrate together while ensuring a safer environment for all. Also, please recognize that extended rehearsals and long blocks of time out of the classroom pull our students away from val valuable instruction time. By refining the structure of the event, instruction time is protected while still honoring the traditions our school community loves. These changes are upsetting for many parents. Songsfest is a cherished tradition and any change to something so meaningful naturally brings strong emotions. We believe that the administration's goal has been to maintain the spirit of the event while keeping safety and learning at the forefront. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Robera Canyon, 25 years at OPS.
024Over my years at OPS, we have navigated many changes. Report cards, field trips, curriculum, staffing, safety protocols, and evolving state and federal requirements. We adapted through CO, shifting to virtual learning when needed. Not every change is perfect, but each one teaches us, strengthens our practice, and moves us towards a better tomorrow. Decisions at OPS are never made lightly or on a whim. We plan them through care careful discussion, brainstorming, weighing pros and cons, and keeping one priority at the center. How do we prepare our students academically, emotionally, and socially? Our faculty is committed to meeting students social, emotional, and academic needs while building a strong, connected OPS community. As a parent in a nearby community, I am often struck by how fortunate Oridel is. My children's elementary school and many other schools in our area
025do not offer field trips. They do not offer inschool visits or volunteer opportunities that OPS consistently provides. When they do, they are often limited to small groups. OPS's approach is broader and more inclusive. Each year, I look forward to our new second grade adventures. Been in second, then to third, back to second. Love second. I'm genuinely excited for my students to experience a new spring musical performance and I love having parents in to build leprechaun traps. I'm also looking forward to seeing my former students and current students interacting at the sing along in December and everything else this year's class will bring. Thank you. Thank you. >> Jamie Carowana, first grade teacher, second grade one here. [laughter] Um, good evening members of the board. Um, colleagues and families. Thank you for the opportunity to speak
026tonight. As a classroom teacher, I want to begin by acknowledging the strong feelings that many families have about our winter Songfest. The event has been and continues to be a tradition that we have at OPS and I truly understand how much parents want to share those moments with their children. Um, my boys hate singing in front of public, so if the Songfest got cancelceled in their school, they'd be cheering, [laughter] but that I know is not every child's um feelings about it. I also would like to be clear about the decision that was made. Um, the administration has determined that this year's Songfest, as you know, will take place as a student and staff sing along. As a teacher, I support their decision and their choice, and I'd like to explain why that decision was
027reached and how we will work intentionally to keep creating meaningful memories for our students and families. Um, in a school our size, as mentioned, it's very uncommon for every student and staff member to be in one place together. Um, and we haven't been able to do that in a long time with the Songfest being split up into three separate teams. That rare opportunity is valuable and the singalong still allows students to experience that sense of community. Seeing siblings, former teachers, and future teachers all in one gathering. Preserving that connection for our students was an important factor in the change. Another key reason for the adjustment was to minimize disruption to our instructional time. In prior years, the week before the holidays often involved uh daily rehearsals that pulled students out of my class, as well
028as gym, art, library, and other classes that they look forward to, especially when I have to tell them that they're not going to gym and they're going to practice singing. They get very upset, especially the little ones. By holding a student and staff event, we can keep students in their regular routines while still celebrating the season together. It also creates a more controlled calm environment that supports students who may become overwhelmed during large public events. Um, again, as a mom, my older son the week of the holiday sing along in elementary school requested to skip the entire week of school because he hated singing so much in front of people. Um, so not every student has that same feeling. Importantly, this new format opens up more room for grade level and classroom celebrations that the
029administration thought of and added to your um parent visitations throughout the year. Events that families will be invited to attend. And these events will showcase individual students in ways that are deeply meaningful. Our goal is not to take celebrations away from families, but to balance the celebration with the needs of students and the realities of our schedule and space. I respect and hear your disappointment, but please know that we are always committed to making everything memorable for your children and to strengthening the partnership between school and family. Thank you for your under understanding, your support, and your continued trust in us. >> Thank you. >> Hi, uh Karen Heinsar, a fourth grade teacher. This is my 10th year at OPS. Before having the pleasure of teaching here, I taught in Wyoff and Rididgewood. Due to
030smaller class sizes, we had weekly opportunities to come together as a whole school for assemblies and performances at OPS. Because we are so big, students don't have these experiences. A little bit more about myself. In my house, there is a lot of music. My son Shawn is a professional musician. He plays second flute and piccolo with the Rochester Philarmonic Orchestra. My daughter Mave is a classically trained singer and future elementary music teacher. She's also on keyboards and vocals in a rock band called Girl Band. My youngest daughter Claire is a competitive Irish dancer. Their musical interests are not genetic. Mr. Marin and I can barely carry a tune. But my kids found their love of music in school. So, as a flute mom, a voice mom, and an Irish dance mom, I know how important
031music is to children. The chance to perform in school can be life-changing, as it has been for all three of my kids. Luckily, there are many opportunities to perform at OPS. We have coral performances, band concerts, handbells, musical theater productions, and new this spring, fourth graders will sing songs in a tribute to New Jersey. By limiting the singalong to students and staff, we will create a unique opportunity for the entire school to come together. Our students will love playing the new games. They will love singing with their friends from every class. They will love singing with students in every grade. They will love singing with every teacher, staff member, and administrator at the top of their lungs, hopefully in pajamas. They will love making music together. It's going to be so much fun. Thank you.
032>> Thank you. Hello, Tracy Sham, TAG teacher um at OPS. [clears throat] I am fortunate to have begun my teaching career at Ordell Public School. So, for 39 years, OPS has been my classroom. And like our students, I have had the pleasure of being part of the holiday sing along each year. During my tenure, the event has gone through many, many versions. When I started in the late 1980s, no laughing, we held two assemblies in the auditorium, one for grades K to2 and another for grades 3 to six. The singalongs were attended solely by teachers and their students, and they were always fun. They were a fun festive kickoff to the December break. I have such fond memories of hamming it up. Hard to believe. and some truly spectacular off-key singing and most of all
033the laughter and the smiles. My students absolutely had a blast. Fast forward to today, our staff and administration have welcomed parents, grandparents, and other family members to join us in the celebration. But once again, the evolving demands of education require us to make adjustments to the day's format so that we can maintain academic excellence and continuity of instruction. These adjustments remind me of an essay question I answered when I first applied for my position at OPS. One that focused on accountability. My response needed to reflect the triad of accountability that educators are held to accountability to our parent community, to our administration, board of education, and to state and federal policies. But always at the center of that triad is our accountability to our students. In fairness, I also remember that essay because I rewrote
034it at least 10 times um before submitting it. In many ways, the singalong is a reflection of that accountability process. It's gone through many iterations because just like today, our staff and administration continue to grow and respond to the evolving needs of the educational community. We've always made these changes dutifully, enthusiastically, and with our students joy and best interests at the center. The reality is is there are only so many hours in the day. Some events must excuse [clears throat] me, some events must be modified while others have remained and are still traditions that make OPS such a special place to work and learn. I hope that the community will continue to believe in the professionalism of our staff and in our deep love for the OPS community. As always, we will make the sing
035along a lasting and meaningful memory for our students. One rooted in love, celebration, and one that embraces the academic and safety needs of today. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Nicole Luwendowski. I'm a parent of four children, three of whom are current OPS students. I'm not here tonight to debate the singalong itself. I fully recognize the board has no direct authority over this decision. If the OPS administration chooses to replace tradition and shared experience with screens, and virtual substitutions, the board can only watch it happen. What I am here to speak about is time management, communication, and administrative focus. While time was spent creating slideshows of parents on their phones or sitting in the back of the NPR weaponizing our attendance, valuable hours could have gone towards finding solutions for our slipping math scores,
036extended teacher leave of absence, and mid-year teacher switches. Time that could have been invested in developing real district goals with measurable indicators. Time that could have been used to deliver long promised security updates and to implement a clear incident response protocol. I'm asking the board to take a serious look at the arguably manipulative tactics used during the schoolwide assembly. An assembly that pulled students and teachers away from valuable instruction time. The very reason we were told Songfest was canled. During that assembly, my nine-year-old son was singled out and publicly pressured to ring a bell for ideas he liked, even though he was uncomfortable and didn't agree. That's not empowerment. That is manipulation. And while administration was busy answering the flood of emails this decision created, they could have avoided all of it by communicating early,
037clearly, and collaboratively. Instead, the change to the singalong was buried at the bottom of an email four weeks before an event families have anticipated for months. Had administration been proactive, parents would have been able wouldn't have to break the news to their own children. Administration also owes families honest, direct explanations why the singong is being cancelled and what exactly will take its in its place. Packing 800 students and staff into the MPR is larger than any Songfest we've ever held. It doesn't sound safer. It doesn't sound organized and certainly doesn't sound like a fully formed plan. Countless families, including myself, have suggested manageable alternatives to allow for a modified event. I ask the board to consider why exactly the administration is so overwhelmed that when my 11-year-old submitted a persuasive letter using a skill he
038learned here at OPS, he received a rush, dismissive response. That interaction hurt him. And we all know once something like that happens, while an apology helps, it doesn't erase it. I very much wish this decision could be overturned. What I'm truly asking is for the board to guide the administration back towards its mission to put down personal agendas. Cancelling the singalong may make life easier for adults, but it robs children of experiences and builds confidence, public speaking skills, and for many, their very first taste of the performing arts. Finally, I ask and I'm truly asking the board to help administration stop repeating history. The same concerns keep resurfacing, further impacting the community's trust and confidence in the school. Canceling the singalong isn't canceling an activity. It's removing a moment of nostalgia and tradition that anchor
039them to their school community. I beg administrators to listen to the community, a mutually agreed upon event that is safe and ultimately makes our children happy. Thank you again for the time and opportunity to stand up tonight. Thank you. [applause] >> Good evening. I'm Danielle Morris. Um I have three children. Um one is a junior graduated from OPS, one that's currently here and one that will be here soon enough. While I personally don't do well public speaking, so I'm going to look down the whole time. I thought it was necessary to come here with this this evening to advocate to reinstate Sunfest for Inerson viewing. There is a petition circulating and though this petition was created by me, it actually started in a small group chat of moms who were all feeling alike. The general
040consensus was that families were upset, frustrated, and fearing retaliation for speaking up. So, the petition was born. It took off. Over 450 parents, grandparents, and former students have signed in support of allowing families to attend upcoming singalong. We believe community is important. There's no single face or villain here, just a united group hoping to create a warm, inclusive experience for our children. If safety is a concern, we can hire a resource officer, limit attendees, implement tickets, or host it outdoors. If time outside the classroom is the issue, send home the lyrics, let the kids practice at home with us, with their parents who are going to come and watch. It's just one day and perhaps a small change could allow the entire OPS community to enjoy this in-person celebration for yet another holiday season. I
041do have a couple comments that were written on the petition from former students that I'd like to read. Kylie, no last name. I graduated from OPS and I've always looked forward to the holiday singalongs every single year and having my family members watch me during them definitely made them more fun. I'm sure that parents are excited to see their kids perform as well. I know mine were. This is very sad and makes me very upset because in my opinion there's no point of kids having these performances if there's not even a real audience visible for them. That was Kylie Britt. Uh actually that's not a student. Sorry. One second. Um Jen, as an OPS graduate, this is sad to hear. Part of the magic of these events is watching the children light up when they
042see the people they love in the crowd. It motivates them, builds confidence, and creates memories they carry with them for years. Replacing them with the screen is not the same experience. Caroline, as an OPS grad, the singalong was a core memory of being an OPS Panther. Changing this heartwarming event to be virtual takes away the meaning of the holidays and the community. I do have one parent that wrote something. Um, it's not many years we get to be involved and see our kids showcasing what they've learned in school. It's chaotic. And if my kids standing next to the kid coughing, you bet I'm cringing. But watching a video or watching our kids in person is not even a conversation in my opinion. This just seems like the easy way out. We've done this for what,
04330 plus years? What's the problem now? When you trade convenience for everything else, what's next? A video of field day. That's it. Thank you. [applause] I'm also not one for public speaking. I will be reading. But Lauren Jenerelli, I have two students here at OPS. Um board members, administration, staff, other parents. Thank you for giving me this time. Um I want to clearly state that I do support the points made about Winter Song best by other parents thus far. But I also want to address the broad broader issue that I'm observing highlighted by this situation that's an ongoing concern at OPS regarding communication practices and the consistent pattern of parents receiving information that is incomplete, misleading, or delivered only after decisions have been finalized. Over the past several years, families have repeatedly found themselves learning
044about significant changes with little context, little notice, and no opportunity to understand or discuss the reasoning behind them. This is not about any single event. Instead, it reflects a broader communication issue that affects how families plan, how we support our children, and how we understand the direction of the school. Too often, the information shared with families and parents is only part of the picture or arrives so late that it feels like an afterthought rather than a meaningful attempt to engage or inform. This creates confusion and frustration that could easily be avoided with earlier, clearer, and more transparent communication. Parents want to be aligned with the school. We want to understand the challenges OPS is facing, whether logistical, safety related, staffing related, or operational. When information is delivered late or without full context, it prevents families
045from being able to plan appropriately and creates a sense that communication is reactive instead of proactive. I'm not asking for parents to be decision makers. I'm simply asking for communication that is timely, accurate, and straightforward when major shifts are presented and as final and non-negotiable with prior indication that changes were being considered. It creates avoidable tension and erodess trust over time. Our community is strong and supportive. Families consistently step up when asked, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or contributing resources. What we ask in return is not special treatment, but clarity. Not influence, but honesty. Not involvement in every decision, but communication that respects the fact that parents rely on the school to provide information they can trust. I encourage the board to take a close look at how information flows to the family and to help
046establish processes that prioritize transparency and timely communication. These improvements would strengthen trust, reduce confusion, and build a healthier school culture for everyone involved. Thank you for your time. >> [applause] >> Anyone else? >> Moses, do you want to say anything or >> I do. First of all, um, Councilman Kern, can you clarify Mayor Coat's email for me because I emailed him twice to create a safer turkey trot and I haven't heard back. So, I can only assume I must have had it wrong. >> Um, yes. Actually, you know, I will email you later his email and send it to you >> because I I know that he would definitely have wanted me to have those lights outside. >> No problem. >> Thank you. And uh, additionally, just I'm really proud of when we make growth.
047So, I just want to touch on one thing because it's something that Mr. Warner has worked really hard on. Our math scores actually went up this year. It is something we're really, really proud of. I know that was one little point in there, but it's something I want to give Mr. Warner credit for because it is part of why we hired a math guy. Um, now [applause] the announced changes to this year's winter sing along weren't made hastily, although I know they look like they were. two years ago with a completely different school-based administrative team. They came to me and spoke about concerns regarding crowding in the NPR. The police actually do send us a police officer for that event. So, it wasn't that. It was the actual crowding of the event which did exceed
048building code. The difference between 800 students and 270 students with 500 extra chairs is actually the furniture in the room. So for example, MPRC has a capacity of 138 if furniture is in the room, 256 with no furniture in the room. So crowding was that primary concern, but we said we love this event. You may not know this. I created the event. Songfest didn't look like it looks right now. Prior to my time as principal, I it was individual grade level assemblies. I wanted an event to bring the community together. The following year, because it was an event that I loved so much, we tried to make changes regarding rehearsal times and splitting up classes differently to mitigate both the concerns. Yet after last year's Songfest, a completely different school administrative team came to me
049and said, "We still have the same two issues." When speaking about different options to address both issues, from grade level assemblies to possibly just doing this as a K3 assemblies of K3 students, the school-based administration and I kept coming back to the same issue. Songfest was created to provide a community feel across all seven grades. To put K6 together, to let big kids remember what it was like to sing If I Could Fly Like a Snowflake, and to let little kids look up to the sixth graders and see their safety patrols singing with them. No solution that we came up with allowed for that to occur. We even talked about moving to four assemblies. When Mrs. John Carelli emailed about maybe you could do them alphabetically. We thought about it and we said what is
050the impact? The impact would be even more disruption during the school day. The impact of four assemblies puts less students in the room and lets less little kids see big kids lets less teachers see the students of the past. That's how one school one sing along came to be. We knew from the start that we still wanted an opportunity at each grade level for parents to see their students perform musically because we value that. So before we would even commit to one assembly, which is why the communication was late, and I will apologize for that, we worked with the music department to ask, can you help us create a musical event at each grade level? They said yes. And this year, each grade at Ordell Public School will perform musically. Children will stand on the
051risers and bring joy to their parents through voice. However, it will be done in a manner that actually connects to the curriculum and is more in intimate. That will include a second grade musical, a third grade recorder concert and instrumental petting zoo, a fourth grade tribute to New Jersey, and an opportunity for our fifth graders to sing patriotic songs, which after speaking to our new rec director, I think we'll be able to lead to a giveback activity next year where our sixth graders go to the senior center and sing for Veterans Day. This year's one school sing along is not a performance. No one is standing on risers. Students are sitting on the floor in a big U. We are singing together. Our entire student and staff community. There will be games and activities interspersed
052between the songs. The assembly is about letting students see their teachers be silly. It is about joy. It is about being together as a school. Kindergarten teachers seeing the students they taught four years ago and first graders catching a glimpse of their kindergarten teacher, which if you've never seen in the hallway, is the most special moment ever. We so rarely have opportunities to come together as one school. It is going to be a tremendous amount of work. But this administration, it is our administration's gift to our students and our staff. To our staff, we heard you. We know how difficult your job is and we are going to reduce the inconsistency in your classrooms leading up to the winter break. And to our students, we expect you to work and work hard through December 22nd.
053But for doing that, we're going to have a day of fun. The singalong, our community, one school, one singalong will begin the day before students return to their classrooms for celebrations and parties. The reason we chose to stream the event is because we wanted our voices together to spread joy to everyone. You may not see your child, but you will hear them. I will thank Councilman Kern for bringing up the sound. We will do some significant testing. We are actually using um someone different for our video to ensure a better quality. There will be no risers. There will be us sitting on the floor with some TV screens to help our teachers know the words because they will be singing too. Can I guarantee this event will be a success? No. And that's what Mrs.
054Holly and I spoke to the children about last week. I shared with them. We shared with them that we're scared. There are a lot of times as a leader of this district that I am scared. When we decided to have two teachers in fourth grade, it was scary. Could third could little kids, eight-year-olds, handle having two teachers. When we moved to a departmentalized model in sixth grade, it was scary. It came with numerous operational challenges and we had to question whether reducing math time would be detrimental. But that statistic I just shared said it wasn't. When we moved from a science lab to a steam lab, people came to this board meeting and argued against it. If you've seen our steam tank projects, I don't think anyone would now argue that decision. Our job as
055educational leaders is to make decisions we believe are best for children. We believe that trying something new is in the best interest of children. And after the event, I promise you, we will evaluate how to proceed in 2026. I have to tell you, um, Mrs. Junkerelli, your words, um, truly meant a lot to me today. Um, they were incredibly eloquent. So, if you want to get up there even more, please feel free to. Uh for the new year, my job is as superintendent to direct the principal. I will be directing the principal to start a school leadership team that will include parents and teachers and administrators on it because clearly we're communicating a lot, but we're not communicating right. And I hear you and I'm committed to making it better. I ask that you. Let
056us try because nothing's ever going to get better if we don't ever take a risk and try something new. Thank you. Any other open to the public? Okay. Not seeing any. We'll move to old or new business. any old or new business? >> You have anything, Mrs. Walker? >> Um, the one thing I noticed in the um the minutes from the um meeting for um Oh gosh. for the board with for the um the one Greg the I'm I'm pulling a blank >> Buildings and grounds. I noticed that there was a talk about a new sign for the front of OPS. Um is that in the works or >> Mr. Darian, you want to discuss that? >> Uh yeah, we talked about the sign. um you know on on one end we can we can
057leave the the sign as it is. We can just refurbish it. Um moving away from that we can replace the sign with a similar sign or on the other end of the spectrum we can go and try to model our sign after what's at St. Joe's. Uh I mean sorry Bergen Catholic. I'm sorry not St. Joe's. or Catholic, you know, with a waterfall and the marble and and all of that. So, um, you know, we're leaning towards replacing the sign with something very similar. Um, we t the administration to find vendors and apparently, uh, a lot of vendors recently went out of business and I think they're still looking. Is that correct? >> Yes. The one vendor that was did a lot of work, very nice, very creative, artistic, well done, >> he passed away.
058>> So that's a problem. >> The wife of the proprietor told me they're out of business. >> Uhhuh. >> So he was number one, but I'm looking for others because they did so much work throughout >> uh Northern New Jersey for communities, libraries, schools. Um, and their work was really good. So, >> so, so basically, you know, I I think we're going to land on something similar to what we have. I mean, to the average person probably wouldn't notice the difference. The the the issue we're having right now is that the sign is made out of wood and the paint is flaking and I'm sure the wood is getting old. So, you know, maybe we might replace it with a woodike composite material that looks like wood. But right now, you know, we're leaning on
059something that looks similar to the existing sign in terms of, you know, what it is. I mean, there is some discussions about maybe instead of using wood posts, using brick and then having a wood, you know, sign uh kind of gives it more substance. But, you know, that really depends on price. If we start getting prices that are expensive, we're not going to do that. So, that's kind of where we're leaning. Unless somebody starts to lean on us to go a particular direction. I'm just thinking that we have a very creative community right here in Orido and that in some way maybe to reach out to the parents and those that attend OPS or have if they can come up with similar ideas or not so similar ideas before we just go and recreate what
060we already have if we're going to the expense. only a suggestion. >> Is this Norian? Um, this may not be very um uh it may not win me any votes, but um at at um when the sign was originally uh gifted to the school, uh if you look back in the history, it was gifted as much more of the Bergen Catholic with the with the marble piece and the side pieces. Um and um they delayed the PTA delayed or the school somehow it was delayed in being put in for a period of time and then they came back with a totally different which is where we ended up with the sign that we have. So, the original donation to the school actually was more of a a permanent uh permanent stone structure of some kind.
061Um, and then the people who were on the PTA decided to change it when there was a change in the administration of that. Do do you do you remember when by any chance or >> I could look back and it was in it was probably in and and actually I know the person who was put in the PTA who was put in charge of putting the sign together and getting it done. And that was Mrs. Chrisalis, Carrie Chrisalis. Um so I'm sure I can ask her um and find out exactly when that was done. Yeah, because if we just my opinion. >> Yeah. >> If if we accepted a donation to to put a sign and then somehow we ended up with a different type of sign, I don't I don't think that's right. I
062think we should go back to the original donation. >> There are a lot of people who would agree with you, but they were not in the majority at the time that it was done. So, >> well, I I just we could we can revisit that and and and I would just like to see, you know, what was originally envisioned and then we'll we'll discuss it. But, you know, >> so before you make a decision, let's see if we can dig up some of that information. >> Sure. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Anything else, Mrs. Walker? >> No. Thank you. Any other old or new business before we get into the resolutions for the delegate assembly that Katherine has to vote on? So, did anybody look at the email I had forwarded to everyone about the resolutions?
063There's three that the delegates will be voting on. >> You want to go over the first one? Um the the first one is um from the Delran Board of Education in Burlington County proposes a new policy language for adoption by delegate assembly and for inclusion in NJ SBA's manual of positions and policies on education. The proposed resolution requests that the NJSBA support a limitation on the period of time for which a board member and charter school trustes criminal history can be reviewed and that it support language that would consider the nature of the crime committed before a board member or charter school trustee could be permanently disqualified from service. The recommendation from the resolution subcommittee um recommends approval of the proposed resolution with the following substitute language that would amend current policy language to be
064included in the manual. NJSBA believes that board members and charter school trustee members should have the opportunity to demonstrate affirmatively to the commissioner of education evidence of rehabilitation upon finding a criminal offense that would disqualify them from membership and consideration shall be given to the date of the offense. So tell me what you >> So before Katherine keeps going, five resolutions were proposed by boards of ed and three went through the policy I guess the resolution committee SBA and these are the three that they are recommending to go forward for vote >> by the delegates. So this one this one actually >> um I when we when I was originally a member of the board and you also probably probably you Mr. and you did not have to be fingerprinted or background checked to be
065a board member, but now you have to be fingerprinted background check. So when that came through, it was in the middle of everyone's term like several years ago and there were some board members in the state of New Jersey who things came up in their background could have been I remember one specifically was like a marijuana charge when they were 19. So it has caused issues over the years. So this resolution is to just go back a certain amount of years and look at the type of offense. So personally I am for it. Is anybody Katherine's gonna be voting for us, so you would have to give your opinion. >> Did they clarify how far back they say? >> Oh, do they clarify the level of crime? >> No, but I'm assuming it's going to
066be >> they're they're saying that um >> misdemeanors, >> they would they should have the opportunity to dist demonstrate to the commissioner of education evidence of rehabilitation upon finding a criminal offense. So in other words, they would still have to go through the commissioner of education on whatever whatever happens to come up. They still will have to go to them. So it'll still be discussed. It's not just, you know, you >> it's not a blank slate that you go back a certain amount of years, you're in. >> Yeah. I'm just my concern is is you know uh child abuse or anything like that like how there's a high recidivism rate of child abuse and you know I don't necessarily want someone who's >> they're not going to let >> you like sexual assault or child
067abuse like what are we talking about they're not going to let someone like that >> I would I would have a sense that the commissioner of education would steer away from okay >> any of that kind in in in any case because we're dealing with children, right? >> You know, I I don't think that the commissioner of education would make that >> judgment. >> So, it's like a case by case basis. It's not >> Oh, yeah. That's what it's saying. That's what it's saying. >> Okay. >> It says the board member should have the opportunity to demonstrate to the commissioner of education evidence. >> So, it's a case by case. I mean, I I'm I have no opinion on this. I mean, I have an opinion, but I'm I'm I'm not going to recommend voting
068either way because um you know, there's just so many things on this thing. Um I a I I don't like the vagueness where we're going to leave it up to the commissioner to decide. I don't like the vagueness in terms of rehabilitation. I don't like the vagueness regarding whether it's a misdemeanor or a federal offense or a sexual offense or a traffic event or tax evasion or anything along those lines, right? Um I have no idea what we're what we're voting for. And and you know, on the other hand, I think you know, board members, it's a voluntary position. Um you know, if you can't if you can't meet that list lit test, you shouldn't be a board member. You know, I mean I mean what are we talking about? it's not someone's livelihood that,
069you know, they're not going to be able to make a living. So, you know, >> getting big bucks. [clears throat] [laughter] >> So, so you know, on one hand, I think that, you know, I would be against this, but on the other hand, you know, I'm I'm sure there are these little nitpicky, you know, things that come up, especially, you know, in a state like New Jersey where someone, you know, had a parking violation and they figured that was an issue. I'm I'm exaggerating, but the point is is that I'm sure there are certain things that was unfair and they came up in a background. Maybe it should have been um what is it when you when you're you get it something an older um >> when it gets expuned. >> Expuned. Thank you. >>
070So, you have something expuned, but yet it's showing up on these these databases >> and uh even though it should have been wiped clean, it's it's on there. And because it's on there, you you know, now that you know, you're publicly humiliated and you're, you know, removed from your position. So, I mean, I understand both sides, but it's just so vague. I'm just not comfortable voting for or against it. >> Mr. Nutland, >> Mrs. Norian, will you have an opportunity before you vote to further um >> ask further questions? Yes, I believe so. >> Okay. >> So, you trust me? >> I trust you. Okay. I don't necessarily always trust trust them or trust you know >> right >> and that's why I would trust you after dy you know of questioning >> okay so
071I will ask more questions >> Mrs. Walker, >> just a comment. Something must have come up to predicate having this on the agenda. So >> I would be for I'd like to know what it was. >> Well, you'll be there to ask. >> And then you might have to table it to vote until you came back to us. >> Well, unfortunately, I don't think that I can do that because at the assembly, you're one of all the districts that are there. the vote will go ahead. >> Well, but >> we're leaving it in your lap. >> Okay. I will do my best. Okay. >> Thank any opinion. >> My opinion is just pretty much that I think that if you have an opportunity to ask questions because the language is vague. I understand going on
072a case- by case basis, but I feel like you need some sort of >> bar that you're setting for guidelines >> what somebody can do. Yeah, >> Mrs. Downey. >> I think it's too open. >> Yeah. Okay. So, I will be asking lots of questions >> and and commenting that it's too open-ended. >> Yeah. And I I would that's that's my hesitation. Um I'm probably a no right now. I trust you. But going back, if they don't clarify what these boundaries are, then then my personal opinion would be a no, right? >> A hard no. >> Thank you. Okay, the next one comes from Clifton. New policy language supporting the belief that there should be universal free school meals for all preK through 12 students in New Jersey. Resolution subcommittee recommends approval of the proposed
073resolution with the following substitute language that which would amend current policy language to be included in the manual. The NJSBA believes that a free school program should be offered to all students at the expense of the state andor federal government. So they're not referring to any meal. They're referring to a free school program. I again it's not clear. >> Mr. Nutland >> provided by the state means provided by the taxpayers. >> Exactly. >> So I'm a hard no. >> Okay. Even if they were paying for the meals, we don't have anywhere to prepare it, right? Like we don't have the facilities. >> Mr. Darian, >> I mean, yeah, for us it could be a liability, right? If they were to mandate it, we'd have to provide food and we don't have so we would have
074to to build a a cafeteria >> um and then of course pay for free food. um >> we would build a cafeteria or there are different ways to approach and that is um there are places that bring food in. >> Yeah. >> Um but >> that's a little different approach because we investigated those when we were down at workshop. >> Yeah. But, you know, the the problem, you know, the problem with with a lot of this is that, you know, it's good intentions, right? >> Um, and so I don't want to argue with good intentions, but what ends up happening is if you're providing something for free, I'm sure the quality of food is going to be so bad that no one's going to want it because who's going to spend more money, as an
075example of taxpayer money, you know, offering higher quality food. I mean, right now we're paying for food and we're still getting subpar food. I mean, I haven't heard anything good about most cafeterias in most school districts. So, you know, it's high in starch and carbohydrates and sugars and, you know, it's not healthy food. So, I mean, mandating it for it to be free, I'm sure the price is just going to go down and and I don't know what that's going to serve. We're going to all be eating cardboard. There are also applications for pre free and reduced lunch that um families can uh apply for and they can be subsidized or even given free in the event that there is a need. Um so there are programs for those who don't know that will provide
076meals for children. >> Yeah, we don't qualify. Do do we we isn't that something that we have to qualify for? families can apply up until I think October 31st >> if we had a lunch program. >> I think I also think there are there are ways >> um we if you were if you were to submit those documents here, you would get free milk. That's how it's always been in the past. Um I think if they were to get benefits outside of here, they go up because we don't have a lunch program, >> right? No one submitted an application this year or last year. Since I've been here, there has been right zero applications submitted. >> Any opinion on this side? >> I don't believe we're set up for it in our school. personally. It's
077a tough question because it's really again very vague. It's not saying how where to set it up or where we're going to get the the food from. So again, more questions that need to be asked. >> Mrs. Downey. >> So I think we're no on this. >> Okay. And then the last resolution that's being presented is from the Bridgewater Raritan School District proposing new policy language supporting the belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, uh, education should be integrated into aspects of preK through 12 curricula for all New Jersey students. recommendation. Therefore, re uh NJSBA therefore recommends adoption of the proposed resolution with the following substitute language that would revise the language in the policy. The NJSBA believes that local boards of education should dedicate an equitable amount of instructional time to science education
078in elementary and middle schools relative to the amount of instructional time allocated to other subject areas. again, what does equitable in relation to other subject matters mean? And I think we already have STEM worked into most of our it's already in the New Jersey state curriculum, >> but but I think it's the amount of time that is dedicated to science versus say language arts or math. And this may actually not be something that we would have an issue with, but there may be schools across the state that would have issues with this. And what they're saying is they want all schools to have an equitable approach to STEM. >> Miss Boozios, do you have an opinion on this? >> You said, >> or do you want to say how our STEM curriculum works? My concern
079with the New Jersey state learning standards have always been that it's just more and more and more being put on the plate and the plate then gets too big and so I would rather see depth over breath. So adding more is not something I typically will stand behind. >> I have a >> Mr. Nland, >> I'm all for, you know, STEM uh being in integrated into our schools and every opportunity, but when I think about the formidable years of prek and kindergarten, those are um communication and sharing and the the skills, some of the most important life skills ever in terms of communication and stuff. And I just think we need really need to foster that. They're going to get the science and technology as they move forward. But I just think about prek. I'm
080I'm not ready to shove curriculum down their throat when I want them to color and make a mess and share and learn how to clean up and and do those things. >> Also, the implementation of this policy is going to look different in a K to6 district than it is in K to 12. So, I think it's going to affect K to 12 more than it would us. >> Okay. >> If it was well, I shouldn't say that. If it says every district needs to do it, it's going to affect us equally, but it really shouldn't. So, I would say what do you say, Mr. Darien? Well, look, I I I'm confused. You know, our our standards are set by the state. I know that we, you know, many years ago started with STEM and
081now we're including arts. So, it's steam um steam >> because we don't we we you know, we don't want to be very specific towards, you know, one segment as opposed to the other. Arts versus science. Um the the issue I have here is that you know we're we're board members and and and and now I think like we're we're not staying in our lane and and we're getting into you know the state and and the state standards and the curriculum and what they state uh statewide right through some sort of policy and and um and I don't it seems like it's not like for for me it doesn't seem like it's it's aligned with what's currently going on. So, you know, I feel like it's it's competing with existing standards. So, um you know, look,
082at the end of the day, what's nice about local governance is you have the ability, you know, the state standards are the minimum standards, right? It's just the baseline for which everyone has to meet and and this and the state exams are are, you know, the minimums. we can exceed them anytime we want. We can add and do whatever we want um above as long as we meet the standards. So I I you know if if a if I don't know who proposed this, whatever the school district is, if if they have an issue with not having enough steam or STEM, whichever direction they want to be going in, they can just add it into their curriculum anytime they want. So, I don't I just for me I just think like we're as a as
083board members we're like not staying in our lane and we're we're now going to be putting policy that might may be conflicting with where the educators are going and where the standards are going. >> I see your point. But what they're talking about is turning this into a policy which is the that is the job of the board of education is to create policy so >> for the standards to to follow it they're we're just saying that they want equitable time. They want they they are saying in this that steam STEM is important and so they want equitable time. That's what I get out of it. But um it's just a matter of creating a policy. >> Yeah. >> Sounds like a district issue on their issue. >> Yeah. But this then would then come
084down from the state to the different districts. >> And NJSBA is giving us a free uh policy review this year anyway. >> Any opinion? >> But if they're handing that down from the state, then they have to change their testing too. Correct. >> Not necessarily because the standards are the standards. But if they're well if you're taking away time from ELA and math that's preparing them for the standardized tests. >> Well, the way we teach STEM if you want to talk about it is in our subjects, >> right? >> You want to just you want to >> I guess we could think of it this way like recently the state added additional standards in life literacies, right? Like things like financial literacy and that take anything away. They didn't make the literacy test shorter. Um,
085and that's really been a lot of the concern of educators that the state keeps saying, "Let's do a little more without changing anything." I strongly believe we need to integrate STEM for two two reasons. Number one, because it is the way of the future. Number two, because it teaches problem solving. But at the end of the day, we are an elementary school, reading, writing, arithmetic. um >> playing >> didn't didn't the state just in the last few years come to I thought we changed our curriculum recently to add all the things from the that the state pushed down on us. >> We did specifically in um computer science and design which is the standards that we were tasked two years ago maybe three with weaving into every single part of the curriculum. Um I do
086think that science overall is up for a renewal. So, we're going to see some changes coming up there as well. >> But the state board did tell every district what they needed to add to the curriculum. >> Right. My concern about the way that's written is it's talk it seems to be talking more about time >> this one. Yeah. And I don't like >> and I don't like time. Are are you now going to say we need to spend 42 minutes on reading and 42 minutes on STEM and 42 minutes on this? There does need to be some autonomy. Our job is to meet the state standards. Yeah, that's that's my thought that if you're integrating STEM into throughout the day into the lessons that the kids are doing, then that should be sufficient. >>
087The other the other thing that bothers me the most is um you know, I don't know how they're going to administer this. They're going to administer this equally among all the the grade levels, right? It makes no sense. I mean, obviously in high school, yeah, it's a big deal. You know, there are kids who artistic who are not going to do well in math and there's kids who love math and doesn't care about, you know, writing and but in the elementary school, you know, it's like we're we're building a booster rocket, right? And if these kids can't read and write, they can't they can't >> get past the gravity. It doesn't you can't become a scientist if you don't know how to do math. So, it's like I I get all this and it makes
088sense at at certain grade levels, but when it comes to elementary school, you know, between like kindergarten and third, fourth grade, it's just reading and writing, you know, and and math, you know, learning your math tables and, you know, the basic math. And you just you got to be able to be competent. If and if you're not competent in those areas, everything else just it's it's not going to sink in. So, I just don't, you know, if they're telling us that, oh, well, we got to, you know, you know, be politically correct and have STEM equaling English and then half the kids can't read at the grade level and have trouble writing, we're not accomplishing anything. >> Okay, >> so that's a no. >> Okay, so thanks for all of your help. >> Any other
089old or new business? I guess we'll see you in another month or two. >> Yeah, really. [laughter] Thanks. I'll let you know how Saturday goes. >> Well, maybe you should tell them they should clarify better. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. >> Well, maybe it's not vague. >> They they have a few things they need to clarify. >> Do you have your notes clearly laid out now? >> Oh, we have a record. >> No, >> we have a recording for you. >> Oh, okay. I'll look at the recording. Any other older new business >> do you need to go into a close session? Would you make the motion? >> Okay. I move that we go into a close session. >> Second by Mrs. Walker. Roll call. >> The role. Mr. Dariion. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Downey. >>
090Yes. >> Mrs. Moran. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nutland. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walker. Yes, >> Mrs. Norian. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Nichols. >> Yes, we will not be taking any action. Thank you for coming.