001Yeah. Yeah. I was a little concerned about that, too. >> Yeah. By the next morning, yeah, it's just like inviting a lot of kids. >> I mean, sure, there's a reason I have kept a hold because >> Hey, I know you guys are interested in sitting here and doing nothing. What do you say? You want to get started for tonight? >> I'm 35 seconds behind here. Let me let me thing up >> what my students expect to do. >> All right, we are uh we are live here. So, uh >> call the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Uh can we please rise for the flag salute? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
002and justice for all. And we have the opening statement according to the agenda. Mr. Halenback, can you please call the role? >> Dr. Capella. >> Present. >> Uh, Mr. Davio was going to be joining us virtually. He is not on yet. >> Miss Shrimp, >> yes. >> Present. >> Mr. Chaffy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dphano, >> present. >> Miss Paulina, >> here. >> Mr. Citri is absent this evening. Miss Goul, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Schubert >> here. Can I please have a motion um to go into executive session? >> I'll make a second, >> Jen. And on the second and next Mr. Halenback will complete the superintendent report and the hip report. >> All right. Uh so ladies, you are up front and center this evening. Uh who wants to go first? >>
003All right, Natalya, it's all yours. So, I wanted to start off by congratulating all the students who auditioned other high schools for the North Jersey area band and placed. We had seven out of nine auditions placed and five out of seven of those students placed into the smaller like more selective and competitive wind ensembles. That was really awesome. Um, on December 6th, the holiday ensemble performed at the town tree lighting for the town. Um, and then this morning at 8:45 a.m., the holiday will be performed live on WSUS, the Christmas station. Um, and then speaking more of auditions, there will be five total auditions for the region one honors band, which consists, it's the top third of high schools of New Jersey. Um, we're hoping to have a really good turnout. Um, two weeks ago,
004Mamia editions took place and, uh, we wanted to congratulate the entire cast. Uh the holiday the holiday door decorating contest is taking place at the high school this week and the home rooms will compete for a bagel breakfast. And lastly, NHS is hosting our annual giving tree where everyone has the opportunity to purchase and donate gift cards for families in need and the holidays. >> Awesome. Thank you, Megan. It's you. >> Um so, um this week is spirit week at the high school, so we're having fun pep rally this Friday. Um some events are the cookie eating contest and tugof-war. Friday is also rock paper scissors tournament and the winner will be announced at the pep rally. Um winter sports photos were last Friday. Um competition cheer team had their pockets of bingo on Saturday.
005Thanks to all who attended it. Um hockey had their first game on the 6th and have had three games total. Um boys and girls basketball have their first games this week, but boys play at home tomorrow night. The girls play at home on Thursday night. Uh Friday the high school last Friday the high school and recreation basketball teams had a basketball madness event. Super fun seeing the wreck kids and the high school kids come together to have a really fun event. Um and then finally a huge congratulations to Mr. Brown and Miss Stein for educator and education cut source. >> Fantastic. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Um let's uh jump forward to the HIB report as we discussed in executive session this evening. We had um one instance of HIB uh on second
006reading that we'll look to confirm uh this evening. And then on first reading for uh the month of uh December is a report of HIV that was found not to be uh a verified case. All right. Also with regard to my superintendent's report, I would like to uh thank and congratulate uh Mr. Dphano on his service to the board of education. Uh this evening is his last meeting. Uh he has had how many different two different stints uh on the board totaling? >> Well, he was elected the first time, I was substituted the second and elected the third time. So almost nine years. >> Nine years, right? >> Almost nine years. So, I I want to thank you for your your time, your efforts, um your conversations, your insight, um over the years. Um you
007know, we we've talked a lot about it. Sometimes people don't get to see the inner workings of a school board. Sometimes people don't understand what a board of education does. And uh for each of you, it is a a tireless and thankless job. Um, but it's an opportunity to have those discussions and and I know with my heart that each of you serves on this board in an attempt to do what's best for our community and ultimately what's best for our students. So, I want to thank you for that contribution to our community. It means a lot to me. So, thank you. >> You're very welcome. And with that, I'd like to absolutely absolutely I'd like to conclude my superintendent report. Well, wishing everyone uh wonderful holidays and I'll turn it back over to you.
008>> Okay. Could we please have a motion to accept the superintendence report? >> I'll make it. >> I'll second. >> On the motion by Mr. Chaffy and the second by Miss Gulan. Dr. Capello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dabio is absent. Miss Shramp, >> yes. >> Mr. Chaffy, >> yes. >> Mr. Dphano. Oh, I don't know. I think I have to think about it. Uh, yeah. Yes. >> Miss Balletena. >> Yes. >> Uh, Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Glo, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Shuer. >> Yes. >> Next, we move on to acknowledgements and correspondence. Congratulations to the Hop Pakan High School students who made high honor role and honor role for the first marking period of the school year. Congratulations to the Hopaka Middle School students who made high honor role and honor role.
009Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as Oaka Middle School students of the month for outstanding performance in November. Grade four, Evelyn Kru, grade five, Sophia and Deona. Grade six, Elise Santa. And grade seven, Alexa Emblem. Congratulations to all. >> Is there any parent teacher organization representatives here tonight who would like to speak? Miss Nikki. >> Hi all. Um, so I just wanted to mention that the Marching Chiefs have a blanket sale currently going on. It's a fleece blanket. It's really soft. It has the Spirit logo. Um, it's only $20. If anyone's looking for any Chief Merch gifts, it's really nice. We have them in the main office. They're available cash or checkmate out to the Hapcom Music Boosters. Um, I wanted to thank everyone that came out to the tree lighting. That was
010a really successful event. Um, I know that it was also advertised through the the boosters and I know they had a really good turnout and I just wanted to go a little bit more in depth into the area band auditions and the results specifically. We had a lot of students that placed really high. So, out of those 40 schools, I mean, there are hundreds of kids that audition and Natalia actually placed first in Piccolo out of all the students and second in flute flute. Natalie Leb placed fourth on the clarinet. Ashlin Loveven placed first on the bass clarinet and Sophia Leboth placed fourth on trumpet. And for the symphonic band, Emily O'Harn placed in clarinet and Dominic Amela placed first in trumpet. So that's really exciting. Thank you always for the support of the arts.
011>> It's awesome. >> Okay. Congratulations, guys. >> Um I have an update from the uh PTSO. Our annual chicken tray is March 21st. So, you'll start to see the flyer go out and we'll have some pre-sale dates over at um Dunkin Donuts. It's always um a great huge fundraiser. We partner with uh Project Graduation and all of the um classes at the high school get a percentage, too. So, it's a great way to um support, you know, most of the, you know, high school community. And then as far as the boosters go, um, basketball madness was really fun. It was a great event. Just love to see like the little and the big kids kind of coming all together and bridging the town program and, you know, our feeder program, which is a town program
012in our high school. So, hope to see that grow every year. Um, don't forget to stop by the concession stand at all basketball home games. Um, all the proceeds from the concession stand go to student um, scholar athlete scholarships at the end of the school year. So last year we gave five $1,000 scholarships, hoping to grow that for next year. >> Produ grad, uh we have the Wizards coming to town. They're going to be at the high school on January 20th. Um all schools are having an assembly on January 12th in the morning. We're still working out the fine details as to exact timing. Um tickets are on sale now. Um Project Graduation is also having an axe throwing uh fundraiser that is going to be December 27th. The flyers are being made up right
013now and they should be distributed shortly. >> Um, >> is that who asked you? >> I don't know. I don't have the exact um I just know that they're we've got it locked in and we're going to have the date, time, pricing, all that stuff being distributed soon. Um, we are Project Graduation is looking for donations. We need bottled water, we need soda, we need prepackaged uh snacks, gift cards. Um you can either contact me or um the email address is on the website hop on project graduate I forget the exact but um there's plenty of ways to reach us out and I'll be happy to come around and pick up and collect from anybody. >> How how much do you need >> project? >> Whatever you're given >> generally I can get some money
014from the Rotary Club. We generally need to raise a little over 20,000ish to cover. >> Not getting that high, but yeah, >> every penny counts. Uh, but we have to pay for busing, the insurance, we have to pay for the facility, food. I mean, there's just so much costs that go into this. >> All right. I'll give you a call. We'll come up with something. >> Sounds awesome. Thank you very much. >> Any other um parent organization? Okay, hearing none. Can I We're going to move on to public comment. So the only person I have is Miss Yanko. >> Good evening everyone. Um before I I prepared a statement just so I stayed but I wanted to thank Mr. Dphano. I've had the privilege of working with you over many years now >> and I've
015really enjoyed the opportunity and appreciate all that you've done to support our students. >> Um and I wish you the best. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Oh, by the way, I I as far as the Rotary is concerned, I'll be back next year for the >> I I'll look forward to continuing to work with >> um I would like to speak tonight about equity, fairness, and the growing demands placed on our school community. When additional duties are assigned beyond an employees regular responsibilities, those duties should be compensated. Equity in stipens matters. Over many years, however, statements have disproportionately gone to administrators while faculty and support staff have continually been asked to do take on more responsibilities with less support, fewer resources, and no additional compensation. This imbalance has created strain, burnout, and
016a sense that the work of teachers and staff is undervalued. Even as expectations continue to increase, faculty and staff regularly step in to cover gaps, mentoring students, managing crises, supporting families, and addressing needs far beyond their job descriptions. If we are asking people to do more, then fairness requires that we recognize that work financially, regardless of title. Additionally, we must prioritize funding to bring back a crisis counselor. The mental health needs of our students have grown significantly. These issues require an extraordinary amount of time and emotional labor from school counselors, case managers, administrators, teachers, and support staff. Without a dedicated crisis counselor, we are stretching our existing staff beyond capacity, which ultimately affects the quality of care and support our students receive. Investing in equitable stipens and restoring a crisis counselor is not just about
017compensation. It is about sustainability, retention, and ensuring that our students receive the support they desperately need. If we truly value equity, student well-being, and the people who serve this district every day, then our budget priorities must reflect that. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to item 11, finance. Can I please have a motion? >> I'll make it. I'll second. Is there any discussion on item 11? Hearing none. >> Dr. Capella, >> yes. >> Mr. Davio is absent. Miss Shramm, >> yes. >> Mr. Chaffy, >> yes. >> Mr. Dphano, >> yes. >> Miss Paulina, >> yes. >> Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Gulan, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Schubert. >> Yes. >> Can I please have a motion to move personnel 12 A through J? Second. >> Any
018discussion? I know we already accepted Miss Miller's uh retirement, but just thought now would be a good time to bring up um fact that we're very much going to miss you. You are a very valuable person to this district. And whenever I meet up with people because I'm in the special world, too, and tell them where I live and where I work, they're like, "Oh, do you know Tammy Miller? She's the best." So, thank you so much for all of your years of service and um happy retirement. Welld deserved. still come to meetings though, right? >> Got nothing but time on. >> And um I also wanted to thank Mr. Robinson for um adding another thing to his plate. Okay. And fulfilling that role till the end of the school year because our budget is
019in dire um dire straits right now. So, thank you, Matt. >> And I I do want to add one other note on here. We accepted it previously. Uh but Joan Marshall um who is one of our transportation um bus drivers who has been a tremendous asset in our district. I think Joan's been here longer than I've been here. She is wonderful. Um wonderful opportunity. She's going to be relocating soon and uh we had an opportunity to celebrate her with with brunch last week and uh it was wonderful. But it it's a another recognition of the wonderful people that we have here. And sometimes we don't get a chance to really celebrate all of the good things until people leave, right? Because we're so focused on trying to work that we don't always get a chance
020to to celebrate each other. But Tammy, congratulations. Um to Joan, congratulations. Um your your work sometimes may go unnoticed by others. Um, but by those of you uh those that work with you every day, we realize uh the efforts that you put in and thank you so very much. >> I have a story about her. I got a phone call one day from a pack in the middle of this summer. Like what's going on? And hi, this is Miss Joan. I'm going to be um Roco and Giata's bus driver this year. I want to let you know what time I'm picking them up and what time they'll be dropped off. I was like, "What? Oh my goodness, this is so nice. I've never had this." So I hung up and I think I called Jeff
021and he's like that's just what we do here in Hope Hackhung. So I mean I've never heard of that before and I'll never forget it. So yes, >> love it. >> Well wishes on a retirement service. >> All right. So on 12 A through J on the motion by Dr. Capello and seconded by Miss Paulina. Dr. Capella. >> Yes. >> Mr. Davio is absent. Miss Shren, >> yes. >> Uh Mr. Chaffy, >> yes. >> Mr. Dustphan, >> yes. >> Miss Palena, >> yes. >> Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Gulan, >> yes. and Miss Falcone Schubert. >> Yes. >> Can I please have a motion to move item 13? I want to do 13 and 14 together. >> Sure. Uh >> travel and professional development and policy and regulations. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll
022second. Any discussion on those two items 13 and 14? Hearing next >> motion for items 13 and 14. Motion by Mr. Chaffy, seconded by Miss ShraMM. Dr. Capella, >> yes. >> Mr. Davi is absent. Miss ShraMM, >> yes. >> Mr. Chaffy, >> yes. >> Mr. Dustphano, >> yes. >> Miss Paulina, >> yes. >> Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Gulan, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Schubert, >> yes. >> Can I please have a motion to item 15, student? >> I'll make it. Is there a second? >> I'll second it. >> Any discussion? Mr. Halenback, can you just explain item C? >> Absolutely. So item C under student in services is a listing by student ID number of students that have applied to participate in the New Jersey interd district public school choice program. Every year
023at this time, individuals who are interested in participation have to fill out a notification to their home district of their intent to participate. They can then send that notice to uh interd district public school choice districts that have potential open seats for the upcoming school year for their grade level to uh submit their name for interest. Individual school districts that have vacant seats generally then conduct lotteryies from all of the school districts that people have applied from to fill their vacant seats. As I discussed with the board previously, the state of New Jersey has capped the interd district school choice program. No new districts are allowed to become part of the program and the number of seats that are allocated to current school districts that are participating cannot increase. Um and there is certainly talk
024as I inform the board um during the upcoming administration and and the change in budget um time as to what impact this may have on the interd district public school choice program. So this evening we are simply recognizing individuals who have met the statutory deadline supported submitted the required paperwork to us to say they would like to participate down the road. If they are awarded slots in school districts that have vacancies, they will either have to then confirm and accept that seat or reject it and it will go to another student. Um and we will in future board meetings um we will approve those individuals who are awarded seats and and transfer to another choice district um down the road. All right. But this is just the notification process, not how many students are actually
025participating in the program for the upcoming year. I >> I have a silly question. >> If if I mean the the parents and the students have the right to do this. >> That is correct. Then why are we approving something that's already approved? >> So in the legislation, it requires them to notify the home district for notification. >> It's more for budgeting purposes so that we can kind of have an idea as to how many students are interested. Um but ultimately those timelines don't always match up with budget season >> because their aid follows them. So >> no, I know I know that but it's just that we're we're approved it what would happen? >> Nothing. Exactly. So, you know, >> other question to follow up. When if any of these uh slots are available,
026will we get a followup on how many students end up changing school? >> We have to. >> Yeah. Yeah. We'll get that information down the road. >> Any other discussion on student services? >> It's a percentage of the class though, right? So, if there's 80 kids in the class, there's only eight seats for your school district, right? >> You would think that's the case under the law, but the state has prevented us from invoking that requirement in the law. We appealed to the commissioner of ed and our appeal was denied. >> Yes. Good point. We tried. >> Any other discussion? Hearing that >> 15A on the motion by Miss Pachena, seconded by Dr. Dphano. Dr. Capello. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. Davio is absent. Miss Shrimp. Um >> yes to everything, but I'm going to
027abstain on 15C. >> Thank you, Mr. Chaffy. present. >> Yes, >> Mr. Dphano. >> Yes, >> Miss Poachina. >> Yes, >> Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Gulan, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Schubert, >> yes. Abstain on say. >> Okay. Can I please have a motion to move 16, the Sussex County Regional Cooperative? I'll make it. Second, Mr. Sham. Any discussion on the co-op the co-op? >> Hearing none. >> Dr. Capella, >> yes. >> Mr. Davio is absent. Miss ShraMM, >> yes. >> Mr. Chaffy, >> yes. >> Mr. Dphano, >> present. >> Miss Poachana, >> yes. >> Mr. Citri is absent. Miss Gul, >> yes. >> And Miss Falcone Schuber, >> yes. >> Okay. Next, we'll move on to board member comments. If you would like to make a comment, we'll start at my left.
028Happy holidays everyone. >> Um, happy holidays. Happy retirement. Dealt a lot with me over the last couple years. So enjoy. >> Um, happy holidays. I know it's the second night of Hanukkah. Um, and congrats to, you know, retirement as well to you and the bus driver. That's lovely to hear how awesome she was. Um, happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, happy new year, happy Kwanza and everything that falls anywhere in there and enjoy your retirement. I hope you get to do some fabulous traveling to somewhere warmer. >> Unless you like the cold. >> Yeah. >> Um, I have a few more things to say, so just hang out for a second. First off, Tammy, congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Wonderful. >> I retired a long time ago. It's great fun. All right. Um, I want to thank
029everybody on the board for putting up with me for almost nine years. Some of you, >> you're welcome. >> That's fair. That's fair. So, >> um, the the community is an amazing community. I, you know, I moved here in in well, I I bought a home here in 2004 and I moved here in 2008 and it's just an amazing place. I mean, I was a kid that grew grew up in the Bronx and I lived in Westchester County my whole life. There was no real community spirit at all. I mean, you barely knew your neighbors if if at all here it's totally different. It's like an amazing community. I just absolutely love living here. Anyway, and now I'm going to give some advice. Okay. Uh to board members specifically. You got to pay attention to
030the financials. I know we don't really spend a lot of time on it, but it's very complicated. and and I in the first few years that I was here uh I spent a great deal of detail a great deal of time and to look into the detail understanding what the codes mean uh it's it's difficult to get your hands and head around the whole thing but you still need to do it you got to keep this guy honest even though I believe he is very honest um uh another thing uh a policy review not all the policies that that we get are they say mandatory but the reality is you don't have to vote for him. That's that's reality. Now, in some cases, the state may not like that and they may come back and
031sue. That's a possibility. Very likely though. But nevertheless, even even though it's mandatory, you have to understand something. Uh who's making it mandatory? The state isn't. Who's making it mandatory is is Strauss Esme. They're the ones that put the M on it because they're basing uh that recommendation based upon the law that they're trying to reflect in the policy. However, their interpretation of the law may not necessarily be the same as the law. And I've seen that happen on more than one occasion. So, please pay attention to the policy, especially the mandatory ones. Um, oh, I have a request. Maybe I should make a motion for this. >> Oh, gosh. I'd like >> remember comments. >> Yeah. Well, I can make a motion anytime I want. >> I know. >> All right. So, so chance.
032>> It's my last my last chance. My last chance. Uh, I'm going to make a motion. Uh, you actually brought this up for me. >> Okay. >> I'm going to make a motion basically that we name the library or maybe the cafeteria after after the Lego Pacong Rotary Club. We'll pay for the signage if you approve this. And uh and the only reason for that is that the Rotary Club in this town uh gives not just in this town. It's the Lake of Packong Rotary Club and and the Rotary Club gives uh money basically to uh to the students for uh in all the high schools around the around the around the lake uh for for u for scholarships. We also uh we just had it yesterday. Uh we also have a special needs uh
033Christmas party every year for the special needs kids and and there are several special needs kids that come from Hopcon. um at least I think there was eight this year but anyway and we give them presents and we have their family come over. We give them dinner and we get to eat and drink along with them which is a nice thing. >> Um so I'm making that recommendation. I'm making that motion frankly so I'm going to need someone to second it. >> Can I just can I just um before we do that >> like I think it's a great idea. I would just like more information like and what would they like? You know what I mean? Like why are we naming the library after them? Maybe there's something special that the group >> that
034that the Rotary Club. >> Yeah. That the group like embodies. There's a special I don't know like you're saying the library. >> We support We basically support a lot of things. We >> think there needs to be some discussion between the Rotary and us. >> Okay. Okay. All right. >> I don't want to just ren >> How would you like to come to a meeting? >> Sure. >> So we have >> Yeah. I'm not even sure how any of this works. I'm just saying. >> No, I get it. You know what I mean? I want to have some background around it. what makes the most sense like to honor them? What would make the most sense? Where would we want it? What would you >> think? We could write up a proposal and lay it
035all up. >> Yeah, it's it's it's no big deal. I mean >> I mean it's like it's a big deal. >> It would be nice to do because it the the members of the Rotary Club, they really do work their butts off, frankly, to raise money. It's not easy to raise money. >> I know that there's a sign over at Durban, right? So, not many people only kids who send their only people who go to Durban will >> Oh, that's true. I forgot about that. >> That's what I'm saying. We should think we got to think about it. What makes the most sense? >> That's fair. That's fair. That's fair. >> It's noted. >> It's not that. That's fine. That's fine. Um, lastly, I wanted to bring up astronomy. I know we we have an
036astronomical observatory here >> and uh the Rotary Club supports it. I've certainly supported it all along. Um, astronomy is is is is a very interesting topic. I mean, everyone's somewhat interested in it and some people are really interested in it. uh uh the benefits of learning a little bit about astronomy. I mean a lot of the what you learn in it can dovetail into many of the subjects that are taught in schools in the schools I should say especially in the high school. Uh I'd like to encourage encourage you all to consider whenever Justin McCarthy comes and says hey I want something done or can I can I use the observatory to teach some kids in in Roxberry consider doing it. All right. I don't think we've actually charged them. Technically, I think you can.
037>> Yeah. It's an outdoor space, so there there really hasn't been a need for for facilities. >> My my point is that please continue to support him. I mean, we certainly the Rotary Club and I do personally uh support his his efforts. He really works hard at it. Uh so just keep that in mind. Uh and with that, I don't think I have anything else. I want to thank you all. You young ladies, you should come to us. You got to come to the the Ria. You know what Riler is, right, Natalie? Did Did you Didn't go to it. >> No, I went. >> Did you? >> Yeah, I went. >> You sure? >> My sophomore year. >> Oh, okay. >> She's been with us for a couple years as the um the rep. >>
038Yeah. Yeah. I know she's a rep. >> It was fun. I had a lot of fun doing that. Okay. >> I did it, too. >> We'll get you there. >> Okay. All right. So, it's going to come up again. So, how old are you? Well, I should Can I ask that? I don't know. You can't You can't be 18 in order to go. That's the only thing. >> Okay. That's all I care about. So, >> consider applying for it when when I'll send a note out to Jeff what we're going to do with it. So, Ryer is a I can't remember what it stands for. Rotary youth >> leadership >> athletic not athletic uh >> I don't know whatever it stands for. Uh it's basically a training ground for teaching new leaders. That that's what
039the L stands for. Leader leadership class. So, consider it. It's it looks great on the resume, too. All right. All right. >> Cool. Uh, and and we pay for it, so that's good. Um, I think that's all. So, thank you all again for putting up with me for the last nine years. And, um, um, I may come back and teach archery if Jeff doesn't mind. That's about it. All right. Thank you. >> You have six months. You have six months. >> We're going to be ready service. >> Oh, well, I won't be able to do it until September. It'll be the earliest, but yes, by that time, it should be fine. >> I have all summer to practice. >> There you go. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> No, you're good. Congratulations. Thank you for all
040your um efforts over the years. And I'm I know I'm a newbie, but um I've learned a lot being on this side of the table. Um and I just want to wish everyone happy holidays, happy new year. I hope everyone finds time to rest, recharge, and uh hit the ground running in 2026. That's all I've got. >> Okay. >> Um just a couple things. Miss Joan was here for 38 years. Bush. 38 years. That's a long time. Um, and Phil, I want to thank you. We've had a lot of spirited debates over the years. >> Well, that's >> and I think that's what this is about. >> Absolutely. >> Right. Um, just one thing I want to mention because um, you were in wonderful Italy last meeting, but we had a great um, report from
041our auditor. >> Oh, good. Um when I think when you first started the board and maybe when I came on there was just pages and pages. >> My first year was 17 audit gotchas. >> Right. And have was there one recommendation this year or zero? >> Uh zero. Zero recommendations. >> Last year there was only one. So this year it's >> Yeah. Fantastic. >> Yeah. So hopefully we keep it in that direction. >> Good progress. >> The good guy. >> Okay. Um, before I before I wish everybody well, I've got some things I'd like to say about Paige. >> Ah, here it comes. >> Yep. And I'm speaking to the choir here in the room, but maybe not to the audience. Where are we? >> Student services, page seven. >> So, I had to write
042it down otherwise. Here we go. Um, as I close tonight, as we close here, I want to be very clear about a concern that is shared by this board. Um, I'm going to say I I don't want to speak for all of you, but I'm really disappointed by the number of families choosing to apply to choice schools and leave our district after significant investments have been made um on their behalf. And when I say investments, it's not just money. You know, our money is very limited. And what we've done over the years is try and funnel all of that money, whatever is left, to the kids, okay? And not to the stipens that, you know, people should get, but we honestly don't have the money for it. Um, our taxpayers, educators, and staff had devoted
043substantial time and resources to support these students and their families, and those commitments should not be minimized. When families choose to exit rather than engage, the impact is real. Um, I am in touch with parents on a daily basis. I had two complaints all school year. Okay. There are 37 kids looking to leave here. So, that this is concerning to me because I don't know what the problem is. You need to come talk to us and we will help you and help the district solve it. Um the sa sadly the people who are um most impacted when kids leave are the peers of the classmates who are leaving. When kids leave that's less that we can offer the ones that are already here. So you are leaving your classmates and your neighbors in the dust
044and it's unfair. Um, public school depends on partnership, trust, and a shared responsibility. And those relationships are strange when investment flows only in one direction. The grass is greener where you water it. Strong schools are built when families commit to the communities that support them, not when they leave at the first sign of a challenge. It's exactly what you said, Phil. We live in a great community. The spirit here is so strong and exciting. And then there just comes a point where people look elsewhere. I don't know if it's because of the phones or this need to feel that things are better off somewhere else or compete. But I just find it so disheartening that there's so many people who I personally know who devoted so much time to building the youth programs in town
045and groups of kids um you know from preschool all the way till 8th grade and then they just flee for sports. And you're not allowed to leave for sports. You're not allowed. And that's the that is the number one thing I hear on the sidelines and it's sad. Um I just want someone to make sense. I want someone to explain this to me. Um if we all stay here and we all commit to this great place it could be that is what's best for our community, for the taxpayers, for the families, for the elderly, for the seniors instead of 37 pages of looking at going somewhere else. Um the board remains committed to strengthening our district, but the frustration is real and the way that school choice has decimated this district. It's not right. We've
046tried things on our end to um circumvent it to go around it and the state um you know is not even abiding by their own laws. So we will continue to focus our efforts on the families who stay here and believe in our schools and invest what we can in them. And I thank you all um all the rest of the people who are not on this page. Um please stay committed. Um please come out and let us know if there are issues because we are here to solve them. That's what we want to do up here and that's why everybody is devoting their time to the school board. So thank you for letting me vent. On that note, um >> save the psychiatrist fee. >> That's right. Um have a great break. Right. >>
047Um, those of you who are teaching, best of luck to you for the next couple of days, getting through with the kids, right? Um, and come on out to basketball games this week and get in the Chief Spirit with that.