001[music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Do you think I should do you think I should call up the directors? takes a village. I call the meeting to order. We're going to stand for the salute to the flag and then we're going to remain standing for the Jackson Township Middle School Honors Chorus under the direction of Melissa O'Keefe. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible andice for all. I think we are. So, we'll say all their names. >> Did I get them all? >> Two, three, four. >> Is that right? >> Yes. Two, three, four. I'm gonna just say I'm not going to say >> okay. [singing] What so proudly we held [singing] at this twice lasting whose
002stripes and bright stars [singing and music] through us for the [singing and music] we were so gallently [singing] streaming and the rock is And there were singing air [music] gave proof through the [singing] night that our flag was still there. Oh s [singing] our strangle man way [singing] for the land of the free and [singing] the home of the >> [music] [applause] >> That was wonderful. Thank you so much. >> That was awesome. I got to get back in. >> This meeting is in compliance with the open public meeting law and has been duly advertised in the newspaper as an official meeting. Roll call. >> Dr. Osben. >> Mr. Walsh >> here. >> Mr. McCarron >> present. >> Mrs. Rivera >> present. >> Mrs. Baroas >> present. >> Mrs. Gardella >> present. >> Mrs. Cass
003>> present. I need a motion for approval of the agenda with addendums. >> Motion. >> Um >> second. >> I'd like to make a motion to add something to the agenda finance number 18 which our attorney is going to read. >> Right. So the addition to the agenda is finance 18. It reads, "Whereas pursuant to 18820-5, the board had previously determined that the parcel of land identified on the Jackson Township tax mat tax map as block 21301 lots 489617 and 18 commonly known as the Mclliff Middle School is no longer needed for school purposes. And whereas the division of finance and the department of education approved the sale of the property and whereas pursuant to NJSA1820-6 and 7 on October 14th, 2025, the board received bids for the property which the board rejected and authorized
004the business administrator to negotiate with interested biders for the property. And whereas the board now wishes to revertise the property to solicit additional bids and consider all offers for the sale. Now therefore for be it resolved that the board of education authorizes the business administrator to revertise the property for sale and establishes a new minimum bid in the amount of 44,418,000 for the property with a bid opening date of December 12th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. And be it further resolved that upon opening the bids, the board reserves the right to award the sale of the property to the entity proposing the highest amount to purchase the property either through bidding or the negotiations process. >> Somebody move it and second it. >> Second. >> Somebody needs to move it first. >> Uh move second. >>
005All in favor? So that's now added to the agenda and we'll vote on the agenda. Agenda as amended now. >> Any discussion on that? >> Roll call. >> So So somebody needs to make a motion to um approve the agenda as amended. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Now discussion. Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroas. Yes, >> Mrs. Gardella. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Cass. >> Yes. >> I now turn the meeting over to Mrs. Pormilly for her superintendence report. >> Thank you, Miss Cass. Good evening, everyone. Uh, first of all, I just have to say thank you to the talented, hardworking students in the middle school honors course. That was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Um, yeah, let's do that. [applause] I'm
006so impressed with that performance. Also, watching you coach each other up there. Incredible. Those are skills that some adults don't even have. So, I'm so impressed with all of you. Um it's a pleasure having you and hearing you this evening. Thank you. And although um she couldn't be with with us this evening, uh she had a personal engagement. I want to say thank you to Miss O'Keefe for preparing these students so beautifully. And thank you again for being here. It really does uh start our meeting so wonderfully. Uh tonight we have um another celebration a recognition of the perfect NJ state assessment scores for our students. Um this evening in this recognition of students who have earned a perfect score on the 2425 New Jersey state assessments. Quite an accomplishment. Before I turn this over
007though to the assistant superintendents, Dr. Gileleski and Mr. Ratante. Students, I want to say congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment. It reflects not only your academic excellence but also your hard work and determination. On behalf of the entire district, I am incredibly proud of your hard work and success. Keep challenging yourselves, stay curious, and continue to approach every goal with the same grit and determination that led you here. And with that, I'm going to turn this portion of the meeting over to Dr. Gleski and Mr. Vatante. Okay, good evening. It's so nice to see all of you tonight. Thank you for coming to celebrate a select number of students this evening who've accomplished something in common, perfection. These students either earned a perfect score on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Math, science, or language
008arts, or some students more than one, or a perfect score on the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment. Uh, this outstanding accomplishment reflects academic excellence as well as all the hard work that brought them to this moment tonight. Behind each perfect score are hours of study, moments of challenges, and the resilience to keep going when things are difficult academically. These students have shown that true success is earned through effort, focus, and a belief in their own potential. It's a powerful reminder that perseverance, and positive mindset can lead to extraordinary results. To our honored students tonight, we know this level of accomplishment didn't happen by chance. It's a result of your continued commitment to learning, the support of your teachers and your families, and your unwavering drive to do your best. Your shining example for others in
009our school community, showing that excellence comes not just from talent, but from dedication and heart. On behalf of the entire district, we're so very proud of you. I'm now going to ask Superintendent Mrs. Perily and our board of education president, Mrs. pass and our administrators here this evening and there's a lot but there's a lot of people who are involved in everyone's success this night but if Mr. uh Ron Pocowski Mr. Carl Parino Miss Lisa Cotch Mrs. Deborah Phillips Mrs. Jennifer Carney Mr. John Palano and Mr. Joseph Palumbo can also join us join us up here we're going to have a lot of hand shaking tonight and I'm now going to turn the mic over to Mr. Rante who will begin to call the students to receive their certificates. Again, congratulations. >> Maybe on either
010side. >> Yeah. >> Reception line. There's a lot of people that want to congratulate you and shake your hands and and it's welld deserved. Uh we're going to begin with our ELA or our literacy assessment and our first um student is Mel Hood. Come on up, Merrill. [applause] [applause] Carlos Maavdo, [applause] Alina Tion, [applause] David Rodas, Taus. After after you shake hands, if we could have all our students remain here and come up on stage for a picture at the end. Alyssa Melnik, [applause] Ella Embimbo, [applause] >> Nora Frederick's, [applause] >> Echeladi, [applause] And next on to math. Our first student is Noah Zinc, [applause] Madison Wilson. [applause] A second award for literacy and math goes to Alina Tion. [applause] Antonia Cusierro, [applause] Emma Lynch, [applause] and John Were. [applause] And now on to science.
011John, stay up here because you're getting a double two. Math and Science. John Were Math and Science. [applause] [applause] Ryan Monday. [applause] And our last group is the high school GPA. This is a graduation profession graduation proficiency assessment that all of our juniors must take. And we have several students who receive perfect score on the literacy portion of the GPA. So our first one is Shawn Cole, [applause] Ava Combmes, Jackson Katini, [applause] Taylor Demiola, [applause] Abazi Duran, >> [applause] >> Antonio Fontana, [applause] Gianna Giles, [applause] Taran Humphrey, [applause] Derek Leighton, [applause] Eugene Lucas, >> [applause] [cheering] >> Kayen Mchugh [applause] Maya Minty. [applause] Sorry, I'm not going too fast. And we have another repeater. It was science as well as the GPA. Ryan Monday, come back up again. [applause] Michael Perez, [applause] Joseph Pettto, [applause]
012Alexandria Reese, [applause and cheering] Gabriel Rivera, [applause] and Abby Wnooki. [applause] Big congratulations to all of our award winners. It it is definitely an accomplishment to achieve not just a good score, but a perfect score. So, congratulations to all of our students tonight. [applause] Any students who won the award, definitely come on up. Parents, if you want to sneak in behind for a picture, that's okay, too. >> You earned it also. No, but there's >> no gave her. She has said >> for the pictures want to jump in. Do you want to jump in? Thank you. [applause] So, I'm going to say as you're walking back to your seats, congratulations again. Uh, this level of accomplishment does not happen by chance. You have set shining examples for all of our school community. Um, I do
013know that many of you take your studies very seriously. If you need to leave, we're going to just take a two-minute pause if that's okay with the board. Yep. A two-minute pause if anybody needs to leave before we continue the meeting. So, go ahead and uh I know you have lots of other things to do. You're also welcome to stay. [music] Yeah, interesting. [music] Yeah. [music] Hello. >> [music] >> Okay, I think I'm going to finish my or I should say I'm going to continue my superintendence report. I have a lot to to talk about tonight, so I'm not just going to say I'm finishing. Um, and I want to thank Payton and Colin, our high school board reps, for being patient and waiting to do their report. Thank you both. Um, so it is
014one of my most favorite times is to hear what's happening at the high school for a public report to the board. So, why don't you both come up to the the podium? Good evening, Superintendent Permilly, members of the board of education, and honored guests. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak on behalf of Jackson Township High School. As we move through the school year, the atmosphere at JTHS remains energetic and full of momentum. Spirit has been running high. Last week we held battle of the classes, powderpuff, and a spirit week. The hallways were decorated from floor to ceiling. And while grades certainly got competitive, everyone came together for an incredible few nights of events. After many opportunities to earn points through dressing up, making posters, and performing at BOTC, the week wrapped up
015with the seniors winning, and taking home both the trophy and bragging rights. Our fall sports teams have officially wrapped up their seasons. We congratulate all of their hard work this season, not only on winning, but on coming together and performing as one town. Many of our teams advanced deep into short conference and state tournaments, showcasing the talent and teamwork on each team. Additionally, we have athletes named to all-star games and all division teams and multiple sports and are happy the shore is recognizing the elite athletes we have in Jackson. Winter sports teams are gearing up and preparing for their preseason that's right around the corner and we look forward to another great season. We are thrilled that our teams did well, but also want to highlight some individuals for their exceptional performances. Aiden Grignon and
016Dorio Howerin were recogn recognized as our athletes of the month, both of whom who are standout runners on the JTHs cross country team. Additionally, our athletic department hosted a signing day where our senior athletes were celebrated for committing to division one or two schools to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. There were five athletes overall, two from girls soccer and boys lacrosse and one from baseball. We are so incredibly proud of these athletes and cannot wait to see what their future holds. The Jackson Township High School marching band also had an incredible season. Their dedication, musical excellence, and countless hours of rehearsal paid off as they delivered award-winning performances throughout their competition season. They even had the prestigious honor of bringing home the school's first state championship title. The entire school community is
017extremely proud of this talented group of musicians. We look forward to seeing them in the jazz band this winter. Our seniors continue to make us proud both inside and outside the classroom. Seniors of the month, Shawn Cole and Alexandria Ree have been recognized for their leadership and contributions to the school community. Many other students have already be begun hearing back from colleges and the halls are buzzing with excitement of all the possibilities that await them next year. The guidance office has been busy hosting Ryder and Stockton instant decision days along with welcoming college admissions representatives and support students as they navigate the next steps in their academic futures. Clubs across JTHs have been extremely active within the school and community. The Interact Club, National Honor Society, and many other organizations have been volunteering and participating
018in school initiatives. The Science National Honor Society has been collecting plastic toward earning a community bench and FLA recently wrapped up a successful donut fundraiser. We are grateful for the energy and involvement our students bring to these programs. We are also excited to announce that our fall musical, Beetlejuice, will take place November 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Our cast and crew have been hard at work preparing a fun and entertaining show. And we encourage the community to come out and support their hard work and talent. Also, just around the corner and ready to kick off the holiday season is JTV's 9th annual Home for the Holidays. Come celebrate the season with a festive atmosphere, [music] great dancing, and music. The show is Thursday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. Reserve your tickets at ferronis.com. As you can
019see, our school is busier than ever. Thank you so much for your time today and for supporting all the students and staff at Jackson Township High School. We look forward to returning next month with even more great news to share. Have a wonderful evening and as always, go Jags. [applause] >> Thank you both for the comprehensive reports. Definitely a lot going on at the high school. Um and I've been fortunate enough to to be involved in some of that. Um and looking forward to tomorrow night I'm going to see Beetlejuice. So really looking forward to that. I always enjoy them. Um a few of us will be going from the um admin team. So thank you for those very informative reports. Um moving on with my uh report this evening. Districts are required by the
020Department of Ed to create an action plan to address chronically absent students. The state defines students chronically absent if they miss more than 10% of the school year. And that includes both excused and unexcused days. So you can imagine um you know districts struggle with this um across the state of New Jersey. It's not just a challenge for Jackson. Um and so if you are above that threshold, you are supposed to create a plan of action to address attendance. I will say that um the data that we have to use lags behind in years. The data we have to use is from the 23 24 school year, the performance report data. Um our district was rated at 20% chronically absent at that point. Um and students attending school um you know obviously students attending school
021is shared responsibility between the school and the parents. Um and so we do a lot of things. We have a lot of um ways that we approach this simple ways that I know our parents know about our board members know about is that we obviously contact the school at four absences 8 10 and 11 um through letters through phone calls. We have um also do well visits to we send our uh school attendance officer out to our district school attendance officer out to do well visits when we don't hear back from parents to make sure students are okay. We also have a attendance review committee in our schools that reach out and goal set with students and parents. We also uh set goals through our IRS teams in the schools to um ensure that students
022are paying attention to their attendance and we can work with families to help them get their children to school. Um but most of all we know that one of the main factors in getting students to be present at school is their level engagement in school. Right? Research shows that the more you're engaged in school, the better you're going to perform, the more you're going to be here. Um, and we also know um the importance of being in school and learning and the impact that has on your grades, the impact it has on whether you're going to read on time, graduate, um, and not drop out. So, very important. So, engaging students in school is a huge focus for us. Uh, we talk about it all the time here. Um, we use approaches at a research
023base. We use a responsive classroom approach um, at our elementary level and our middle school level. We use a mentoring program um and we continue to look at this data all the time and try to improve upon it. So um I do need to mention that tonight it is um on the agenda for approval for the board um this evening but it is continued data that we look at all of the time. So, shifting gears, um, at the last board meeting in October, um, there were several high school parents and students here sharing their disappointment in the pause of the common lunch period. Um, until we found a new, better plan that could could be sufficient. So, as I shared last month, we needed to pause it for more than just fights. It seemed that
024people picked up on it. It was just about fights. Um, but the we paused it because the culture that we were seeing was not effective for what that period of time was intended for. So, as I mentioned last month, the students were filming fights, encouraging fights, but it was beyond that. Um, it was students who were not using the time, a large number of students who were not using the time as it was intended um to meet with teachers and to participate and engage in school activities. Um and so with a population now in a high school of 2300 uh students that was a concern. Um and so parents had questions about the fights and as I said it seemed that we were were focused on the fights and um I don't know that everybody
025was hearing the full reason. Um and so I did promise that I would share some data. So um board members there is some data. There's some slides behind us that I'll be speaking to. Um so you can see here the 2425 student incident data um just for September and October um in comparison to this September and October for the 2526 school year where we have the Jackson Township High School um now combined. So the number of student incidents, yes, they're a little bit higher this year but not significantly. uh the fights. Yep, there were four more fights than there were last year between the two schools. Um and you can see the consequences there for the incidents. Um and again, there's lots of different ways that we um we provide consequences dependent on the situation.
026We'll talk about that in a minute. But OSS is out of school suspension and then you see inschool suspension is ISS. You can see our our shift a little bit um in the inschool suspension. Um we are working hard um to use inschool suspension a little bit more frequently because then we have students with us to help remediate and to help teach and educate so that we correct behaviors hopefully and they don't reoccur. Um so you see a little bit of increase there um in our philosophy of using inschool suspension. So this data doesn't show an extreme increase in any um student incidents at the high school but a slight increase and as one can expect with now a much more populated high school it provides more opportunities more students there to have those things
027happen. Um and so as I said before this was not the sole reason um that we needed to pause. Um there were some questions at the last meeting about you know no tolerance and and those types of of things in the way that we address our discipline. So I did want to clarify that consequences are assigned. We do um when rules are broken there is always consistent and appropriate ways that we address consequences. Um every student's guaranteed a due process time to be able to explain and share their perspective of what had happened in an incident. And each each incident is handing it handed individually handled individually rather um with consideration of the factors of the incident. Serious issues uh that we have such as harassment, intimidation and bullying, unsafe behavior are handled very strongly
028and appropriately with uh severe consequences and again remedial measures to hope to prevent that from happening again. Students lose privileges. Um if you're at the high school and you've lost a privilege, you know, you get put on probation for incidents and you can't participate in some things, activities, and other opportunities um until you can demonstrate that you are able to uh meet our code of conduct. Detentions, suspensions, inschool suspensions, as I said before, corrective action plans, contracts are used with students. Um all things to hopefully reduce things happening again. We want to ensure that there's a health and safety safe environment for our students to learn. So those are some of the areas in which we address um inappropriate behavior in our school at our high school level. So by way of update on our
029pause, the high school administrative team has been working on a schedule that will allow for time during the day. It will refer to as JAG time for students to have the opportunity for extra help, complete makeup work, study, complete homework. Additionally, all all of this at that time at the Jag time, they'll also be available for them the opportunity to engage in clubs, activities, meet with other teachers or coaches. The full implementation of this new schedule is not ready to roll out yet. There's still some details to iron out. um to ensure everything will move uh work smoothly. Students and parents should hear more about this new schedule um in the upcoming weeks with a target date of beginning marking period 3 which is early December. Um currently we are having students eat in a
030period 3 lunch period something we've done for decades here and that's going to continue. Um students have been able to eat in a calm relaxing environment and many students need that. Um, and what we've noticed as well with that lunch period during period 3 is over 500 more students are eating every day. That's significant. We want our students to eat. That's important to their learning and to their health as well. Um, so more to come on this Jag time in the next few weeks. Um, and the high school administrative team there and staff will be rolling that out shortly. Um, so we do believe this will be a a better model to hold accountability and also allow our students to use the time the way that it was intended. Also, the district has just completed
031and sent out surveys to our students, staff, and parents. Uh, this data will be used to review goals and the uh and set goals for climate and culture in our buildings. Um, and we will implement those goals and objectives throughout the year and then reservey in late spring. I want to thank everybody for completing those. That helps us measure where we're at now, set goals, and move forward. So, hopefully some other happenings in the district. You were able to see some of the slides that were scrolling um this evening before we walked into the board meeting. And board members, you might want to turn around. Can we put a put them up again? I know you don't get the opportunity to see them because you're still in an exact session. So, you might want to
032just see some of the things that are listed there. But, um, as you all know, Veterans Day was last week. And in our schools, teachers guide lessons, projects, and activities that help students connect personally to the purpose of that day, such as writing exercises, reflections, artwork that honors those who serve, and history lessons about the services and sacrifice um of our veterans. Uh tonight's you will see uh tonight some of the slides that show some of that work, but I do want to just mention um at the middle school level. They spent a significant amount of time and there were lots of things that were done across the district. I'm just going to highlight the middle school this evening. Um but the Jackson Township Middle School proudly hosted a full day of Veterans Day celebration
033honoring local service members and supporting military families. The event brought together students, staff, veterans, and community members for a meaningful day of learning, reflection, and gratitude. The seventh grade uh learning experience throughout the morning and the early afternoon, the seventh grade students participated in a series of Q&A sessions with the veterans. Students also rotated through interactive student run stations designed to deepen their understanding of military service, the branches of the armed forces, and veterans experiences. the eighth grade pep rally and PT challenge. In the afternoon, the eighth grade gathered in the gym for a pep rally featuring performances by the choir, band, cheerleaders, and dance team. The highlight of the event was the co the collaborative PT challenge where teams of students and veterans competed together. It was great fun uh with those students working
034together. As part of the celebration, the school partnered with the food warriors to collect non-p perishable food items for the jointbased Meguire Dicks um Fort Dicks Lakehurst Food Bank supporting local service members and their families. And also there was a schoolwide art installation. In preparation for the event, students created a large scale artistic display illustrating the history of the US military. This installation was showcased in the main hallway for all students and staff and visitors to enjoy. It was an incredible learning experience and service and community engagement at the Jackson Township Middle School. I want to thank Mr. Parino, his administrative team, and the staff for putting that together and really demonstrating to our students the importance of Veterans Day. Incredible. Also, um I just wanted to mention that we do have uh inter murals.
035You'll see it on the agenda tonight happening at the 56 school. very exciting that the winter inter mural program will begin. They are offering volleyball, basketball, and floor hockey. So pleased that we're able to offer that opportunity to the the fifth and sixth graders this year. At the elementary level, uh most recently the uh they participated in a Jackson Township clean communities poster initiative and the winners are being announced at each school by the principal. There'll be a first place, second place, and third place winner. Those winning posters will be be displayed in the Jackson Township Hall and again at the Ocean County Clean Communities Gala in 2026. We're hopeful to see those that artwork soon and maybe at the next board meeting we'll be able to have some slides about it. I do want
036to also offer you heard the high school board um student board reps mention this. I want to offer my congratulations to the Jackson Township High School marching band for winning the New Jersey state band champion championship. What an incredible acknowledgement. I'm so proud of the students, teachers, and parents for coming together. One town, one sound. Uh they've really demonstrated unity here. And we have a treat in December. Marching band's going to join us and play a few holiday tunes for us. So looking forward to that. And finally, thank you to the Jackson Education Foundation for awarding a $500 grant to a 56 school teacher and a $1,000 grant to two teachers at the high school for some special programs um involving our students. Um thank you for that incredible um opportunities for our students to
037expand some wonderful learning uh abilities in our schools. Finally, I just want to remind everybody to u pay attention to our Facebook page. We do post many things on the Facebook page of wonderful things happening across the district. There's so many more than what I'm even mentioning tonight. So, please check that out. And my final thing comment this evening is hard to believe. Uh we are celebrating Thanksgiving next week. Uh the fall has really gone very quickly. So, happy Thanksgiving everyone and uh have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. And with that, that concludes my superintendent report. >> Thank you. Um we will now move on to standing committees reports. Um we have buildings and grounds. Mr. McCann. >> Yes. Some capitalwide projects that were completed. Uh Jackson Township 56 building repaired a broken 2-in main
038water line feeding the pump sump. I'm sorry, the pump house. Uh completed trailer removal and site restoration. Switlick had room five installed new electric heat in HVAC unit. Room seven replaced the liquid line receiver to restore heat. Nurse's office installed new blower motor for heating. Hullman repaired a sinkhole near preschool playground. Crawford Johnson repaired all failed parking lot lighting. Johnson applied playground mulch and installed new railroad tie border. Elms installed a new transfer switch for generator. Jackson Township Transportation Building installed new electrical service for four new bus lifts. And Jackson Township High School removed the wrestling lights from Jackson Township Middle School and reinstalled with new wiring in the Jackson Township High School gymnasium. Thank you. >> Thank you. And next we have budget and finance, Mrs. Gardella. Yes, we met on the 12th which
039might have been Tuesday sounds like. Um I was in attendance. Miss Cass, Mr. McCarron, Miss Premilly, Miss uh Dr. Godsley, Mr. Beginsky, and Miss Patterson. Um we reviewed actual and estimated cash flow, which is revenue and expenses through October 31st. We reviewed the status of our current 2425 surplus and the auditor's continued possible recommend recommendations for cash dispersement to capital reserve and the maintenance fund. Reviewed possible ways the funds from the sale of Mclliff could be utilized for the district improvement and stability. Discussed the need to focus on revenue generating projects and necessary infrastruct infrastructure improvements. Reviewed a possible debt service referendum. reviewed resumeumés from bond council who would with a debt service. Uh my writing is not right. Uh they would assist us regardless of the referendum to ensure the district had expert guidance.
040And we made a recommendation for the board to consider based on knowledge, current projects and cost. We reviewed current long-term contracts that are expiring and chose some areas that should go out to bid, including the copy or lease provider, marketing company, and possible school photography. Additionally, based on an administrative recommendation, we um determined to continue the contract for workman's comp and liability insurance provider. Our next business topics will be to continue reviewing line item expenditures and the above items and we have a meeting already set for December 10th. >> Thank you. Next is transportation, Mrs. Baracus. >> Yes. So, uh, the transportation committee met, uh, last Friday, November 14th. I was in attendance with Miss Cass, Mr. Walsh, um, and our administration, Mr. Beginsky, Mr. Permilly, Mr. Rotante, and Mr. Sodto. Um, we discussed the
041new the new bus routes and the restructuring >> [clears throat] >> um, you know, traffic, bus safety, and um, consolidation of bus stops. Uh we also talked about the current status of the LSTA and non-public public public students and what that looks like there, you know, B6 forms and stuff like that. Um we looked at the vacant positions and the recruitment of bus drivers. We also looked at the subscription late busing program for 2526. Um we looked at the school bus maintenance and the replacement cycle. Um we also looked at the uh mytop app. um fix updates and uh just that's about it for our transportation meeting and the next one will be uh to be determined. >> Thank you. And next we have curriculum and instruction. Uh Mrs. Rivera. >> Yes. The curriculum committee
042met on November 13, 2025. Um the business discussed was major initiatives and adoptions to the literacy grant. The district has secured over $1.2 million in literacy grants. the impact coach rise and lifts also was discussed the elementary math the K5 and vision curriculum is being realigned with the current New Jersey standards. We also discussed the data and assessments with the NJSLA adaptive and the state test is transition to adaptive version of the spring 2016 26 which requires mandatory field testing in grades 4 to 11. All schools have completed the required testing. No results from this field test will be provided to the district. It is for the state analysis purposes only. That's all I have. >> Thank you. And scholarship, we have Mr. Walsh. >> Scholarship committee had a reorg meeting on November 3rd. Okay.
043We discussed the ad journal which is our only money-making operation. Okay. That will uh commence in January. starting to get ads for that. Uh the only big thing that's going on is by o December 19th, if you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship to a senior, you must make contact with guidance and get your information in. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh we're going to move on to policy and regulations. I need a motion for approval of policy. Second reading, adoption. >> Motion. >> Second. Discussion for policy. >> No, I don't have anything. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh? >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroquez? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gardella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. >> I need a motion for approval of the
044minutes. the close session meeting October 15, 2025 and the official board meeting October 15, 2025 business meeting. >> Motion >> second >> discussion. Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh, >> abstain. >> Mr. McCarron, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rivera, >> yes. >> Mrs. Baroas, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gardella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cass, >> yes. I need a motion for approval of the bill list. Motion. Second >> discussion. Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh? >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroas? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cordella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. I need a motion for approval of treasurers and board secretaries reports. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera. >> Yes. >> Mrs.
045Baroas. Yes, >> Mrs. Gardella. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Cass. >> Yes. I need a motion to open the public forum on agenda items only. We will hold another public forum during this meeting for other questions. This public forum will be for questions on the agenda only. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Please sign in and state your name and whether or not you are a Jackson resident. Each person is allowed a maximum of three minutes to speak. No person may speak more than once on the topic until all others have been heard. This is when I wish I had a short. Okay. Hi, I'm Christine McInley. Um, I just have a question uh about the literacy grant. I think you mentioned 1.2 million. Could um you share or someone share some details about what that all
046means or how it's going to be used? That's my question. Thank you. >> Any additional agenda questions only? >> Carlos Martins. Um I'm a resident of Jackson. I don't know if you know my full address. Okay. Um Facebook. Um, I also encourage people to go there and hit the like button. It helps the algorithm. You'll come up sooner and all that kind of stuff. Please hit that like button. We have a lot of students. Um, that's just one. Um, the other one was the presentations that are given here. Are they available on the website? And if they are, if somebody could just let me know where. I tried looking for the prior ones. This is my second time here. So the first time I went looking for some of the presentations so I can ask
047more specific questions. Um I just wasn't able to find them. So it's just a minor thing. Um the finance >> I have a business uh business meetings are they public or that's that's not available to the public. >> You can answer later. >> They're not public. Okay. Um I only asked because when I went on on online AI told me that the the school board has meets twice a month. Once it's called the business meeting, the other one is called the committee of the whole 50. >> I don't know. That's AI. Maybe it's just wrong. That's why I asked about the the business meeting. Um okay. Well, this is not a question. It's more of a statement. Is that allowed related to the agenda? Is that allowed? Yeah. Okay. Um, so if I was king
048for a day, I would love to make it so that the inschool suspension, the a family member, a parent needs to be there. They need to be there. They're going to take the day off from work, whatever it is, they're going to lose. They need to be there. They need to have skin in the game. Um, I mentioned something like that last time. That is a big thing of mine. So, I just bring it up again. I know you can't do it. I know there's whatever. Uh that's why I said a false king for a day. But I I just want to keep pushing that because it is so critical to have family members, some responsible adult uh there and and take ownership of this, right? Cuz really we shouldn't be um you know, caregivers.
049I mean, we're it's put educators, not caregivers. And and it feels like we're kind of replacing the parents and it's so critical. Um, that was it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any additional agenda only questions? >> Seeing no one come forward, I need a motion to close public forum. >> Motion. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Oh. Need a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I miss cast. Would you like me to respond to Okay. So the Miss McInney uh the literacy grant um we had spoken about last meeting. Uh I'll speak to a couple things and then I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Bleski who can go into great detail, but basically we're uh a big portion of that we're using for high school curriculum adoption
050and resource adoption. Uh they're well overdue. Um it's going to help us tremendously be able to do grades 9 through 12. Uh we're also using a lot of that for professional development and for reading and literacy across the district and coaching our teachers. So in-class coaching and things like that. Dr. Gillescu, would you like to elaborate a little bit more? >> Absolutely. Uh to break down the the monies, I think you were wondering where does the 1.2 million come from? The impact grant, which uh Mrs. Permile just said, is primarily the adoption of resources for our English classes in grades 9 through 12. We received that grant for $400,000. The coach grant uh enables us to hire a coach from 6th through 12th grade that will oversee literacy and implementation and that was $150,000 and
051that's a five-year grant. So the total of that is $750,000. Our RISE grant is to provide tutoring for our sixth through 8th graders. And that grant is $50,000. And our Lyft grant is focusing on our early learners preK and kindergarten and focuses on literacy engagement, family engagement with literacy as well as community partnerships all to promote reading at a young age. So I think the total was 1.26 million. So >> thank you Dr. Gleski. Uh in regards to our our board presentations, um we this is live streamed and it's recorded on YouTube. So you can always access everything on YouTube, the presentations and everything. Um we don't necessarily post each individual presentation like the slides that were behind me about the positive things happening in the school district, but any big presentations that we do
052are definitely posted on the website. >> Thank you. Resolutions for action. I need a motion to move finance. Motion >> second >> discussion. I I have a couple to as always. Um so I have our lunch balance which actually changed in a week, right? I got this number a week ago. Um and it's higher. So the number I got a week ago was $140,916,73 of our unpaid lunch balance. That number is now over $148,000. And at the last meeting, someone had asked about our unpaid Chrome device repair replacement. And that is $85,17174. So two of those combined is well over the cost of two teachers. So I just want um I just think it's always important to point out. Um it's also a little disheartening. Um in addition to that, I wanted to thank um
053we re is it does it say it here? Yes, we did. We received four generous $250 donations from CooBain Crearyy um which is Andrew Weinstein State Farm and that is for cross country. And then we also received a $7,000 donation um to the Jackson Township High School boys and girls lacrosse teams um for Jackson lacrosse clubs for new uniforms. And then I also want to thank the um [laughter] the Jackson Education Foundation for the two things Mrs. permilly um talked about earlier. One is for a t-shirt program for uh multi multiple disabled children to be able to create and sell t-shirts in the school and the other one was a grant for um disc golf. Correct. In uh the 56 school. So I think all of those deserve recognition. >> Any other discussion? >> Yes.
054Uh I got a question. The Salem transportation agreement. Is that a a one student or it's only one student? Okay. >> Anyone else? Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh? >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barcus? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gardella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. I need a motion to move facilities. Motion >> second. >> Discussion. >> I kind of have a question. Um I was just wondering what's the process to collect funds from outside uh >> what are the >> um yeah events that happen. What what's the time frame? Do we take a deposit >> the funds? So what's the process? Like for example, um facility. >> Yeah, the facility rentals. Like for example, um you know, there's ongoing ones throughout the year. There's a
055couple coming at the end of the month. Do we take donations for um deposits for those? And then how does the billing work? >> Yeah, there's a they put down a deposit when they when when they request the rental and then after the event is done, they they pay the remainder. >> We invoice them or >> we invoice them. Yeah. Is there a time frame for the invoice? >> There is. And I believe it's I want to say it's 30 days after the event >> that we invoice them or that >> we expect payment. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh. >> Yes. Mr. McCarron. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barcus. >> Mr. Cordella >> and Mrs. Cass. >> Yes. Yes. >>
056I need a motion to move programs. Motion >> second. >> Discussion. just go through. I don't think I >> just um I wanted to just point out uh program number 12, which was um a a grant for a confidence closet at the Jackson Township Middle School. And I just wanted to say I thought that was a great project to help improve student well-being. And I wanted to just point that out on the agenda. >> What is the confidence closet? Um, I could read it to you. It says that um it is in the amount of $4,000 and the grant funds will provide the creation of a confidence closet which would be the purchase of storage cabinets, hygiene and personal care project products and clothing for the startup for teen students. So, you know, to help
057with things that happen in adolescence, it looks like >> I understand that, but who runs that? What [laughter] how does that work? So, um I'm sure that we'll get more detailed information on this, but um at the middle school, they're looking to have guidance counselors. Um I do happen to have Mr. Pino in the audience. Do you mind if I put you on the spot and ask how it's going to to operate, Mr. Pino? Um but usually it works through the um the staff um and volunteer club members and things like that. But let's see what Mr. Pino's plan is. So, the uh confidence closet we received um from Ocean County, they give out to uh school districts that are looking for ways to help their students that might need help as far as uh
058your students from your EL population, students that are free and reduced lunch. um looking for ways to help them, you know, to get through the uh if they have needs as far as clothing, if they have needs as far as hygiene project uh products. Um they help you to put together a program where you can designate an area in your school, get the um hardware that you need to store items, and then they allow you to purchase items that you think is most needy for your school. So, we applied for that and received that. And at this time, we're really in the infancy of it. We just received word uh on I think Tuesday that we actually received it. So, once we sign all the paperwork, I've reached out to my staff. I have several
059people that are involved in creating this closet um where we're going to be able to offer products that students that might not be able to have them are going to be able to uh get those things. So, we're we're looking forward to it. >> Thank you, Mr. Pino. similar to when you think about the vintage shop things like that that we would it's similar to that concept >> but it's it's handled by >> it's basically handled by our staff. >> Yes. >> Correct. >> One other question. Number 12. The inter murals are they co-ed? >> Number eight. Number eight. >> Yes. Number eight. Yes, they are. Mhm. >> Okay. All right. They are. >> No other discussion. Roll call. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroas? >>
060Yes. >> Mrs. Gordella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. >> I need a motion to move students. Motion. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> I just wanted to know um how long does a district have to fund a displaced student? Is there like a threshold? >> I believe it's a year. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh? >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroas? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gordella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. >> I need a motion to move personnel. >> Motion. >> Second. Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Walsh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McCarron. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rivera? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Baroque? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gordella? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cass? >> Yes. I need a motion to
061open the public forum on any topic pertaining to the board of education. >> Motion. >> Second. Um, please sign in and state your name or whether or not you are a Jackson resident. Each person is allowed a maximum of three minutes to speak. No person may speak more than once on the topic until all others have been heard. Good evening. Um, my name is Elizabeth Subatario. I am a Jackson resident. I'm a parent of two girls in the school district and we've been in the school district for about 11 years. Um, always been a pleasure uh through Switlick and now both a middle schooler I have and one in high school. Um, no, no great issues throughout the years, but uh I would like to make your um panel aware of some things that I've
062been um dealing with lately and certain things that have been able to be addressed by the school itself, which has been really great uh through the guidance office. Um but uh these items I'm not sure that uh the school can handle itself. So I'd like to bring them up here, please. So specifically with the transportation department uh the late bus registration I'm not sure if I am mistaken but I subscribed to the fall registration for drama and I have now subscribed also to the winter because drama goes between seasons. When I first got the fall subscription, drama didn't even have a it was a to be determined date of the beginning, so we weren't really sure, so we went with the fall. Um, so I have a receipt showing that I'm subscribed to the fall
063and that it goes through November 21st. However, my daughter was denied transportation on the 13th and again today. Um today I actually came to the school and spoke with the front desk clerk who called the transportation department and was assured that she would be okay on route two. After that I went back home and my child did not come home on a bus. So I came and picked her up. The drama uh coach explained to me that they tried to get her on the bus. They were told bus two or route two and uh she was denied. So, I really need that to be taken to the next level outside of maybe the school, maybe uh with the transportation department. Um the other issue I it's not really an issue, but more of a clarification.
064When the late bus subscription was um publicly announced, uh and maybe I'm wrong, but I thought we were looking at $55 per middle schooler. Um now it's at 75. And I'm not sure if that was something that the board discussed or where it was discussed. I couldn't find minutes on it. And I would like to know where I might be able to see the discussion on how the price was either determined, why it was determined, when it was determined, did it increase, was it always 75? And uh lastly, I'd like to address the lunchtime at the middle school. My daughter [clears throat] has expressed many times that it is difficult uh knowing even when her table is called up to eat. That was addressed by the school. They now just let them go in line.
065Um, I would like to ask if has anyone estimated how much time it takes for the last student in line to get through, get their food, sit down, and actually have time to eat because that is becoming a concern. So, um, those are all the the items I'd like to speak on. I thank you very much. Appreciate your time. Are there any additional questions? Seeing no one come forward, I need a motion to close public forum. >> Motion. >> Discussion. No, no discussion. All in favor? >> I a motion to close public forum. No, that's that. That's I was thinking something else. I'm sorry. >> Board comments. Can I just respond? >> Yes. I'm sorry. I'm >> Thank you. >> So, there were many issues and questions that you had there. Um, and so, and
066I also have some questions for you. So, probably best if you contact me tomorrow. Um, I just want to catch your name again before you >> Elizabeth. >> Last name is C O T A R I U. >> Okay. Thank you. Let's touch base tomorrow. Okay. >> Oh, email. >> Uh, let's do phone. Okay. Thank you. >> We'll do board comments. We'll start with Okay. I'd like to congratulate uh field hockey uh for winning their division, the first one in Jackson history. Field hockeyy's never won a divi division before. uh also volleyball won their division. So we're off to a good start as far as that's concerned. All the sports perform very well. Okay. I am on the short conference executive committee and uh they speak highly of Jackson as they always have. Okay. Uh
067I'd also am happy to hear that there's still Powderpuff. 60 years ago there was powderpuff and they still keep the tradition going which is great. Also congratulations to all those students with the perfect score. Academics is one of the main reasons we are here. Have a happy Thanksgiving. >> Stole my thunder. Yeah, same thing. Uh congratulations to all the uh perfect score award winners and uh wishing everybody a happy Thanksgiving. I I want to thank everyone for coming out this evening um and viewing us on live stream. Congratulations to all recipients on your perfect score awards. It truly shows how hard work pays off. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe happy Thanksgiving. Uh congratulations to everyone on the perfect score awards. Um also uh congratulations to our girls field hockey team. Um, and congratulations
068to my daughter Paige for winning the sportsmanship award last night at our beautiful banquet that was held in the halls of Jackson Township High School. And I'm wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Um, I thought tonight was an awesome highlight of the positive action that's happening in Jackson. You know, a lot of times the negative sometimes can outweigh all the awesome things that are happening. And, you know, we had a lot of changes here in Jackson and I think they were for the benefit. you know, when we watch the budget season unroll for a lot of districts around us, they're going to have some tumultuous times ahead. And, you know, for those of us that have kids still in district, you know, there's a lot of positivity coming out of our kids. And, um, from what
069I personally see and what you guys have shared with us, you know, we're moving in the right direction. And um you know I just want to say that sometimes our I feel like our board we need to continue to think about revenue generating projects because sometimes you got to spend money to make money. And the last thing I want to say is we have new elected officials. So we need to be letting those individuals know who we are here in Jackson. um that way we can make sure that we're getting our unique district accounted for and we have really a lot of great ideas for our students in the future. >> Very well said. Um I'd like to echo everyone's sentiments and wish congratulations to all that has been listed. [laughter] So, and other than
070that, I just want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. Uh have a good night. Thank you. Motion >> motion to adjurnn. motion >> all uh by acclamation. >> I