001license. Here we go. The regular meeting of the Kingsburg Board of Education will be held in the Bulger Middle School Media Center. Adequate notice for this meeting has been mailed to the Asbury Park Press, filed with the Municipal Court of Kingsburg, posted on the district website, and posted inside the office of the Kingsburg Board of Education, 100 Palmer Place, Kingsburg, New Jersey on January 10th, 2026. Roll call, Mrs. Clayton, Mrs. Friselle, Miss Callahare Moran, Mr. Manowski, >> Mr. Kitchen >> here, >> Mr. Cook >> here, >> Mr. Hawk >> here, >> Miss Ferrara >> here, >> Miss Ryan >> here. Please stand al to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Ladies and gentlemen, there are fourth emergency exits. Some of the exits may
002be behind you. So, if there's emergency situation, please look around. You'll find the nearest exit. As you sit up here tonight, some of my members are missing. The flu is going around and has gotten some of them. So, they're homesick and they send their best wishes for um the next part, which is presentations. >> We are going to start with Miss Good good evening everybody. Uh we are so excited to see what a beautiful turnout. So give yourselves a round of applause. [applause] Um I will start with uh Miss Janna Rash. Um it has been said that she is loving and a warm educator who has been in the district over 20 years. She's worked tirelessly as a classroom power professional with her teacher to advocate for her students year after year. She is a
003great resource and shares all types of teaching materials with her co-workers and is especially fond of sharing stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays. Uh if there's a song or fingerplay for any character, for any theme, Jana can always find it for you. So if you're lucky, hit her up. Um if Janick can uh we did she is uh the most patient person. She always helps all of her students with a smile and gives her best. Um one of our parents wrote that she takes the time to create a beautiful keepsake album for each student and it's a very special gift that she will keep with her for her lifetime. Uh she's dedicated, caring employee who has helped the students, families and colleagues in her class throughout her career here in Kingsburg. Jenna, PLEASE JOIN US.
004>> [applause] >> I'M GOING TO GIVE THIS TO YOU TO hold your certific. I don't want to break And then one with me. And then you >> want to wait for her. >> So round of applause for Our [applause] educator of the year is Diane Numei. Uh she is meticulous in planning activities for gross motor. For everybody else that would be called Jim. Um she ensures that every student has an opportunity to move and to grow in a developmentally appropriate way. For years she traveled between classrooms with her materials on her back. Um, even now in a beautiful new gym, um, she can be seen many mornings pushing her cart of materials up and down the hallway to keep things fun and engaging. The students love their time with her and look forward to seeing
005her each day. After many years as a teacher in the district, she is a Santa in her heart. Uh, she has been a secret Santa for many children in our district. Um, which is a huge task. numerous phone calls, emails, and physical labor goes into planning, prepping, and delivering presents to hundreds of families throughout the year. Her unsung kindness ensures that many students and families can smile on holiday mornings. She also plans and coordinates events that bring toys and books to the hands of every preschooler throughout the school year. She never wants recognition for the outstanding community service she provides to our students and to our families. Unfortunately, she could not be here tonight to accept this award. So, she said, "Make sure that I do the Academy Award, >> Mrs. [applause] Good evening. I'm
006[clears throat] >> Good evening. I'm Sean Henry. I'm the vice principal at Caruso. Um I am here going to introduce our educational support professional of the year, Mr. Thomas Anderson, who I'm going to be transparent, did such an amazing job for us that I'm secretly and selfishly a little heartbroken. He's being promoted tonight to teach Spanish at Bulier. Um, but just a the most welcome addition we had to our school. Serving as a power professional in the multi-grade special education classroom, providing dedicated support to a student who requires significant assistance throughout the school day is something special to watch each and every day. And I can't tell you how many times, you know, it's chaotic and just watching Mr. Anderson and a student work together up and down the hall just always a breath of
007fresh air. Like I said, I'm secretly a little heartbroken that we're losing him, but I'm very excited for him moving forward. From the very beginning, he has demonstrated exceptional patience, compassion, and professionalism. His calm and caring presence helps create a positive, supportive learning environment, not only for the student he works with, but the entire classroom community. [snorts] In a short time, he has already made a meaningful and lasting impact at Caruso. And we are incredibly proud to recognize Mr. Anderson with his award tonight. [applause] >> [applause] >> by now by himself. And then we'll follow >> [applause] >> Okay, this is my favorite board meeting. Not that I don't love them all, but this is my favorite board meeting. And this one's a little bit extra special, so I'm going to go a little back.
008Many years ago, my daughter was in her school talent show at Port Mammoth Elementary, which is now closed. It was finale practice day one, and there was a mom and her daughter who were running the show, and Miss Melie, a dancer and a dance teacher, was in charge of the routine. I was new to the whole thing. Didn't like the chaos that I thought I was going to see. I actually later took over the show when they persuaded me to. But something someone stood out to me. Angela had a presence that could not go unnoticed. She managed the children so well, better than some adults that I knew at the time. She had an energy that was captivating. She was firm but nurturing and everything ran super smoothly. Even though one of her favorite sayings
009is, "It's never smooth." In speaking with her, I found out that she wanted to be a teacher. I said, "Okay, when you graduate and you get certified, we'll be in touch." Fast forward, we had a long-term substitute position opening and I reached out to a little bit older, Miss Melie. She graciously accepted and she has been a part of Caruso ever since. She's taught kindergarten and special education and has only grown with each passing year. She's made an impact on each and every one of our students of her students, excuse me. I lost my spot. And has gained my admiration year after year as well. She is caring, efficient, and creative. She brings warmth and excellence to everything that she does. She is exceptionally organized with her color coding and a genuine and dedicated educator.
010She makes the complex task of teaching a highly diverse group of students look effortless. Her positivity and smile warm our hearts each day as well as her students. It's clear that she takes pride in her students growth and success and her deep compassion shines through in her classroom. She is also an amazingly generous and supportive colleague always willing to lend a hand or share her expertise and she's also one of the leaders of the sunshine committee which bring joy to all the staff. She loves Caruso. And I know this because one year, unfortunately, she was rifted. And I told her, "Don't worry, I'll write a letter of recommendation for you and I'll help you get a job." And she said, "But I don't want to leave. I want to stay. This is where I belong."
011Luckily, we got to keep her. And I will not forget that statement that she made. Caruso was truly lucky to have her on our team. What was once an opportunity for a young lady starting her career turned into one of the best decisions ever. She has definitely earned her stripes. And I am extremely honored to recognize Miss Angela Melie for Caruso Educator of the Year. [applause] [applause] And then and then the family. >> Both of you have to get in the photo. >> He wants to soon to be Mr. Melie. [applause] >> Thank you. >> 119 sweep. They work together. [applause] >> Uh hi all. I'm Ryan Littles, the vice principal uh at Bulier. Tonight I have the pleasure of uh announcing our instructional support professional of the year and that's Rebecca Domus. [applause] Um
012I just wanted to say a few words about her. Um first off the first thing you notice is how hardworking she is. Um she's constantly collaborating with all her peers. Um there's not a staff member who doesn't think the world of her. Um they're always talking about how helpful she is. Um she's so so caring with the kids. Um you see how much she truly loves these kids and you could see how much they know that she loves them. Um every single day the interactions are countless. Um and she really pours her heart and soul into this. Um she's uh always willing to go outside. She braves the elements, especially today uh to bring the kids to their bus. I know they appreciate that. And she's the first one to say hi and the last
013one they see. um which really means a lot. She's always willing to go above and beyond anything we ask. Uh there's never a complaint. Uh it's what else can I do? What do you need help with? Um and Bulier is certainly a better place with her here. Um and I'd be the first one to congratulate Rebecca Dol. [applause] >> [crying] >> short. Okay. >> [applause] >> Good evening. I'm Joe Lorraco, the principal at Boulder Middle School. It's with great pleasure and honor that I get to announce our teacher of the year at Bula, Miss Tara Kakowski. Miss Kakowski generally cares about her students, letting them know she believes in them even when they feel they feel the work is getting challenging. Through consistency, patience, and positive sense of humor, Miss Kakowski creates meaningful connections that
014motivate students to engage, take risks, and succeed both academically and personally. Miss Kakowski brings a strong relationship with her students by making them feel seen, valued, and supported every day. She takes time to get to know each student as an individual, their strengths, interests, and challenges, and uses that understanding to connect learning to their lives. What really stands out about Miss Kakolski is how much she cares. She puts her whole heart into her work, and it shows in her teaching, in her ra relationships with students, and how she supports our school as a whole. She's always willing to help share ideas and step up when somebody needs her. Tara, we're incredibly lucky to have you and this recognition is welld deserved. Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. by myself. >> Oh, your hair >> ponytail. >>
015Thank you. >> You're welcome. smile. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Miss Kakoski is also DJing our um school dance on Valentine's Day. So come out and see her DJ. [applause] John Bird, uh, vice principal at the high school, and I have the distinct honor to stand here tonight and recognize a member of our school family who embodies the definition of dedication. While many roles in a school are defined by a classroom or the office, our support staff member of the year, Bill Padone, has made the entire building his domain of care and excellence. >> [applause] >> WHAT SETS BILL apart is his unique ability to balance security with heart. He doesn't just patrol our halls. Billy has built incredible relationships with our students. He knows their names. He knows their stories. And he knows where
016a student just needs a friendly good morning to start their day on the right track. Billy is the ultimate team player. He never hesitates to assist administration or staff, often stepping in before he is even asked. At the core of his work, Billy keeps student safety at the forefront of every decision. He's highly visible and a friendly face at our corridors. Billy, thank you for your vigilance, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment to our school. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as support staff member of the year. [applause] I don't think so. >> There is no Wait, there's a good coming. >> Yeah, she's coming in right now. >> You know, I got to go on this side. [applause] All right. It's a privilege to recognize Danielle Myra for her exceptional contributions to Kingsburg High School.
017Miss Myra's impact is defined by three distinct pillars: inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and civic integration. Inclusivity within her art studio environment. Miss Myers, Miss Meyer expertly differentiates instruction for a diverse range of skill levels. She empowers even the most hesitant learners to take risks and achieve artistic success. Environmental stewardship. Her leadership in campus revitalization has brought new energy and color to our building. The student murals created under her guidance serve as more than aesthetic improvements. They're enduring sources of student pride that have significantly enhanced our school climate and fostered student ownership of their environment, tying into the different curriculums offered at the high school and civic integration. As art club adviser, Miss Myra has transformed student engagement into a vehicle for community service through highly visible participation in local parades, treelighting ceremonies, and fundraisers. She ensures
018our students are active contributing members of the Kingsburg community. Danielle Myra is a dedicated educator who cultivates talent, beautifies our school, and bridges the gap between the classroom and the community. Please join me in congratulating Miss Myra on her well-deserved honor of Kingsburg High School's teacher of the year. [applause] [applause] >> [clears throat] [applause] >> Good evening everyone. In addition to each building level recipients, there is also uh district-wide recipients that a committee votes on for one representative for district educational service professional winner and the district educational teacher of the year. So this year the committee has picked for the district educational services professional of the year for 25 and 26, Mr. Thomas Anderson. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> And finally, the Kingsburg School District by committee vote has picked the district educator of the
019year winner for the 2025 2026 school year to be Miss Tara Kakowski. [applause] [applause] Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> In one further recognition, in honor of school board appreciation month, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the Kingsburg Board of Education for their steadfast leadership, advocacy, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Our board members work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure that every decision supports the educational success and well-being of our children. Your dedication to maintaining high expectations, supporting instructional improvements, protecting essential essential programs, and guiding our district through both opportunities and challenges does not go unnoticed. This year, your support for district-wide academic initiatives, social emotional learning, and professional growth has helped strengthen teaching and learning at every level. You have championed student voice, prioritized
020safety and belonging, and encouraged innovative and innovation that benefits our entire school community. On behalf of our staff, families, and students, thank you for your continued service, vision, and unwavering belief that children in Kingsburg can achieve. We are grateful for your leadership and proud to celebrate you during schoolboard appreciation month. Thank you for all schoolboard members. So, we're going to take a five minute break in couple minutes. We have a couple new reports we have to get through and all you just for the record is also my favorite time of year. I think Okay, thanks >> Bulers. First middle school wishes. >> Okay. >> The Bulger Middle School spelldown will take place tomorrow, January 21st. This event is open to all grade levels for those who students who were chosen to participate. The eighth grade
021students had two things last week in preparation for the upcoming promotional ceremony in June. They were measured for their cap and gowns and also their cap and gown pictures were taken. Parents will be able to purchase them and they will also be featured in the class of 2026 yearbook. Our wrestling and basketball teams are still in full swing. We have many students and faculty members coming out to support them at these events. Our student athletes are so focused on working hard and doing a great job. >> There will be an assembly on January 27th for sixth graders on the topic of dangers of vaping. >> The eighth graders in the drama club had parts in the Kingsburg High School play Dracula last Friday, Saturday, January 16th and 17th. The PTA is having a dance on
022February 13th from 2:30 to 4:30. The admission is $5. The tickets need to be purchased in advance by February 10th. On Wednesday, January 14th, there was a trip to the Count Basy Theater in Redbank to see a musical show entitled All Shook Up. The drama club, band, and some other students were in attendance. The sixth, seventh, and eighth graders The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who were in band have been practicing in January for the Beayhore Honors Band, who will be performing at Henry Hudson on February 3rd. Miss Levery will be taking her civics classes to Mammoth County Superior Court in Freehold on Fridays all over the course of the next four weeks to tour the courthouse and watch sentencing in Judge Jill Ali's courtroom. She is the judge of criminal courts. The titans
023of the month were for sixth graders were Lucas Maddox and Lily Pure Bowski. Seventh graders consisted of Cameron Ortiz and Isabelle Rivera. The eighth graders were Logan Rock and Linda Villa. We are very proud of of the great work that they have done. There were nine Bulger students who made honoral and two outstanding students who made high honor roal. Luke Yardi and Marjorie Orontes Portillo. Fantastic work. >> The end of the second marking period is Friday, January 27th. >> Bulier Middle School will hold parent teacher conferences on February 5th in the evening and February 6th after school. >> Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good evening, members of the board of education, administrators, and community members. I'd like to start by extending congratulations to all the educators and support professionals recognized tonight. [applause] As we
024continue through the school year, Kingsburg High School students are also preparing to wrap up the second marking period, which ends on Wednesday, January 28th. On Wednesday, our 10th grade students attended an informative assembly with the Mammoth County Vocational School District. During the presentation, students learned about the wide range of specialized programs and career focused opportunities available to them during their junior and senior years. It was a val valuable experience that helped many students begin thinking about their future paths. Over the past weekend, our drama club students put on an outstanding production of Dracula. The talent, dedication, and confidence displayed on stage were truly impressive, and our students should be incredibly proud of their performance. I would also like to announce that our gift auction is March 13th in the Kingsburg High School cafeteria. We are
025currently selling bingo bundles. Anyone interested in coming for a fun night, please reach out to Deanna Lopez. All proceeds help all four classes. In addition, the environmental club and Miss Davis's class in room 110 are continuing their collection of linens, towels, blankets, and similar items for their Mammoth County SPCA. Donations will be accepted through the end of the month, and any support is greatly appreciated. I'd also like to highlight some of our recent athletic accomplishments. At Kingsburg High School, our wrestling team placed an impressive fifth at the Buck Classic with several individual standouts and multiple medal winners. Shawn Rea earned first place and was also named the upperweight overall wrestler of the tournament. The boys basketball team placed second in the Shore Middle Sex holiday tournament and is currently holding a 5-4 record, ranked 13th
026in group one Central Jersey for power points. The girls basketball team won the Shore Middle Sex holiday tournament and remains undefeated with a 9-0 record. Princess Graves was named was was named to the all tournament team while Gabriella Flanbomb was selected as tournament MVP. The Lady Titans were also recognized as the Shore Sports Insider Team of the Week and Gabriella Flanb was named Shore Conference Player of the Week by NJ.com. Thank you for your time and continued support of our students and school community. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to make this real fast. The finance committee met early this evening at 6:30. There's nothing new. Finances went over and so all is good. Thank you. Any open questions? I'll make that. I'll second >> that. Ken. Roll call. Mr. Kitchen. >> Yes.
027>> Mr. Cook. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hoff. >> Yes. >> Miss Ferraro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ryan. >> Yes. >> Wait. I'm sorry. Is this for the regular meeting or is this for the reorganization meeting? >> Both. Well, you would have to recuse yourself then. >> Yeah. If if you're just voting on meeting minutes, if you've reviewed the minutes, even if you weren't there, if you reviewed them and you're satisfied. >> Okay. Superintendent of Schools recommends positive action on the following items under personnel. Number one, professional employment. Number two, non-professional employment. Number three, long-term substitute teacher. Number four, leave of absence medical. Number five, leave of absence medical revision. Number six, leave of absence intermittent family. Number seven, leave of absence maternity child care revision. Number eight, substitute teachers pair professionals for the district. Number
028nine, Kingsburg afterchool program teacher assistance for the district. And number 10, professional development costing $150 or above. >> Please get a motion. Please have >> any questions, sir. >> Mr. Kitchen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cook. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Hoff. >> Yes. >> Miss Ferraro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ryan. >> Yes. >> Under policy and regulation number 11 NGAC6A 23A and number 12 regulation first reading alert 236. >> I please have a motion. >> I like that motion. >> Please have a second. >> I'll second. >> Do we have any questions? >> Sir. >> Mr. Kitchen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cook? >> Yes. Mr. Hoff, >> yes. >> Miss Ferraro. >> Miss Ryan, >> yes. >> And under general number 13, district HIV report 14, disposal of unusable, outdated, broken furniture and equipment for
029the district. 15, acceptance of donation for Joseph R. Bulier Middle School. 16, in-class state trips for 2526. 17, senior seminar internship locations, and 18 school bus evacuation drill. Please have a motion. >> Please any questions? >> Yes. >> We do it every month because >> basically. Yes. Because if not, we would have to wait for individual approval at a next board meeting. So instead of collecting all the garbage, we approve it monthly so that we can dispose of things as they break. >> That's why we do it every month. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? I have one, please. 15. Can we please make sure everyone gets a data board? >> Sir, >> uh, Mr. Kitchen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cook, >> yes. >> Uh, Mr. Huff, >> yes. >> Miss Ferrar, >> yes.
030>> Miss Ryan, >> yes. School Business Administrator Board Secretary report. Board Secretary's monthly certification for December 2025 certifies that no line item has been overexpended in December 2025 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. Payroll certifications for December 15th and December 23rd. The superintendent recom uh schools recommends positive action on the following items. One, receipt and acceptance of December 2025 board secretaries report. Two, approve appropriation transfers. Three, approve bills list. Four, approve 2526 home instruction. Five, approve 2526 uh school year out of district tuition. Six, accept acceptance of the 2425 annual audit. I just want to read that uh the superintendent of schools recommends the board of education accept the report for the 2425 school year prepared by HFA with no findings per
031the annual comprehensive financial report and the auditor's management report. So there's no findings this year. They will present at the next board meeting. You'll get your audits then and um them presenting next meeting doesn't prevent you from accepting it tonight. Number seven, approve banking institution signatures. >> Motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> Any questions? year pass. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. Miss that. Mr. Kitchen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cook. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hoff. >> Yes. >> Miss Ferraro. >> Yes. >> Miss Ryan. >> Yes. >> Uh before I turn it back over to Mr. Hoff, I just want to read there was a public complaint at the last board meeting. So, I have a letter from the attorney that he wanted me to read tonight. At the last board meeting, a member
032of the public asked the board attorney if it was required for a member of the board to live in the burrow they served. I responded in the affirmative, but that it did not require the board member to sleep every night at his or her residence. The cub the excuse me, the public complaintant informed the superintendent who was concerned about uh about who she was concerned about not living in the town after an investigation by the board attorney. The concerns raised were unfounded. >> Thank you. your side. >> Okay, I got the two tables to myself. Uh first of course, uh congratulations to all the educators of the year. Uh your work truly is something special to this district and to the kids that are a part of it. Thank you for all your hard work,
033your dedication. Uh truly it's nice to see them recognized. Uh also to my other fellow board members as it's uh board member appreciation month. Thank you for all that you do and your dedication. It is truly an honor to work with you all. Um I just want to mention that uh on February 3rd, the Mammoth County SBA virtual meeting will be held. It's a conversation with Senators Lin Gopal and Deathos Scanland. Um this will be an informative discussion almost like a Q&A. Um they're going to be giving kind of key issues that are shaping New Jersey's public schools and valuable insights into the statewide initiatives and legislative priorities. So if uh some of my board members could uh log in and join that would be great and should be a good meeting. Thank you Kathleen
034for number six the audit that is fantastic. Thank you to your team and everybody and uh have a great rate. Thank you. Absolutely amazing. Uh just again congratulations to everybody that was recognized tonight >> this past weekend and uh even though we left uh a big shout out to the teacher for the drama coach and the drama club the students and their parents what an amazing performance I can't even sing in the shower and these kids especially Dracula They did an amazing job. Everyone up here always talks about sports and our student athletes, which they are amazing. But today at the basketball game coming down the hallway, I was actually stopped in my tracks because I saw all the college board and all of the places that our students are going from NJIT to MIT,
035everywhere in between. So even though we do have amazing student athletes, we still have students that are amazing and achieving go to bigger schools than we ever thought [clears throat] we could get into. So uh educators of the year is my favorite time of year because again, thank God I can't vote because everyone we have the best in the country. I believe midterms are coming up. So good luck to all of our kids. I know my daughter's doing them. And then I'm going to 100 days of school coming up too, I believe. Right. Cuz I always Dr. birthday's coming up. >> So, yeah, I have my notes. And yes, I want to thank all my board members for uh board of education month. And you guys make my job very easy. Actually, make me look
036[clears throat] again. My mom says I have a face for radio, but when I sit up here with you guys, it's a good day. Um, for the record, I do live in town and I live at two bar place. Anybody who's really interested with that being said, I'll take a motion to end it. All in favor? >> Thank you. Thank you for coming.