001held accountable to those that we represent and understand the wants and needs of the local population. He goes on to say, "The purpose of formal education is to pass along the collected traditions, values, wisdom, and knowledge whose mastery ensures the survival of our culture and our society." This is another way to say that what we're doing up here is extremely important. Every time we come up here to make decisions, it's on behalf of our fellow residents here in Little Lake Harbor. All of us do a lot of research, ask a lot of questions of the administration to make sure that our kids have the best education possible. So, we look forward to working with the administration, the staff, the parents, the kids, the teachers, uh, for a very strong upcoming year. There's a lot of
002work to do and I'm ready to begin. So, thank you again for electing me your board president. Superintendent report. >> Thank you. So January is recognized as schoolboard recognition month and I'd like to take a moment to thank our board of education for your dedicated service, leadership, and your commitment to our students, staff, and community. It's evident in the time, care, and thoughtful decision-making and the questions you bring to the board administration. And on the behalf of the district, I sincerely appreciate your continued support of public education and the important work that you do on behalf of our schools each day. We are going to read a um resolution, but I'll go to the rest of my report when we come back to that resolution. Just a quick reminder uh and we know that uh
003an announcement went out today, but tomorrow is an early dismissal for students only. Teachers have a full day of school to to engage in professional development. And so you want to make sure that you're there for uh dismissal. Schools are closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So half day tomorrow, no school on Monday. And also I want to just bring up to everybody's attention if you don't already know that the seasonal flu is rampar among the community and honestly among the whole state. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, bodyaches, headaches, chills, fatigue. And while some people have other things that go along with that, just a reminder to take the proper precautions. Avoid close contact. If you're sick, limit contact with others. We need kids
004to be in school, but we need to kids to be in school healthy. And we need our staff to be healthy in school. So if your child is not feeling well, if you're not feeling well, please, I'd rather stay home, get better, and then come back. Kids who are ill in school can't learn well. So, we want to make sure that if there anybody is exhibiting signs of illness, please keep the child home. We'll still follow our attendance protocols. However, not only do we not want to have sick children in school, but because they can't learn, we want to make sure that when they aren't here, they're present. So, thank you for that. Now, if it's okay with everybody, I'll go ahead and read the resolution. >> Sure. >> Okay. Terrific. This is for school
005board recognition. Yes, I have a motion. >> Motion. >> Second resolve that the board of education approve the school board recognition resolution. Whereas the New Jersey school boards association has declared January 2026 to be school board recognition month, a time when all residents can acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members. Whereas the Little Lake Harbor Board of Education is one of 581 local school boards in New Jersey which sets policy and oversees operations for public school districts. And whereas the Little Lake Harbor Board of Education embraces the goal of highquality education for all New Jersey public school students. And whereas New Jerseyy's local school boards help determine the educational goals for approximately 1.4 million children in pre kindergarten through grade 12. And whereas New Jersey's 5,000 local school board members who receive
006no renumeration for their services act as advocates for public school students as they work with administrators, teachers, and parents for the betterment for public education. And whereas school boards strive to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. And whereas boards of education provide accountability to the public, they communicate the needs of the school district to the public and they convey to school administrators the public's expectations for the schools. And whereas New Jersey can take pride in its schools which rank among the nation's best in key achievement indicators such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress scores and the preparation for college through advanced placement offerings and SAT assessments. Now therefore, it may it be resolved that the Little Egg Harbor Board of Education does hereby recognize
007the services of local school board members throughout New Jersey as we join communities statewide in observing January 2026 as school board recognition month. And be it further resolved that the Little Life Harbor Board of Education urges all New Jersey citizens to work with their local boards of education and public school staff toward the advancement of our children's education. Thank you, Lisa. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Jon, >> yes. Mr. Server, >> yes. >> Mr. Oga, >> yes. >> Miss Middle, >> yes. >> Dr. Snider, >> yes. >> Mr. Phil, >> yes. >> All right, students support. >> Thank you so much. All right, presentations. Student of the month acknowledgement for George J. Mitchell and Frog Pond Elementary Schools. Mr. Would you mind? >> That's the best part of the meeting. It is true is one.
008>> Sure. >> Mr. Denning, it is very wonderful to have you back this evening and you've been missed and I hope that everyone is well. Welcome back. [applause] Good evening. The George Mitchell School's character trait for December was caring. All of our students of the month were chose based on that trait. Chosen based on that trait. First, Dakota Chaden from Mrs. Nat's class. I don't think Dakota's here, but I'm still going to read what Mrs. Nati said. Dakota consistently demonstrates kindness and leadership in her daily interactions. She shows a strong commitment to learning and often offers encouragement and support to help others overcome challenges. Her positive attitude and willingness to assist without hesitation make her a wonderful role model. Dakota truly exemplifies kindness, compassion, and teamwork. Okay, next we have Trinity Wood. [applause] Miss Goodman
009said, "Trinity is a wonderful choice for student of the month. She consistently upholds kindness and leadership each day by thoughtfully helping her classmates. Trinity sets an excellent example as a line leader in the hallway, always showing others how to walk safely and respectfully. She also demonstrates a caring heart by frequently offering her toys or fidgets to help classmates feel better. Trinity's compassion, humor, and positive attitude make her a true role model in our classroom. over here. Come over here. >> Next, we have Giovani Letta from Mrs. [applause] Gioani is the happiest child that has ever lived. [laughter] That is very hard to live up to. He comes in every morning glowing like a Christmas tree and gives me the world's best hug. He is friendly and caring to every child around him and is always
010willing to give them a helpful hand when needed. Gio's giggle is contagious and even the saddest children immediately perk up being in his presence. If he's not giggling, he's showing the other students his dog impressions or handmade Spongebob toy to make them smile. In class, Giovanni is hardworking and always willing to grow from his mistakes. he is delight to have in my classroom. And lastly, Hannah Tickle from Miss [applause] Hannah is a dedicated and hardworking student. She demonstrates her care for her classmates and teachers by consistently being helpful and respectful. Anna is eager to learn and readily offers assistance to others. She maintains a positive attitude towards school and consistently puts forth her best effort. It is a pleasure to have Hannah in our classroom. [applause] Picture feel free to come take pictures. You see
011that award smile? Did you see that sign? [laughter] Ready [applause] for your siblings? >> I want vegetable. All right, great job. Mr. Denny, it's great to see you. >> Thank you very much. Thank you for the the welcome. I did prepare some comments, but I will save those for public comment towards the end of the meeting. Um, right now we are here to recognize our wonderful December students of the month. And our first student of the month comes from Miss Pabone's class, Miss Katarina Rivera. Congratulations. [applause] Here's what Miss Pavone had to say. Cat is a responsible, helpful, and hardworking student. She's always a positive example for her peers. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious and encourages all around her. She sets high expectations for herself academically, which she carries out both in school and
012at home. We are so lucky to have her in our class this year. I look forward to seeing more of the wonderful things that she does. Congratulations. [applause] Good [snorts] evening everyone. And I'm here to present to a fourth grader from Mrs. Farley's classroom, Penny Sanchez. >> [applause] >> say we like to see come stand next to Mr. Denny Penny. Mrs. Farley says, "I'm excited to nominate Penny for the December student of the month award." In the entire month of December, she has really blossomed both academically and socially. She's always eager to lend a helping hand, even when no one's even asking for it. And she's often one of the first to respond to questions. Penny has a wonderful personality and consistently brings joy to our class with her sense of humor. I am proud
013to have her as one of my students. Keep up the amazing work, PENNY. [applause] NEXT, we have from Miss Perio's class, Riley Mars. Come on up, Riley. [applause] Here's what Persio had to say about you. Riley is an amazing part of our classroom. She is kind, friendly, and conscientious at all times. We are always so proud of her efforts in class. She pays close attention and always raises her hand to share ideas and her thinking. She works hard no matter what task is uh asked of her. Riley cares about doing well in school and she never stops trying or gives up. We are so proud of all Riley has accomplished. She is an extraordinary young lady and student. Great job, Riley. You deserve to be student of the month. Great job. [applause] Moving on to
014fifth grade from Mrs. Simon Stein's room. Luke Surles right here to my left. Luke is an outstanding student who brings positivity and enthusiasm to everything he does. He consistently works hard in class, stays focused, always does his best on assignments. Luke is also kind and respectful to his classmates, often helping others, and he is a great role model. His positive attitude and strong effort make him truly deserving of student of the month. [applause] And last but not least, I cannot believe this young man is in sixth grade already from Miss Coast class, Aaron Rat. Come on up, Aaron. Here's [applause] what Miss Brook had to say. I have the pleasure of having Aaron in my sixth grade home room this year. He is a pleasure to have. He is organized, enthusiastic about learning, and has
015a great work work ethic. Aaron relates well to his peers both socially and academically. He always accepts responsibility for completing tasks on time and with care. He is an involved participant in our classroom community and displays a positive attitude towards learning. Aaron's fine attitude and spirit of cooperation is reflected in his excellent work. It is a real pleasure to work with such a conscientious and well-mannered child. Thank you for being you, Aaron. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Picture time. Guys can come up too. Take pictures. [snorts] >> Congratulations. Make sure you take cookies. Take a couple. Take something away from your siblings. The people who drove you here. All right, next presentation. >> SSDS reporting period one. >> Presentation by Jacqueline. If you'd like to leave now, you best quietly. >> There are more cookies in the table.
016Good evening everyone. I'm Jackie Chroino, director of personnel planning and evaluation for the school district. Um, you know, we have a new board member here and most of you have most of the board members have seen this presentation twice a year already, but this is new for you, Mrs. Miloop. So please, you know, ask questions if you have any. Um, as I go through it, I am presenting tonight the information that we are submitting for the SSDs submission for reporting period 1, which goes from September 1st through December 31st. The student safety data system is an online program that is utilized to document incidents of violence, suspensions, HIV investigations, whether they're founded or unfounded, and programs and trainings that the district implements throughout that reporting period. The data that is submitted is used by the
017Department of Ed and the state of New Jersey for various federal and state requirements such as those um listed on this slide. Incidents are submitted into this online system twice a year September to December and then again for reporting period 2 which is January to June 30th. We do submit all details related to HIVs whether they are founded or unfounded. Incidents that rise to the level of violence, vandalism, weapons or substances, also known as drugs, various different uh possible drugs and other incidents that lead to the removal of students. So in that regard, they're referring to out of school suspensions. We also document all of our trainings and programs that are held at all three of our schools. Those trainings and programs that are submitted are related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying, school climate, school
018culture, social skills, suicide prevention, peer relations, parent school connections, conflict resolution. Basically anything that would support the anti-bullying the bill of rights act and our efforts in our district and anything that about creating a positive school climate and culture data is required to be submitted for all three schools. So a breakdown of our reporting period one submission. So for the front pan school we conducted four HIV investigations. Three of them were unfounded. One of them was confirmed. There were no code of conduct or discipline incidences that rose to the level of violence or vandalism. They did have three out of school suspensions. So in regards to Frog Pond is considered that we had one incident. An incident um is a confirmed hit for those that rise to the level of violence and vandalism. something that's
019came about in the past couple of years and our district does have this in our HIV policy. um were able to make a preliminary determination to not investigate something as a possible hit. We when that a submission comes in, the only reason why we would not investigate it if it is very clear that there is no um distinguishing characteristic that's motivating this issue that's going on. Sometimes it's a duplicate of what we already have. Um, so therefore, we're not going to investigate a duplicate incident. Every time we determine not to investigate something, parents are notified. If it's handled as a code of conduct violation, which typically it is, if during the course of that investigation, it turns like turns into where we feel we need to investigate it as a HIP, we will slide it
020right back into that Hib uh investigation. At the Mitches School, we had five investigations. hit investigations. Two were unfounded, three were confirmed. There were no discipline infractions that rose to the level of violence or vandalism and we had two out of school suspensions. So therefore, because there were three confirmed HIS, the Metro School had three incidences that were documented and there were two times where we did not investigate an incident um as a possible HI. Um again mostly because they are duplicates or it is um the information that the principal and the anti-bullying specialist have um strongly indicates that it will not be a h in the ECC very easy. We had zero investigations. There were no discipline matters that rose to the level of violence and vandalism and there were no suspensions. These are
021just some of the trainings and programs that were documented in there. There is a link to the attachment on the board approval of the SSDS submission with every single thing documented on there. This is a snapshot of those. Some of the trainings that we did so far this school year is our annual staff HIV and code of conduct training and that is also for our substitute teachers on a monthly basis after each board approval. um our anti-bullying specialists from each building did um meet with me um and we do document that and myself and the anti-bullying specialist also attended stra May's hip workshop which is really a fantastic workshop. Our staff um already have and are continuing to be CPI trained, which is done by the Crisis Prevention Institute, which is basically um training for
022staff to deescalate any type of student behaviors, different strategies that we can do before they rise to the level of violence. So, both our um teaching staff members and our par professionals are going through that training now. And the ECC has also been um focusing on providing their teacher assistance uh additional staff training as well. Some of the programs that have already been held so far this year, our school spirit days. We continue with our positive uh behavior uh in schools program. In our schools, we had several orientations for our families that come in uh this summer and this fall. Our schools conduct behavior expectation assemblies not just at the beginning of the year but in some cases monthly basis and uh frequently in New Jersey we are required to participate in the week of
023respect in October. All schools are and uh we participated in that as well as school violence awareness week. Our students also participated in World Kindness Day activities, Veterans Day activities, our morning announcements. And I know in the admin building, we even hear the Frog Pond morning announcements every day that are done by students or Mr. Silver or Mr. Nazerock and and they've been really um we've been enjoying listening to them. Uh we have a therapy dog that has been visiting the Frog Pana Mitchell Schools. Our safety patrol has been handing out responsibility tickets. uh at the Frycon School and the ECC continues to have their parent student workshops and like I said the the entire detailed list is um a link in our board agenda this evening. That's what we have done so far this
024year. We continue to uh will continue to do additional um trainings and programs uh in the second half of the school year. So that is our SSDs submission number one. I will be presenting again in July. So, get ready. Um, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask or reach out. >> Any questions? [clears throat] >> Just how do our numbers compare with the state? They're like pretty low in average. >> Um, I actually don't know what they are compared to the state. They do not release those numbers to us. Um, I can tell you I did look to see what I presented last uh January. So this year for OPON we had four HIV investigations last year. This time we had six. And at the Mitchell school this year we had five
025investigations. Last year we had six. So we're slightly lower but we're kind of you know we're on par. Um we do know that um January can be um a rough month. Uh but I am knocking on wood and I'm probably jinxing everything right now. Um, you know, we've had a very nice uh transition back to school after the winter break. We typically see numbers increase again around spring break time. So, our schools are cognizant of that and they will start making sure that they continue those morning announcements and those assemblies and all the different programs that we do. >> Thank you very much. All right, let's continue. Action items. Recommend motion to approve finance items A through F. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Are there any questions?
026Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Mr. Shone, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Middle, >> yes. >> Dr. Snder, >> yes. >> Mr. Phil, >> yes. Motion carries. Recommend motion to approve facilities item A. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Are there any questions? >> See none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chone, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Mut? >> Yes. >> Dr. Snder? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fanchella? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. recommend motion to approve school business administrators non-personnel items A through C. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> I just want to comment on the Long Beach school closing. I It's very kind
027of them to make the donation to us. Um but still, nonetheless, >> quite quite a generous donation. Any other questions? Roll call, please. >> Mr. >> Yes. Mer. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. M. >> Middle. >> Yes. >> Dr. Snder. >> Yes. >> Mr. Phill. >> Yes. Motion carries. >> Recommend motion to approve personnel items A through G. Can I please have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Are there any questions? I I just want to comment on two of the par professionals that are retiring. Um Sage Roth and Deborah Formoski. Uh they've been here a long time and provided a great service to the district and um they will be sadly missed. So, >> thank you. Any other questions or comments? All right. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Stone, >> yes. >>
028Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Middle, >> yes. >> Dr. Snder, >> yes. >> Mr. Phillot. >> Recommend motion to approve superintendent of schools non-personnel items A through F. Can I please have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. Any questions? >> [snorts] >> Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Chone, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Mr. Middle, >> yes. >> Dr. Schneider, >> yes. >> Mr. Phil, >> yes. >> The motion carries. >> Okay. New business. Is there any new business anybody wants to bring up? Seeing none, public interviews of the board member candidates. We're going to take a 5m minute recess. Anybody that wants to um use the restrooms, we're going to pass out the packets of all the information for
029the candidates. The process is going to be we're going to ask you when we reconvene, we're going to do one candidate at a time. Uh we have a total of four candidates, one candidate at a time. We're going to go alphabetical order. You're going to come up to the podium. You're going to have 20 minutes to speak. We have predetermined questions that each candidate is going to get the same questions. Uh the other three candidates will be in the media center and when the first candidate's done, we will come and get you and second candidate will come out. We'll do that for the whole process just so one person doesn't have an advantage over the other hearing the questions. Um, so that's why we're going to do one at a time with three members in
030the media center and one question uh one candidate at a time question. So we'll take 5 minutes. We will be back here uh 7:46. 746. All right, we're going to get started now. >> I'm going to turn the uh microphone over in a moment to our attorney. Uh but just know that after all the candidates speak, after all four candidates speak, uh the public will have an opportunity to weigh in and give public comment before we go into executive session. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm just going to give a quick overview of the process for tonight. The board is going to conduct public interviews right here in this room. At the conclusion of the public interviews, the board is giving the public an opportunity to provide targeted comments with regard to the candidates
031that were just interviewed. Subsequent to the public comments regarding the candidates, the board will retire to closed executive uh session where they will discuss the candidates who have been interviewed. After the board uh finishes with closed executive session which will be held in a different room, the board will return to this room and once again members of the public will be invited to provide public comment to the board before the board makes its nominations and votes. After that second public comment period, the board is going to accept nominations amongst the board members and then there will be a vote um on the candidates. Um at the conclusion of the vote, assuming that we are successful in uh picking a new board member, that board member will be sworn in here tonight. Um and that is
032essentially the process. Um the board is authorized pursuant to statute to fill this vacancy. The board under this statute has 65 days from the date that the vacancy occurred within which to fill the uh position. In the event that the board can't fill the position or cannot agree on a candidate uh within the 65 day time period, the decision then to appoint someone, it it goes over to the executive county superintendent. So um with luck, tonight we will have a new board member uh who will be sworn in and seated prior to the conclusion of tonight's meeting. So thank you. >> Okay. Good evening. Uh each of us have a question that we're going to ask. There's going to be six questions and gonna be a timer for 20 minutes. So you want to keep
033an eye out on that. >> Uh so the first question is going to go to Greg. >> Hey, thank you for coming to interview with us. My name is Greg Leega. Uh my question for you is what motivated you to apply for the school board and what specific issues do you feel are most important in the district that need the most attention right now? Apologize. I'm apologizing if you can repeat that just so I can jot down some notes so I can make sure I get all your questions. >> Absolutely. Uh, what motivated you to apply for the school board and what issues do you feel are most important that need the most attention in the district right now? >> Uh, first foremost, I just want to say hello. My name is I think you
034guys all have my documents. I have those here as well. Um just thank you for the opportunity to potentially be a candidate for this vacancy. Um in regards to motivation to applying, so I have two kids currently working through the school district. Um and they're both prospering quite well and I have good relationships with the teachers and the staff involved. And I really just once the opening happened um I thought it'd be a good way to get back to the community in the district and kind of reciprocate the value that we've gotten as a school district [clears throat] >> by way of like governance policy and things of that nature. Um >> excuse me. Could you just talk into the mic a little bit more for the benefit of the public listening? Thank you. So
035my motivation was to essentially facilitate, help out and provide support and reciprocate all the uh attention that my kids got and then get back to school. Um in regards to issues attention I require the most amount of attention. Um, sorry. Uh, in regards to the issues that require the most amount of attention, I would say maybe communication. I know recently we became a little bit more involved on the other side of uh budgets in those conversations. Um, that happened last year. Uh that's when we started playing the meetings during dinners just to see what was going on. Uh it made me aware that we weren't really as involved as we thought we were. We were very much supportive vocally like through the school through the actual teachers see if they need anything uh going for
036things that nature. But in regards to what's going on in the community, we weren't really quite too sure. So being involved in that portion of things, helping increase communications, maybe some of the parents that aren't as active or want to be more active within the system. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Question number two, Christine. >> Hi, Christine Snider. Um so what particular strengths do you will you bring to the school board based on your personal experiences uh work education >> so I'm very much dedicated to team I'm back in school for my second master's degree in a different discipline so I'm very much in the school program continuously um whether it be in classrooms like I was I think through my first degree through what I do now, which is asynchronous, which is
037when available, like I've always been keen on growing and learning. I feel like as long as you're in school or learning in some way, um, the world opens up and I try to instill that in my children as well. Um, and then in regards to so educationally, I remain that. Um, in regards to professionally, I'm a senior manager for biotech company. So, a lot of what I do is manage, maintain, and optimize um by way of making sure projects come to fruition. Um both short-term and long-term, ensuring everyone is on the same page to make sure we have goals, deadlines, all KPIs. Um and then furthermore, uh budget, which I know is a lot of what we do here. So being able to project those budgets essentially adhere to those budgets, adjust accordingly, communicate those
038budgets because I work functioning [clears throat] with different teams. So our small decisions were never really small. They just play a part of the bigger picture. So being able to communicate that up and across my team accordingly. So the recap I would say continuously education um as well as my adherence to quality and thank you. Number three, John Stone, how are you? Nice to meet you. Uh my question tonight for you uh is how would you balance the needs of students, teachers, taxpayers when making difficult budget policy decisions? It's a very good question. Um I think first and foremost we we shape policy with the scope of children first and foremost and then from there we see where we can make adjustments accordingly in order to do it within the constraints that is the budget.
039Um I'm not too familiar of the inner workings of that is not quite yet. I'm fairly c certainly there's areas where we can adjust um potentially pivot in some cases or uh supplement in other ways whether we fundraisers or what have you in order to raise funds if that is the concern um or maybe it's as I mentioned before communication maybe it's a matter of outreach maybe bring more people um bring expertise that aren't necessarily part of the word ahead but can facilitate the word ahead um or just the students or into individual classes so it would be a tricky balancing Um, I'd say at the top of the pyramid for us is the children. >> Thank you. >> All right, next question number four, Tiffany. >> Hi, I'm Tiffany Middle. What is the most
040important to measure when determining whether or not a school initiative is improving student outcomes? Um well, first and foremost, I think I think having a proper baseline is key. Um even maybe compartmentalizing that based off of what you're trying to measure. Um so being analytically minded, I know it's hard to sometimes put numbers on things that are rather subjective. So I think a good portion of that would have to essentially gauge some of those intangibles. So if you're if you're working on second language, right, as a as a second language, you can take exams so forth from so on kind of get a baseline, see where they are. But a big push that would also be confidence and being able to speak with languages out loud and then you get feedback and then adjust accordingly.
041Um maybe language isn't the best example. I just think sometimes taking into account some intangibles and trending those accordingly however well you can. A lot of that is essentially from teacher feedback I would think or people monitoring the students as they progress. >> Thank you. >> Number five, Laura. >> Hi Laura Ber. Um okay. How do you view the board's role versus the administration's role in running the overall school district? >> So, from what I gather from my research, uh I believe the the board essentially helped shape and govern policies um essentially providing the overarching guideline for the board district to essentially execute within their within their reigns. I believe um again this is this is all from research and talking to people and things of that nature but I [clears throat] would think we
042would essentially be the bridge between what the students need versus what the resources are and essentially adjusting accordingly so that we make the most prosperous resolution for the children. >> Thank you. And finally, myself. Question number six. How would you handle conflict with fellow board members? So, I would like to say I do conflict more often and not just my work and the amount of people I I watch over manage. Um, my key to that was always, again, it's probably not the best analogy, but I always say like if you see ants, it's been long since you've had an ant problem. So, I try to resolve things relatively quickly before they fester. Um, just I'm very keen on social interactions, so I feel like I can always gauge when things are a little bit off.
043Um, I think one part of my skill set is my ability to be compassionate, empathize, empathize, and communicate accordingly. [clears throat] Just being able to gauge that environment, that tension, be able to break that tension. I know not all cases um are resolved by keeping things lighter, but sometimes it helps. And then I think it's always good when you have the guiding light that the goal is to make the best decisions for the children and the district. of course. So, as long as that gets brought back up, which I feel like sometimes get lost in the shuffle, um just being a reminder spark for that, I think, uh can help resolve some of the issues if we all have the same mission here. Okay, thank you very much, Carl. That is all of our questions.
044>> Yes. >> Thank you very much, sir. Would you like to any closing comments? >> Um, >> yes. Yes, I did have notes. I may like to read off of them just like on the nerves a little bit. Um, so I did have this kind of formatted in my head because I wasn't too frivy on how this would go. So outside my opening show you guys right now. Um, but I do want to share a little bit about myself. um maybe some things I missed out on. So in regards to professionally as I mentioned I am a senior manager but my department is within quality control and I also oversee analytical development um and those relative skill sets that I maybe failed to touch on prior are um that I communicate with different teams cross
045functionally I mean that's basically what I do I want to say fixer but you know fires occur and I [clears throat] run over and I see how I can solve the problem. people can't solve a problem that's not made sometimes not. Um but the goal is to always make sure to solve the problems get resolved. Um outside of that I do set and account for budgets. That's a big portion of what we do here. I' been in cases where I had to project things based off the best knowledge that I had. Um and then adjust accordingly and it always seems to fall within range. So I do have a good gauge on how things end up when things are going off kilter. um being able to randomly accordingly. Um and then I mentioned before I
046also lead personnel um majority of what I do is manage personnel different teams in order to execute and get deliveries delivered um as well as lead those projects shortterm and long term in regards to my community involvement. So I have had the opportunity to assist and coach my son's soccer team for Jaguars. Um, I I'm a member of the ESL parent advisory committee. So, I've been involved in the community. Um, I've also participated in school activities, guest readings, science experiments within the classes, uh, volunteered for field trips, participated culture night. Got another one coming up in February. Um, and to your point, just so I can better elucidate myself, I know it's handy. Um, I am committed to education. So I'm personally personally committed to lifelong learning and continuous education. So I I hold multiple
047degrees. I'm working on my second masters. Watch my wife. It's probably not going to be my last degree. Um still keen in on what I'm going to do next and how I'm going to apply that. I'm just I'm always keen on adapting to a changing dynamic course space. So I feel like I'm a very good advocate for education where education can kind of bring you. Um I try to instill my kids this same enthusiasm for education. I always tell them that well it's mainly reading now because after reading stage of education reading of course paraphrasing but I tell my kids really opens up the world. Um just to follow up on why I am interested um I do want to give back to a district that is educating my children and doing so quite well.
048So, I know firsthand the impact that dedicated teachers and staff have on growing minds. I've seen it. I've interacted with it. I have great relationships with all all the teachers my kids have had. Um, one of my letters recommendations might be for student that my children had. Um, so I do have that relationship. I maintain those relationships. I build those relationships. I know that a large part of this is trust and building that trust, maintaining that trust and then also reciprocating support accordingly. Um just just to finish up what I think makes me a good candidate. So as I mentioned times I'm a parent within the district. Um I have a vested interest in contributing to a successful and stable board of education. one that focuses on the children as I hope I clearly mention
049[snorts] stated multiple times throughout this this conversation. Um I believe my focus on communication inclusion and continuous improvement can nurture collaboration and facilitate resolutions quite readily. um my educational background and profession again they align quite well as an advocate for education as well and the responsibility as a member of the board of education and then I truly do value relationships active listening respecting different perspectives I'm fairly certain I don't know all things I do question things accordingly maybe annoyingly but my my guiding light is always find truth in the matter and make the best decision possible so that is why I asked my it's not to be a nudge, it's just because I want the best possible outcome with all the information I hand. And then in closing, just again, thank you for the opportunity
050to speak with you today. I nervous caught up to me a little bit earlier admittedly. Um I would be honored to serve on this board of education. I think I'd be a valuable member, a lasting member, someone who would provide great insight and where there was dissension or maybe conflict, I feel like I'd be the talk that would bridge everyone together. It's just it's just my nature. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. Thank you. You can return to the audience and sit with your family if you want for the rest of the So, we'll just take a moment while Jackie gets the next candidate out. Uh, it's going to be Miss Carla Baker. Board members, if you could look while we're waiting, just add up your numbers. So,
051that's still freshing your mind. Welcome. Okay, Mr. Speaker, if you'd like to go to the podium. Uh, each board member has a question to ask you and then there's going to be six questions and at the end of our questionings, we'll leave it open to any last comments from you. >> Okay. >> So, thank you for coming tonight. Uh, first question will be from Greg. >> Hi, my name is Greg. Thank you for coming tonight. Um my f my question is what motivated you to apply for the school board and what specific issues do you feel are most important that need the most attention at this time? >> What motivated me? I've you know I've retired from the school district and I took the year off to relax. This is my second year. I need
052to get back out into the community. >> [clears throat] >> I've been here since and I'm actively involved in the community and I want to make a difference like I did when I was teaching. The current focus I have is on making sure everyone collaborates. Teachers, parents, administrators, we all have to work together. And I know teachers. I have not been far away from the students. I know students. I have um an ability to um work with parents easily even though um I've had some reputation. But everyone that I come in contact with, I try to make a difference. And that's what I could bring to the table by collaborating. Great. Thank you. Um, second question from Christine. [snorts] >> Okay, I'm trying to make it through. So, what particular strengths do you bring to
053the school or will you bring >> strengths? I have high expectations. I have very high expectations on myself and on others. I'm um all business. I don't um compromise. I um set forth a goal and I try to achieve it. Working along with others Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Question number three from John. >> Hi, how are you? >> Good. Um, how would you balance the needs of the students, teachers, and taxpayers when making difficult budget policy decisions? >> Well, because I am one of those senior community members, I know what the pockets are like. I know the families, the demographics in this area. I know the families. I know the seniors. I know the teachers. And we just have to constantly make compromises. Being here for all this time, I was
054a single mother. I raised my children and they were able to be successful just um coming through this school district itself. >> All right, thank you. Question number four, Tiffany. >> Hi, Tiffany. What is the most important to measure when determining whether or not a school initiative is improving student outcomes? >> Say it again. >> What is most important to measure when determining whether or not a school initiative is improving student outcomes? Oh, are the students getting the proper education? Are the parents actively involved in the school? Are the teachers happy? Are they putting forth their best foot? Are they working with the administrators? that a whole group effort shows and you can see growth when everyone works together. >> Thank you. Number five, Laura. >> Hi, Laura. >> Hi, D. >> How do you
055view the board's role versus the administration's role in running the overall school district? Well, the board must keep in close contact with the administrator. They have to know that the administration does know their school, their home community climate, and they've got to be able to work closely, work hand in hand, being able to have that back and forth dialogue. It's not one man job, it's a whole team effort. Okay, thank you. >> And finally, number six, I have Crystalello. >> Yes. >> How would you handle conflict with fellow board members? Everyone has some kind of conflict. But you just have to talk now. You've got to be able to accept differences. You've got to be able to hear one another, find positive in everything that's being done. You can't take it negative. You can't take
056criticism negatively. You've got to see the good. Where there's no good, you find something. There's always a plus. >> Okay, great. Thank you. So, those are the six questions. Now, do you have anything any closing comments for us? Anything you have to share? though I just say that I would be a good candidate because I do know the school, I do know the students, I do know the administration, I do watch the board, I have been in this community and I will continue to live in this community and be able to be a part of it. So whether I'm on the board officially or not, I will still continue to watch this school because they have been a big part of my life for the past 20 years and I would not have a conflict
057of interest because um business and pleasure don't mix. Thank you for the questions. >> All right. Thank you very much. You may sit in the audience. [applause] >> Just a reminder while we're waiting, board members, just look at your numbers. Um, we have Dennis O'Keefe and Jackie want to go get him. And just a reminder to the public, we have four candidates. Dennis will be our third and then we'll have one more. Hello, Mr. O'Keefe. >> Hello, sir. >> So, each of the board members are going to ask you one question. We're going to have a total of six questions and then at the end any last thoughts or anything you'd like to share with us feel free. Uh you have 20 minutes in the book. >> First question will be from Greg. >> Hi,
058my name is Greg. Thank you for coming tonight to interview with us. My question is what motivated you to apply for the school board and what specific issues do you feel are most important that need to be addressed immediately in the district? Uh I I've led the life of service to community. Um and um I I feel compelled to chase my passions. You know, I love community. I I'm I'm born and raised in service to township and and the burrows my my family grew up in. So it's in the bloodline, so to speak. uh my profession being a senior leader in uh in for for a fortune 400 company for 20 years in engineering and architecture and um a fiscal responsibility um led me to education in uh 15 for 15 years. So I think
059um I have an innate ability and desire to serve my community, you know, and I absolutely love what I see here in Little Barber. I love the people I've met. Um, and um, I've worked with John and I've met a few of you here on the board. Uh, and I I absolutely love what I see here in Little Arbor Township and I would love to be uh, be able to lend my perspective and point of view and my wisdom and experience, whatever I could do to to help bring educational excellence to the community. Specific um, specific things that I would love to try and um, add to and contribute to is the continued educational excellence. Uh um and um the meetings that I've been to, I've I've been able to glean and watch the professional
060educators in the building. I'm an educator first. uh happen to be um an acting vice principal at my current high school now at Central Regional High School and I I get a great sense of community here and I really um I'd love to learn more about the idea of buying assets and um taking over the transportation uh program so to speak that avenue of the community. I would love to ensure there's a proper fiscal balance between proper fiscal oversight and full-on respect for our professional educators and and I think that my skill sets and experiences can really lend uh lend some perspective to that. So, I think it's important that as we go through the generations of fiscal oversight, it's really important to have an educator and a business leader and a community leader like
061myself to be able to fully represent educators, but to also lend that year and that ability to what I can do for in the seat. So, hopefully that answers your question. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. Number two, Christine, >> what particular strengths do you bring to the school board? >> Strengths that I bring to the school board? Um, passion for community, uh, passion for the professional educators that are here that that live, breathe, and do this job day in and day out. It's a 247 job. So, I'm fully on a full on um I have full on respect for that. Um, I uh I'm a compassionate servant leader. I've always um been told that I put people first. I'm a very selfless person and I am uh I'd like to think that my
062age and and now I can say a little bit of wisdom at 55. I think um I bring a unique skill set of business acumen um with certifications as a BA, a supervisor, a principal, uh I coached three sports. Um I've been on economic development committees in Jackson Township. I've been a director for uh some of the recreational programs in Jackson. Um I'm not afraid to put myself out there. I'm not afraid to say yes. I'm not afraid to say no. And I speak for my uh from my own heart. And while I uh certainly listen and want to address issues, I'm not afraid to be myself at the same time um out of full on respect for the community. Yeah. Thank you, Dr. S. >> Great. Thank you. >> Number three, John. >> Yes.
063How are you, Dennis? Uh my question is, how would you balance the needs of the students, teachers, and taxpayers when making difficult budget policy decisions? It's the kids first. It's the kids first and it's thoughtful, respectful decision making for our constituents, uh, the folks in town, but it's with fullon respect of our professional educators. Full on respect. Uh, I see it every single day in the hallways, in the cafeteria, uh, the good work that the folks here do. The kids in our buildings, sometimes we're the only smile we give them. Sometimes we're the only pat on the back. We're the only positive reinforcement that kids get. It is critical to recognize um the importance of balance in the classroom uh and in our buildings. Um those who are managing those efforts um but it's also
064really important to understand where every dollar and penny comes from. I think it's important to leverage every single opportunity we can at the state and federal level so we don't impact the taxpayers as as we've all as residents of the town as has I've recently felt. So that's important. But um you know I'm willing to pay the extra couple hundred bucks a month for whatever is a few few grand a year whatever it might be um because I see it from the inside out. My wife and I are career career educators now. You know, we've both been in this for 15 years and we are passionate about what we see from the inside and out. We talk about it at the at the kitchen table every day. Our kids and family are involved in those
065conversations and we live it. So, um I think it's that balance, Sean, uh budget, but with kids and professional educators in mind first as well. >> Appreciate that. Yes, sir. >> Great. Thank you. Number four, Tiffany. Hi, Tiffany Middle. Tiffany, >> what is most important to measure when determining whether or not a school initiative is improving student outcomes? [clears throat] >> I think you need to have smart goals. I think you need to have all stakeholders involved in developing strategies, measurable outcomes. um you need to be able to um collect and use data uh to really drive student success, educational excellence. So you can point to any initiative that we put forth into the schools into the community um all the SSDS stuff all we do but you have to be able to collect real
066uh real data smart data that's from the ground up from the users in in the hallways and in classrooms working with children and it has to be data that's measurable um so you can really drive student success and student success is um it's um it's quantitative it's certainly quantitative through data, but it's also qualitative, right? There's a lot of solutions in the numbers, but there's a lot that we miss that is not in the numbers, and we have to really look at things holistically. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, Laura Ber. >> Hi. >> How do you view the board's role versus the administration's role in running the overall school district? Well, well, the the folks here are the governing body uh that help drive create policy, help seek out the experts in the educational community
067to create that policy, work with the the legal aspect of it, the business aspect of it. Um, we adopt and create and then administer policy. I think it's um it there's a transparency that needs to occur. It's a it's an overall body of professionals that we can utilize. Why wouldn't we tap into the professionals within the educational community both locally, statewide, federally, what have you, county, county superintendent's office, what have you. I'm never afraid to put myself around people that know more than me in a certain topic. I certainly bring certain perspective and talents and and ability in my own little world. But I think this is a unique group that hopefully uses the experts and the professionals around them to make to create and drive create decisions and then drive success. >> Thank you.
068>> Thanks, man. >> All right. Thank you. I'm Chris Digello. Nice to see you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh, how would you handle conflict with fellow board members? >> Conflict with fellow board members. Um, I'm an honest person. Uh, I'm humble enough to recognize my flaws, wide open communication, full-on transparency. I think it starts with building relationships up front. I think when you have respect for one another and you understand each other's role and you can you learn to yield and eb and flow together. Um, I think the the discourse it's not judgment, right? It's discourse. there's always going to be hopefully there's healthy discourse amongst the uh the constituents uh here and I really believe um I'm humble humble enough to to certainly yield to my own opinion when there's
069a great idea at hand. [clears throat] Uh so I think it's just transparency and balance and respect. >> All right. Thank you. So that's the six questions. Do you have anything that you'd like to share with us? >> Um it's it's an honor to have the opportunity. Thank you again for for calling upon me to come here and talk tonight. It's really an honor uh to do what we do. You know, I'm I'm humbled and honored to have um lived a life in the private sector in a non union performance-based private sector where I understand the value of hard work and driving towards results. Right? private sector, you have to achieve results to keep your job, you know, and I respect that. Now, I've now I've lived a full life, a professional life with my
070wife in education, and I really um really love what I do here, and I respect the hard hard work. This is the work, the hard work, what I did as a senior leader in home building and engineering back then. This is the work shaping lives for students. I really love what I do and I'm so glad my wife and I made that decision 15 years ago to jump in when our kids were babies and now I've got a corrections officer in Mammoth County and I have an aerospace engineer at Locky Martin and and I have another daughter who plays basketball at Union College in Skenctity and I couldn't be more proud of how diverse they all are and how we were able to help them each push through their individual glass ceiling. And so I
071recognize that every student uh is going to have a special different need. I am super proud that I'm I've been an educator and administrator. I've got all the licenses that you can almost possibly have in education, uh including a BA and supervisor. I really I'm I'm proud of that. And um my masters in educational administration and my current role as acting vice principal at Central Regional um allows me to see things uh in a different point of view. I I teach in the morning, first and second period, and I and I'm an administrator in the afternoon, and I coach three sports. So, I came right from the bowling alley from here tonight. So, I'm I'm tired, so I'm sorry if I'm I'm sounding a little exhausted or, a little punchy, but um the purpose of
072me making these comments is just for you to see that you've got someone who lives right around the corner, who loves what I see here. Um I really do love the peacefulness and the serenity of Little Lake Arbor Township brings. I really want for the kids. I drive out of my community every day and I see the kids, the large buses and the small and midsize buses pulling in and out of my community and I just love the children and I want for them and I and I'm someone who really truly relishes in the idea and respects what the public ed the professional educators do at every level. Um, and I really think that I will bring if I'm trying to at all separate myself from anybody else who's going for this role. I really
073believe I I I' I've seen a lot in my lifetime. I've I've held a number of different roles. I encourage you to look at my resume. Um, and I I think I can do good work. I really believe I can contribute to the success and educational outcomes here at Little Egg and I'm excited at the opportunity and I hope I'm given that chance. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> That's it. Thank you, sir. Thank you all. [applause] So you can sit in the audience. Feel free to hang around. So our last candidate is going to be Anthony Rizo. [snorts] Hi, Mr. Rizzo. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> You can come to the podium. >> All right. So, each of us are going to ask one question. You're have a
074total of six questions. And at the end, feel free to share anything you'd like us to know about you or any closing remarks. >> Sounds good. >> All right. Great. So, number one, Greg. >> Hi, my name is Greg Shega. Thank you for coming to interview with us tonight. My question is, what motivated you to apply for the school board and what issues need the most immediate attention in the district? So, I'd say what initially got me kind of looking at being a member would be, you know, as many in the town seen, you know, a huge tax increase. Uh I'm a tax accountant, so you know, numbers are my thing. Uh I saw a huge increase and I immediately said to my wife, I I'm done. Let's move. We'll find somewhere else to go.
075And then, you know, talking with my kids, they love it here. They love the school district. They love their friends. And you know, I said to myself, you know, what can I do? Maybe I can make a difference. Maybe I can use some of my expertise to kind of, you know, maybe get a handle on the financial side. I never really thought of myself as an elected person. It's not really something that's ever been in my wheelhouse, but I figured I'd give it a shot and let you guys decide. Uh, I'd say, you know, to piggy back off that, it's obvious, you know, on the numbers guy. So, I think, you know, the main issue, I'd say probably for any of the people in town is probably, you know, property taxes and schools are essentially
076the biggest driver of property taxes in the town. So, you know, if I can kind of help with that, maybe, you know, make a difference where thank you. Uh, number two, Christine. So, what particular strengths do you bring to the school board? >> Um, public speaking is not one of mine, but you know, I can I can get past that. Uh, when I'm mission driven, I you know, I can fixate on numbers like no one no one else. It's that's my work. She'll tell you I can just sit there and calculate things all day long. That's just what I do and that's what I like to do. uh that would be one of my strengths you know seeing any kind of creative ways we can get around you know anything in the budget anything you
077know most people I don't have any background in education I have to use but that's you know my extent of student knowledge but that's what I would you know rely on the rest of the board for to kind of see the daily earnings but you know if I can help out with any of the budgetary stuff anything like that I can fixate and spend a lot of time for me it's fun so I consider. >> All right, thank you. Number three, John. >> Hey, how are you? My question tonight is, how would you balance the needs of the students, teachers, and taxpayers when making difficult budget decisions? Being that I haven't really done that before, I can kind of guess what I would do. Uh I would most likely yeah as a board member you
078know as you said earlier it's you're kind of the representative of the you know ask people in the town. So yeah I like to you know look at every decision based on does it make sense? Is it good for the school district? Is it good for the students? Because I have you know two kids that are currently in this district. One that's in Pinelands. So you know it still hits home. We're not just looking to scrap everything we can just to save money, but you know, it's it's a delicate balance and you know, there's there's one perfect way to do it. We just have to find what that perfect way is. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much. Number four, Tiffany. Hi, I'm >> What is most important to me when determining
079whether or not a school initiative is improving student outcomes? >> I I mean that I don't have much of an educational professional background. Um, I would probably say, you know, test scores say one thing, but it's more more overall, you know, how the students themselves are doing, how they're progressing in non-measurable ways. You know, it's, I guess, easier to see when you're in person than when you're able to actually, you know, meet with the kids. I don't know how often board members do that, but, you know, the principal and the superintendent are there all the time. It's like I said not really in my realiz you know reliable voice for that type. >> Thank you. Number five, Laura. >> Hi, Laura Ber. Um, how do you view the board's role versus the administration's role in
080running the overall school district? >> I kind of Googled beforehand because you I had what 24 hours to prepare. So, I kind of Googled, you know, roles and responsibilities. You know, the day-to-day running are going to be, you know, superintendent, principal, vice principal, and teachers and everything like that. But the board is more like an oversight kind of like accountability for the general public cuz not everybody is going to be involved with the school board. You know, I myself am guilty of it. I didn't really realize what actually went on until, you know, it smacked me in the face and said, "Hey, your property taxes are bad." So, that's where the board would come in. I don't know what happened in the past. I don't know, you know, statewide budget cuts happened, but yeah, I
081don't know if there was any inefficiencies, you know, in past weeks and things like that. >> Thank you. >> All right, I got number six. Hi, Chrisell. >> Nice to meet you. Uh, how would you handle conflict with fellow board members? case conflict is more you know relative conflict it's more of you know opposing opinions so everyone's going to have their own opinion on how things should be done [clears throat] you know I think everyone here will have their own personal strengths in you know their backgrounds and what they currently do you know whether you know someone's a teacher uh you know someone's I think you're a realtor possibly maybe Google's wrong I'm not sure but yeah everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and you just kind that, you know, if someone isn't too
082familiar with the topic, you know, they don't really have much background on it, you rely on the people that do. I think constructive criticism is probably the best answer. >> Okay, great. Uh, so those are the six questions. Do you have anything you'd like to share with us? Um, I'd say I'm just a regular dad. You know, I got three kids. I'm a military veteran. I was a corrections officer for nine years. So I I'm well verssed in how government's run and how governments can be very inefficient. Um the past seven eight years I've been with Ernst & Young public accounting. I've been a tax work for a uh international pharmaceutical company. I lead their tax department. So numbers are my thing and you know if I'm able to you know be you know appointed
083you know I would make it my job to you know devote whatever time you know I guess there's two meetings a month things like that you know I'm willing to do that you know I think I'm levelheaded and uh you know I'd like to contribute whatever I can to kind of make the town better, make it run better and make it more affordable for pretty much everybody. Okay, that's over. >> Thank you for your service. >> Yes, thank you for your military service. All right, you may join the audience. So, now is the public comment regarding the board vacancy candidates. The floor is now open to members of the public concerning decisions and other matters that the public wishes to raise before the board moves to nominations and vote to fill the board vacancy. The
084board requests that each statement is made by a participant be limited to 3 minutes as cited in our policy number 0167. There is a sign in signin sheet located on the podium. Please sign in before you speak. Would anyone like to come up and say something? Good evening board members, administrators, and citizens of Middle Harbor. I am here to speak on behalf of Carla Baker. Miss Baker has been a pillar in the Middle A Harbor community for over 20 years. She is an active member in her church and various other community activities. Her most important role in our community has been her dedication to the children where she has served as a teacher within the Little Harbor School District for 20 years. If anybody knows Miss Baker, they will tell you she was strict, but
085I learned so much during my time in her class. Even as a retired teacher, Miss Baker is still devoted to helping and giving back. She is smart, ambitious, and diligent in whatever task is put in front of her. I can't think of a better person to be considered to fill one of the vacant positions of the Lil Harbor School Board. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Would anyone else like to come up to the podium? Okay, seeing none, next we're going to have an executive session number two. Can I please have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Are there any questions? All right. Be it resolved that the board of education meet in close session to discuss matters as listed below. Items so discussed will be disclosed to the public providing it does
086not violate New Jersey statutes or regulations regarding disclosure of information affecting this matter. Discussion of board vacancy interviews. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Jacome. Yes, >> Miss Ber. >> Yes, >> Mr. Lee. >> Yes, >> M. Middle. >> Yes, >> Dr. Snder. >> Yes, >> Mr. Phillips. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, ladies and gentlemen, the board is going to go into close executive session to discuss the candidates uh that everybody just heard um out here. The board, this is very important, the board will not be making any decisions, nor will it be taking any stronghold votes in executive session. All decisions will be made out here in the sunshine. It's expected that the board will be in executive session for about 40 minutes, hopefully shorter, but about 40 minutes.
087From there, the board will come out. We'll have another opportunity if anybody else wants to make a public comment. then the board will go right into nominations and a vote um followed by uh the the swearing in of the individual. So we appreciate everyone's patience. This is a big decision for the board and they are taking it very seriously and so we do appreciate everyone's patience uh during the process. Thank you. All right. All right, we're going to have a statement of explanation of decisions taken during executive session regarding the candidates to fill the board vacancy. Ladies and gentlemen, um, in accordance with the Armenian versus Monroe Township, uh, Board of Education appellet division decision, um, [clears throat] we're required to advise the public of what was discussed in executive session. So, here goes. There
088was a discussion about the qualifications and board member scoring of candidates um, and the candidates's response to questions as well as the candidates's background. that was discussed in executive session. There were no strongholds. There was no consensus taking or decisions on whom to appoint in executive session. [clears throat] All right. Public comment regarding board vacancy and candidates. The floor is now open to the members of the public concerning decisions and other matters that the public wishes to raise before the board moves to nominations and a vote to fill the board vacancy. The board requests that each statement made by a participant be limited to three minutes as cited in policy number 0167. There is a signin sheet located on the podium. Please sign in before you speak. [snorts] Okay, seeing none, uh just real quick
089before we make the nominations, I think all of us agree that each and every one of those candidates would be a great fit up here. Uh each of you brought your own different strengths and backgrounds and experiences and we thank you. Thank you for having the courage and the guts to come up here and interview uh live on YouTube in front of everybody in this uh audience tonight in front of us. Uh none of you got the questions ahead of time. So it was a very brave thing for all of you to participate in tonight. We thank you very very much for taking time out of your schedule to put yourself forth as a candidate tonight. Uh so thank you very much to each and every one of you. We wish you know we didn't
090have to just choose one but unfortunately that's what we're tasked with tonight. So nomination for board member resolved by the Lily Harbor Board of Education. >> Open the floor for nominations. I would like to make a nomination. Before I make my nomination though I would like to thank everybody who came out tonight. I think each and every one of us in this room know how hard it is to interview than private. Uh interviewing in public uh is is much more stressful. Um so thank each and every one of you for that. I would like to nominate Dennis O'Keefe. >> I'll second that nomination. >> Okay, great. Any other nominations? >> I would like to nominate Carla Baker. >> I will second that. Okay. Any other nominations? Closed nominations? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >>
091All in favor? I >> Okay, we're going to vote on the order in which they were nominated and the first candidate to get four uh is the next board member. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, like to uh have a roll call for Dennis O'Keefe. >> Mr. Som. >> Yes. >> Server. >> Yes. Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Middle, >> no. >> Dr. Snder, >> no. >> Mr. Fichello, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> So, resolved by the Little League Harbor Board of Education to appoint Dennis O'Keefee as a board member to fill the vacant board seat. Can I have a motion? Motion >> second. Any questions? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Shone, >> yes. >> Mr. Server, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaker, >> yes. >> Mrs. Middle, >> yes. >>
092Dr. Steiner, >> no. >> Mr. Fichello, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Congratulations, Mr. O'Keefe. We're going to now minister the yoke. You come forth. I >> hold on. We're going to get you a microphone. >> I'll switch. >> Please read after. I, Dennis O'Keefe, >> I, Dennis O'Keefe, >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> and the governments established >> in the United States >> and this state >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me be God. >> I
093Dennis O'Keefe >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of a board of education. I am not disqualified. >> I am not disqualified. As a voter persuaded to >> As a voter persuaded to >> RS >> 19 >> 4-1 >> I'm not disqualified due to a conviction >> I am not disqualified due to a conviction >> of a crime or offense >> listed in >> NJSA >> 18A >> 12-1 >> and that I will faithfully >> partially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations.
094>> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Could I have to take a seat at the table? right now. [snorts] >> All right. Well, we hate to do this to you, but you got your first vote coming up immediately. Uh we're going to be taking nominations for vice president recommending recommend motion to open the floor for vice presidential nominations. Can [snorts] I have a motion? >> And board members, just so everyone is aware, pursuant to policy 0152, which deals with board officers, a second is not required for this nomination. >> So, we're going to open the floor to nominations and then each candidate, whoever wishes to step forward to put themselves out as the vice president nomination, uh, can have 3 to five minutes to give a a speech as to why you think you
095should be voted. Yeah. After nominations are closed, you'll have an opportunity to speak for uh five minutes or less to say why you would like to be the next vice president of the school board. Any questions? All right. Recommend motion to open the floor for vice presidential nominations. >> I have a question. >> Sure. >> If we nominate someone, are we allowed to speak on why we're nominating them? If you would like I would that's a good question. Uh if you would like to nominate somebody just I would ask professionally to keep it positive. Um we are a board that's going to work together. So if you do have a favorite candidate uh just please keep it positive why you'd like to support that person. So recommend motion to open the floor for voting for
096uh open the floor for vice presidents and nominations. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. Any questions? All right. Resolved by the Little A Harbor Car Board of Education to open the floor for nominations for board vice president. All in favor? >> I. Any knows? Abstains? Okay. The floor is now open for vice president nominations. >> I'd like to make a nomination. >> I nominate Christine Snider for vice president. Christine brings transparency, experience, and a deep understanding of the district. Having previously served for several years as board president and as a parent whose children attended our schools, she consistently asks meaningful questions even when they lead to uncomfortable but necessary conversations. And her thought, thoughtful, honest approach makes her a strong and effective leader for our board. >> Thank you. Any other nominations?
097Yes. I'd like to nominate Laura Ber for vice president. Uh Laura was president as everybody knows last year. She did a phenomenal job. She worked handinand with the superintendent staff and others uh in the district. I think she brings a lot to the table for our district. I think she would work handinand specifically with you uh Mr. Philello as president. I think it would be a great relationship and I know you've worked before with Laura so I think she would be a great asset as far as vice president goes. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Any other nominations? >> Seeing none, the floor is now closed. [clears throat] Uh Christine, since you were nominated first, would you like to give a speech? >> Hopefully I can get through this. Um good evening. My name is
098Christine Snyder and I've been a member of the Little Lake Harbor School Board for six years, serving as president for three of those years. Prior to joining the board, I was an uh actively involved parent in the district. I've participated in committees and workshops, volunteered for events such as Week a Young Child, which probably gives away my age at this point, and regularly attended board meetings. My husband and I um are not products of public education. So I made it a point to attend public school meetings um to better understand how the system worked. I asked questions, listened carefully and learned a great deal. Through that involvement and previous uh previous superintendent and administrators came to know me and I always thought that someday I might run for the school board. In 2019, that decision
099was made for me when I was elected as a writing candidate with just 23 votes. My oldest son said to me, "Mom, you have to do this. This it's your civic duty." He was right. I jumped into the deep end. When I couldn't sleep at night, I reviewed board policy and I continued to ask questions and learn as much as possible. I am the mother of five children, all of whom have attended this school district. They are diverse learners. Two were identified as gifted and talented and one had a 504 plan for a period of time and two had IEPs. This school district was truly part of my village in raising them. One is now a college graduate working as a technology journalist and my twin daughters will graduate from college this May. There was
100a time when I worried they might never learn to read, but with the help of Dr. Flynn in the district's reading recovery program. They went on to make deans list every semester at their university other university careers. Professionally, I am a chemistry professor at Stockton University. Through my interactions with students there, I see firsthand the long-term impact of unmet needs at earlier ages of education. That experience has reinforced my desire to continue serving on this school board. I am deeply invested in the students of this district, particularly those who may lack strong family support, who are being raised by grandparents, who may have been displaced or struggle with mental health challenges. There are issues I see at the collegiate level and I firmly believe that providing strong support in the elementary years can positively shape
101a student's entire educational journey. >> [snorts] >> I have chosen to run for the position of vice president to continue serving a district that has given so much to my family and me. I also believe that Chris and I work well together and that our strengths and goals complement one another as we move um into this the year ahead. I hope to share my knowledge and experience from my tenure as president with Chris as needed while he navigates his first year and his presidency. Thank you for listening. I am not a speech writer, but I am committed to service and I want to honor those who voted for me and continue working on behalf of this district and its students. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Christine. Miss, >> thank you, Chris. Good evening
102all. I would like to just give a little background for the benefit of the new members especially. I have served on the board for four years now and I'm currently in my second elected term. I feel privileged to serve and having been elected by the community to do so. I served as vice president two years ago and was elected unanimously by my peers as president last year. I learned what a commitment of time it is is required to be at the helm of the board and it was both rewarding and exhausting sometimes. Due to my increased family obligations this year, I did not put my name in the hat, but would still like to serve as a backup liaison for my colleagues on the board. This is why I'm willing to serve at the pleasure
103of the board as vice president if they so choose. As a retired school nurse and health educator, I do have a little more time than most to pay close attention to matters that come before us as a board. I'm also able to substitute my spare time and help serve my family with my beloved grandb babies. I have quite a bit of experience and always do my homework for the meetings. At times, I've been able to catch others up on important issues that they may not have had time to research on their own. I am only the only member on the board that was able to achieve certified board member status by New Jersey School Boards Association and was recognized by the Ocean County School Boards Association in 2024 for doing so. The award and recognition
104requires that a member earn at least 20 credits in approved continuing ed courses or sessions related to board membership and governance. I have increased my knowledge base in matters such as negotiations and contracts, board management and board relations, including how to go about forming an updated strategic plan with community involvement. I take this appointment and my board membership very seriously. I do not believe in doing a half blank job, but instead giving it my all. I respect and seriously consider the questions of others and hope to learn from their knowledge and ideas as well. I bring to the table a strong understanding of Robert's rules and have helped to move motions, questions, and points of order issues along seamlessly when needed. As your president, I believe mutual respect and courtesy are essential to a high
105functioning board of education, and I hope to enhance and grow the trust we all have for each other and our superintendent. I would like to congratulate and welcome our new members member especially and I'm asking for all for your vote for vice president to assist our president as needed in matters of governance education and professional growth for all members of this board. We all need to keep in mind that we do not function alone but as one body to achieve the best learning environment for our students and their educators. Thank you very much and I look forward to working and collaborating with you all. Thank you, Laura. Uh, just a reminder to the public that the first candidate that reaches four votes will become the next vice president. Recommend motion to vote. We go in
106the order that they were nominated. Recommend motion to vote on the nomination of Dr. Christine Snider as vice president. Can I have a motion? >> Motion to vote. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Any questions? >> Your microphone work, >> Mr. >> Yes. The microphone's working. >> All right. Any questions? Seeing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Sakone. >> No. >> Mr. >> No. >> Mr. Lee? >> Abstain. Miss Middle. >> Yes. >> Dr. Schneider. >> Yes. >> Mr. Phillips. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Keefe. >> No. Motion fails. Okay. I recommend motion to vote on the nomination of Miss Laura Herbert as vice president. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion to vote. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> Roll call, please. Mr. Sakone, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr.
107Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Middle, >> no. >> Dr. Snder, >> no. >> Mr. abstain. >> Mr. O'Keefe. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Congratulations, Miss. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. So, any public comment? We're going to open the floor for public comment. The floor is now open to the members of the public. The board of education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues. The board requests that each statement made by a participant is limited to the three minutes as cited in policy number 0167. There is a signin sheet located on the podium. Please sign in before you speak. Good evening again. Um, Mr. President, members of the board, and members of our community, it is an honor to be back with you tonight. As many of you know, I've been
108on emergency leave since July following my son's accident. The recovery journey has been long, but I'm thrilled to report that Luke was discharged from therapy right before the holidays and has successfully returned to work. Uh, he still has some healing to do, but if you talk to any of the medical professionals that worked with him back in July or August, they would tell you how miraculous his recovery has been. Your support played a role in our strength during this time and we are starting this new year with immense gratitude for his health and for this community. I am only able to stand here tonight because of the incredible support we received from our family, friends, and the community. I want to thank the board of education for your compassion and for allowing me the time
109to be the father my son needed during a time of crisis. I also need to recognize the man who ensured Frog Pond didn't miss a beat. To Paul Nazok, my assistant principal, and more importantly, my friend. Thank you. Because of your leadership, I could focus on my family knowing how our students and staff were in excellent hands. I would also like to thank our interim assistant principal, Mr. Ken Silver. Thank you for becoming part of our Fragcon family and making a positive impact on our staff and students. To my entire Frog staff and the community, you truly are my extended family. Your prayers and kindness carried us through our hardest days. I am thrilled to be back and I look forward to a fantastic second act for this week. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. Would
110anyone else like to come to the podium? All right. Closing public comment board forum. I'd like to start on the left and just go around one by one so everyone has an opportunity to speak. Miss Herbert. >> Thank you. I would just like to thank the majority members that voted me in for vice president. I'm committed to uh working alongside you and actually it's just a silent role but only called upon when needed rank Chris and uh just thank all the candidates tonight. Really appreciated hearing from you and perhaps there's future candidates for next elections because some are uncontested which is troubling um in the district and uh regarding Mr. Denning, it sounds like prayers were answered. Mr. Denning, welcome back. So happy to hear about your son. And that's all I have to say.
111Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Welcome, Mr. Chief. >> Uh, yes. Thank you so much. I'd like to congratulate all the board members who were in the new roles this evening. Congratulations to you and thank you to the majority of the board members who did uh nominate me and appoint me uh tonight. Uh it is with gratitude that I accept the goal. I I appreciate it. Um, I truly look forward to working with each and every one of you and I also look forward to hearing from anyone any of our constituents who have anything they'd like to offer. I'm wide open and I'm excited to start this journey with you and I look forward to getting good work done for the township. >> Thank you. So, thank you. >> Um, okay. Um, Mr. Denning, I
112it fills my heart to see you here. there wasn't a moment that I hadn't thought of you cuz I cannot imagine what um those past 6 months must have been like. And uh I've also had a recent a family member who's recently had a traumatic brain injury and I just know the agony involved in that. So I am so grateful and so happy to see you here and all the best for 2026. Um and welcome Mr. Keith and I'm um happy to serve uh the board again this year and I um that's all I have. I think I said I'll pick everything in my little speech. All right. Uh have a good evening everybody. >> Thank you Christine Tiffany. >> So I like to share some community resource information. Um, if you know me at
113all, that's kind of what I do, right? So, I just want to make sure the community is aware of the Wildcat Shack over at the middle school that is open to all community members. If you need anything, you can find them on social media or you can reach out over there. Um, right now they're holding a Canary food drive. So, they're collecting non-p perishables um from January 20th through the 30th. And again, that's open to all community members, including Little Lake School District. And they host a free supper club on um January 27th. you have to sign up, but they provide um food for you to do hands-on meal prep. They teach you how to make it. You can cook it there or you can take it home. Um and the PTO, so the ECC
114recently had their VIP me dance. It was very well attended as always. They have a cupcake challenge coming up, which is fun and tasty. Uh you have to sign up to participate by Friday, but it's being held at GJM on the 23rd at 6:00. and the Gertude Hawk sale is opening up. So, if you follow the fundraisers, that's one of the biggest ones. So, the Gertude Hawk fundraisers previously um allowed us to purchase two book vending machines and the shape structures. So, when you want something big, just remember you got to sell that chocolate. Uh the next PTO meeting is February 2nd at 7:00 p.m. Brockon. The GJM VIP me and Dance is coming up on February 6th. Look for that flyer. and the designer bag bingo. Very popular event for the PTO. Um they
115need sponsors. So if you're loving to make raffle baskets or if you want to donate a bag, just go ahead and email them ptohsc.org. That's all I got. >> Thank you very much. Great. >> Welcome to the board, Dennis. Welcome back, Mr. Dennings. And again, I just want to say thank you to each and every one of the candidates who came out uh to support the community. Um when I was looking through resumes uh before tonight um I was just blown away at the caliber of uh of candidate we our little town has to offer uh it's just absolutely amazing. So it's nice to see that we have a great board now a great future uh ahead of us with these candidates and um just thank you for for coming and going through the stress
116of uh of interviewing in public. >> Thank you John. I'd [clears throat] like to also say congratulations to Laura Ber um as getting back in as vice as vice president as you were president previously. Congrats to Mr. O'Keefe for joining us. Uh look like you have a lot to offer. You're going to help us out with a lot of things and we got a lot to uh get done. Um I also want to uh say congratulations to all the children that got awards tonight. Uh with that being said, uh Mr. has just had a birthday recently. So, I have to say that had to be a real blessing for him to give a to sorry tomorrow is his birthday. Had to be a real blessing for him to give a a word out to his
117son tonight. Um, and I also wanted to um say um Chris, I look forward to uh seeing this uh relationship between me uh you and Mrs. Berber as far as vice president, president goes. And I think we're gonna cover a lot of ground here uh and get a lot of stuff done. That's it. That's all I have to say. >> Great. Thank you. Thank you, John. Sorry about that. >> Greg, you're 21 tomorrow, right? >> Happy birthday, Greg. >> I wish. Um All right. Well, thank you. I want to thank Mr. Denny for uh coming to the podium and reminding us what's truly important in life, our families. uh it was very honorable that you stepped away and like you said for 6 months you were the father that your son needed. Uh so thank
118you for doing that and thank you for everyone uh in the district that supported him and and kept the train running. Uh it's definitely good to see you back and you know we missed you for sure. Um to all the other candidates tonight, you know, I hope this isn't the end of your pursuit of public service and it's just the beginning. Um, this board is always changing. I went, funny enough, I went on YouTube the other day and saw a board from 2018. It was just all random faces of people I didn't know, but they were still making the tough decisions on behalf of the students just like we did tonight. Uh, so this is a revolving door of concerned parents, concerned citizens that want to do the right thing for our community. Uh, so
119this isn't the end. If you weren't chosen tonight, please don't take that as the end of your public service, but perhaps your beginning. Uh because there will definitely be more opportunities in the future. Mr. O'Keefe, congratulations. Um we have high expectations of you and you know, right off the bat, you had to make a a decision, so get used to it. That's what we do up here. Uh, speaking of new people, Miss Middlegoop, so far, uh, your voice has already been heard and you're already keeping us on our toes. So, this is your first full meeting outside of reorg. So, I hope you're having fun now that you know what you signed up for. Uh, Mrs. Zer, I look forward to working with you. We've worked together in the past and I don't see any
120issues working uh together again going forward. And reminder that tomorrow is a half day uh for the students. So, just remember that tomorrow is a half day. And I do want to speak to next month's meeting. We have discussed the change of format for our board meetings going forward. Uh we're going to have two meetings a month. And I'm going to let Mr. Woody speak to that. Uh but just really to remind the public the purpose of having a board work session with all seven members and then a week later having a board voting session is so that as board members we can get all the information a week ahead of time. We can go through the agenda line by line and ask any questions and have enough time to get answers from the administration
121and staff to review it to digest it and to make sound decisions a week later. Um, in the prior form that we did, it was in committees and there'd be, you know, 2-hour committee meetings and we get a 30-cond update and we just felt like we all collectively needed more information to make good decisions when voting. So, we're going to try this new uh way in the board of a whole for this year, see if it works. We'll re-evaluate at the end of the year to see if it accomplished our goals of getting more information so that we feel fully informed when voting a week later. Mr. O. Thank you, Mr. Fell. Um the I did look into the issue as to whether or not the board's work session meeting could be held virtually. Um
122unfortunately the law does not permit uh a virtual meeting like that um except for during declared states of emergency. So with that being said and since everyone here really enjoys being with each other so much, we're going to have to have our meetings, our workshop meetings in person. Um, I'm certainly not complaining as this is a very uh very highly functioning board from what I can see and it's a really an honor to serve all of you. Um, and Mr. O'Keefe I I I look forward to working with you as well. But um, selfishly I'm happy that we're going to be together uh twice a month. Um, with that being said, um, I did look to see whether there's a way we can get it done that really isn't. And what I don't want to
123happen is us hold a meeting and then anything that happen that that meeting potentially be voidable. That doesn't help anybody. So I think it's um you know best sound legal advice to have your in-person meetings. Um perhaps there will be an assembly bill out there uh within the next year or so that may allow um virtual meetings of the type of that that is like a committee of the whole type of a meeting. Um, so, uh, that's all I have on on this issue. Um, and I would imagine that a calendar of all of the in-person meetings will be made available, um, on the district's website as soon as that's um, created and posted. So, thank you. Thank you. And if I just make a plug, uh, we appreciate what all the administrators do for
124our, um, school district, especially for the board. Um, you know, we're going to be asking a lot of the administrators. there's going to be deadlines that need to be hit so that we can get the information in a timely manner so that we can do our part and reviewing it and asking questions and refining uh what we see. So, you know, this is going to be a total school district effort with the end goal of making the best possible decision when we vote. So, I just want to say ahead of time, thank you to all the administrators, the principles, curriculum directors, everybody involved in the process. Um, everyone in the board office who puts everything together. I know they spend hours and hours. So, as a board, you know, we're going to do our part
125in reviewing the information, asking questions, and just being active in the information that comes before us because we really do want to make the best decision that we can with the information that we're given for our students. With that, does anybody have anything else? >> [snorts] >> All right, we accomplished a lot tonight. Motion >> to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Have a second. Second. All right. It's hereby resolved that Little Harbor Board of Education to adjourn at 9:58. Thank you. Keep your blue