001Heat. Heat. We're excited to hear from you about the benefits of this annual program and I'm going to ask Miss Backer to introduce everyone and take it from here. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. Thank you all for being here. As you can see, we have some very excited and special guests. And a few weeks ago, they had an exciting opportunity to participate in the World Dance Residency where they explore different cultures through movement, music, and dance. And they are here tonight to share a little bit about their experiences with you. We're going to go by class since each class is a different country. And we're going to start with Miss Scaml's class. Start. >> During the two week dance residency, students learned all about their country they represented. Learning about language, geography, the
002culture, famous monuments, and more. Oh, I think I'm gonna talk. >> So, we did the Hano. This dance comes from the Andian region of Peru. The Huano is believed to have originated in the 16th century and is a fusion of popular dance forms of the era and indigenous folk music from the height of the Incan Empire. The Hano features turns, hops, and foot stomps. Additionally, the dancers will use a kandunga, a woolen rainbow cord. >> Ola. In Peru, people have many traditions like music, dancing, and wearing bright colorful clothes. These traditions come from the Inca people and are still important today. Peru is also home to many alpacas, which people use for soft warm wool. Alpacas are a very special animal in Peru. Our dance, the hueno, comes from the Andes mountains in Peru. It
003has quick steps like hopping, turning, and f and stomping your feet. Dancers also use pai shakers to make music and keep the rhythm. The music and movements make the dance fun and exciting to watch. >> Okay. So now Mrs. Hosinger's class is going to talk about Italy. Let me see here. Okay. Hi. So we did um Italy and we danced the tarantella. This dance is a type of tarantella dance that is to an upbeat tempo. It is one of the most famous folk dances in Italy and the students sometimes perform the dance with tambourines. >> The dance that we did was called the Italian tentella. It is a fastpaced dance with quick leg movements. It is said that this folk dance was created to tw off a tarantula bite. Rapid movements and circular spinning. My
004favorite part about the dance residency was performing in front of all of the people. We represented the country of Italy. We learned that the Italian flag was created by a French men named Napoleon Bonapart and that it is famous for its cuisine or in history. We learned that Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. Did you know over 60 million people visit Italy each year? My favorite part of about this dance residency was learning about different cultures in the world. Next, we have Mrs. Pierce's class talking about the Philippines. Okay. So, Tyler, stand next to that side. Okay. Hello. We did um a dance called Peru Perang Bukid. I think the kids pronounced it better than I did. Um this dance symbolizes the Agrian lifestyle and the importance of nature in
005the Filipino culture. It serves as a reminder of community festive celebrations and the rich heritage that characterizes the Philippines. This folk song tells the story of a butter beautiful butterfly flying down the road. Kamusta. Our class represented the Philippines and the world dance residency. Our dance per P per P per P per P per P per P per P per P per P per P per PU parabuk is a traditional Filipino folk song about a butterfly in a farmer's field. We learned about the Philippines flag and got to make our own. I was a flag bearer in the show and that was my favorite part of the dance residency. The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago nation in Southeast Asia made of over 7,000 islands. In our dance, the boys have the role of the farmer.
006The girls represented the butterflies. We had so much fun learning and watching other classes perform theirs. My favorite part of the dance pres is when I got to speak on stage up in front of the audience. Next, we have Miss Nesser's class who studied Ireland. Unfortunately, Miss Nasser couldn't be here today, so I'm going to read her slide for her. Uh, Miss Nuser's class did a a Celtic ring dance. And this dance is a blend of ancient circle dances with contemporary Irish step dance. Dancers will call, I'm sorry, will learn traditional steps and patterns while incorporating more modern performance elements. We performed a blend of traditional Kaye and Iris step dances. The gig was my favorite part with the hops. We will always remember this experience. Gitch, we represented Ireland. We learned to do the
007jig. It was so much fun to learn the dances. And finally from Miss Pisciatti and Miss Cunningham's class, we have Puerto Rico. So their class did La Plania. This dance as well as genre of music embodies the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. The dancers perform traditional steps to the sounds of ponderos drums and gearro combining together to create the explosive rhythmic music. Also, we um um also learned we also learned um about the um um >> history and culture about Puerto Rico. My favorite part was about the um cookie tree frog. Um, it is small but it make but it makes a loud and beautiful song. >> Ola. Our class represented the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We learned and performed a traditional dance called La Plana. It is a happy fastmoving dance. It was so
008much fun to practice every two two weeks and finally perform for our families in Gillette School. Thank you. Thank you all so much. You did such a great job. I'm so proud of you. >> Do we have any questions from the board for our world dancers? >> Any questions? >> I won't say I have a question, but I will say your teachers are doing such a wonderful job teaching you public speaking. This was a wonderful presentation. and it was just so wonderful to hear all of you speaking and telling us about what you do at Gillette. >> Thank you guys for being here. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. And thank you parents. Thank you also to our teachers who came out today. Of course, the PTO and the Morris Arts for making it all
009possible. Thank you. >> So, we have some board business to finish, but I think there's probably times that need to happen. So guys, feel free to um you can step outside if you'd like. You can stay if you'd like as well. We just have a couple more things that we have to go through. >> Thank you. >> You awesome job. >> So good. >> The cute are off the charts. I'm trying to find I have pictures. >> This is I wish I could see them. >> Oh my god. The cutest thing. >> Why does my mic feel so wet? campuses. >> All right. Should we >> college student intern? >> Oh my god, that's so funny. She >> when I first saw her, I was like, >> she was Marcus's first grade teacher and he
010did so well in her class. They thought there he could be without a par. >> And then he went to second grade and not only did he need a parah, he needed to go in Mrs. Latos's room. She was just the perfect teacher for always good. We always loved her. Do we have um >> we can move to communications. Mr. Alexis, do you have any communications? >> Sure. >> Uh yes, Mrs. Casease. Uh I'm pleased to report uh the receipt of the official letter from the state confirming the district's CUAC status is high performing. We have a resolution on the agenda accepting the revised scores from the state. We also posted the state's letter with the revised score on the website. Now, I explained this change in our CQEC court score at the March meeting,
011but we're required to share it again because this meeting is the one following the receipt of the official DOE letter. And to refresh everyone's recollection, the NJ DOE has updated its CQAC formula for measuring progress under instruction and program and has retroactively applied it to our cohort, which underwent the CQAC review last year. Our revised score of 84.4, four, which is over five points higher than the 79.1 received under the old formula last year. Our other our other scores of 100% in governance, operations, and personnel and our 98% in financial management remain unchanged. The state is reporting the revised instruction and program score as an interimm score, but also said that the district improvement plan is no longer necessary. Nothing in the letter suggests that the scores are subject to change and it's reasonable to
012conclude that these scores will remain the final official scores until the next round of QAC in 202728. Notably, this allows us to meet the goal of earning a high-erforming CUSAC designation which we set at the beginning of the 202425 school year. >> Thank you very much. Any questions for Mr. Alexis? Okay. All right. So we'll go to board committee and liaison reports and Danielle. >> Okay. So for we had our community relations committee um meeting on March 31st and my I was president and Butler, Tom Groskoff, Kim Casease and George Alexis and we mainly just spoke about their selling street fair that's coming up on April 26th. Um keep your eyes out. We will still be sending out the goo Google signup sheet so that um each of us board members if hopefully you're available
013to sign up for a two-hour shift um is what we're asking for. Um we also discussed some other you know line items about um who the mascot will be and how long and what time they'll be there. Hopefully probably 11 to 1. Um on that very day um we'll also be coming up with like a little tiny either a questionnaire or a coloring page or something for the passer buyers to get involved in. Um and then you know we have some little giveaways, little stickers and tokens like that. Um we also spoke about um some of the analytics in terms for their website and how many clicks there were for the budget presentation and for the live stream. Um, and I'm going to share for November of 2025, it was 40 around 40 to 50
014people. December was 49 people for the live stream. January of this year was 99 people. February was 213 people and March was 170 people. So, that's just something that we are trying to look at um and keeping track of. Um and also in regards to when you know when parents are custodians are looking at you know uh the children's report cards and how many people are opening that. So and the NJSLAS's and the I Ready all that kind of stuff. Um just to see how many people are actually looking at at it. Um and our next meeting will be it's on April 28th and it's 4:15. Um and then I can talk a little bit about the PTO. Um, DPTO right now is looking for nominations for multiple board seats. So, if you would like
015to nominate someone or nom I think you can nominate yourself. Um, you you have to send that over to LHTOgmail.com. Um, there's also a lot of different things that are coming up for the PTO. There's the Globe Party that's taking place on April 24th and that's 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for second and third graders at the Millington School. And then um it will be the fourth and fifth graders from 8 to 900 pm. Um you can purchase those tickets at the longhill pto.membership toolkit.com. Um you can also go to that website too. They're hosting a volleyball tournament for teachers um and staff versus fifth and eighth graders. So if you want if the kids or if anyone wants to play, that's free. But if you do want to be a spectator, you can go to
016that website as well and and pay for the tickets there. Um, and that's it. >> Thank you. Any questions for Danielle? >> Okay, Crystal. >> Uh, so the policy committee did not meet uh between last board meeting and this board meeting. However, we have our next scheduled meeting on April 24th at 3 p.m. >> Thank you. And um the student achievement uh and curriculum committee met on April 1st. Um during the meeting we reviewed progress towards the district goals. Um it was a large part of the meeting conversation. Um it's great to report that uh the district has already met uh in the second cycle of the tier one goals for the MTSS uh that goal marker for the year and we're looking forward towards more progress on that goal as they continue in their
017third cycle. Um we will continue to look at the data in these areas uh throughout the rest of the school year. Uh we discussed the NJSLA schedule which will be beginning in May. Uh and will be communicated to the students and families accordingly. Um we discussed um sorry uh facilities usage uh for my I'm I'm stuck again on the word specifically. Uh specifically um the learning commons area at Central Middle School uh which had been newly renovated. looking at the use of that building space uh and continuing to determine expanded uses uh for those facility spaces that are almost flex spaces in the school. Uh we discussed the summer institute um as there was limited interest in it at the time. Um that that was a conversation as to whether this is something the district
018would continue with or not. I think we'll update further with the finance. Um and then um as Danielle said, we're also looking at the analytics on report card access. That's something we want to begin tracking to make sure uh that the information that the district is sending home to families is being accessed. Um there will be a parent information webinar on April 29th which is helping kids manage stress and te uh testing anxiety. Um and that was that was really it. Uh the next meeting will be at the end of April. Uh we were looking at April 29th or 30th as a date, but we did not uh solidify that in the calendar yet. Okay, any questions for an? Okay, Justin, >> the technology committee met on March 19th with Mr. Alexis, Mr. Harden, Mr.
019Groskoff, Miss Casease, and Miss Daly and myself in attendance. Um, I have a couple updates to walk through. So, um, this summer we will complete our district-wide onetoone initiative, ensuring that every student has access to a device. For context, that means in grades K through one, students will have access to individual iPads that remain in the classroom. Grades 2 through four, Chromebooks will be available through classroom carts also remain um at the school and in grades five through eight, students will take home Chromebooks using being using them both at school and at home. We also discussed uh device care and the district continues to see a strong track record where students are generally respectful of their devices and they're being returned in good condition. Um that reflects both student responsibility and the effectiveness of the
020systems we have in place. We've also moved to a staggered purchasing approach for technology. This corrects a prior bulk purchase from the co era where roughly 700 devices were purchased at once um creating a single replacement cycle. So by staggering our replacements were extending device life, stabilizing costs and avoiding future budget spikes. Alongside student devices, we're addressing a long-standing gap in staff technology. Many of our teachers have been relying on student grade Chromebooks, which are not sufficient for the level of work they are expected to do. Um, after a lot of options, the district will move forward with MacBook Neo devices. Uh, from a cost standpoint, this was a really strong outcome for the district. We're securing these devices at approximately $100 less per unit than the Chromebook Plus models we were evaluating previously, and
021that includes four years of insurance. So to put that kind of bluntly, we're getting a better device for our teachers at a lower cost. And that's the the exact kind of value we should be delivering from a technology investment standpoint. And you'll we'll see that purchase reflected on agenda on uh resolution number seven. We also reviewed the district copier contract renewal. After evaluating multiple vendors, the district will remain with its current provider due to the most competitive pricing and to avoid transition risks um and costs. This agreement delivers meaningful savings across the board. We're seeing a 30% reduction in lease cost, a 25 to 27% reduction in per copy rates for both color and black and white, and that's a significant cost improvement. We're also um will maintain the level of service and functionality that
022our teachers and staff are used to. All copiers will be replaced with like forlike models with a small adjustment um in the board office. Um uh from an access point standpoint, the district will also complete a full wireless access access point upgrade this summer. This project was partially delayed last year due to -ate timing. Uh but with new funding cycle, the district secured approval for a 40% discount through USAC. Um all access points across the district will be replaced with Wi-Fi 7 technology, improving speed, reliability, and overall network capacity. This is expected to take two to three days over the summer to minimize disruption. Uh we also spent some time reviewing the district's cyber security posture which is strong and appropriate for our size for a district our size. All endpoints are protected by an
023AIdriven threat detection platform that can identify and respond to malware, ransomware and other advanced threats in real time. This is also uh paired with a managed detection and response service that's done 24/7 365. So this gives us enterprise level protection without needing a large inexpensive internal team to manage. Last thing I want to touch on is uh AI in the classroom. Uh we spent some time discussing the district's approach to artificial intelligence in the classroom. The formation of a district AI team which was done pursuant to the board policy that this board adopted last year. That policy set the expectation that we'll take a thoughtful structured and responsible approach to AI and this is a direct result of that direction. The team has evaluated approaches being used across New Jersey and selected the AI assessment
024scale framework. This gives us a clear fivelevel model for how AI can be used in student work, ranging from no AI use to brainstorming support to editing um all the way to ultimately guided exploration. And I think what matters here is not just the tool, but it's the clarity and consistent and the common language for both teachers and students. So, we're moving away from a a binary ban it or allow it approach and towards a shared expectation. Um, we're piloting this approach at the middle school and we'll provide additional guidance to um students and staff after that pilot approach is complete. Um, again, another uh point for AI over the summer, the district will upgrade to Google Workspace for Education Plus. This will provide enhanced capabilities including access to AI tools like Gemini um integrated
025into work integrated into platforms that students and teachers already use. Um this will this upgrade will take place at the start of the next school year timed in relation with this AI framework. Um and we'll gather feedback along the way and our next meeting is to be scheduled. >> Thank you. Any questions for Justin? Okay, Alex. >> Yes, thank you. In uh Mrs. uh Nyquist's absence, I'm going to provide the committee uh the governance committee report. Um the governance committee met on March 18th. Uh in attendance were Mr. Alexis, uh Mrs. Nyquist, and myself. Um it was a quick meeting. Uh what we essentially covered was the preparation of the goal review that was done by the board um at 5:30 um after our early start. um an email and communication was sent out by
026Karen in order to provide guidelines for um the committee chairs to um prepare for that um goal review. Um we also had other discussions about how the governance committee can better serve um the comm the other committees of the board. Um, and we discussed how it was noted that board members should be encouraged to ask questions of the committees because we're circulated agendas and minutes about those ongoing activities. Um, and we uh, you know, in general discussed how uh, we could better serve those committees and and explored you know different ideas of of how that can be done going forward. The volume of the policies to be reviewed um um to remain current was also discussed and Karen will bring the next uh bring that to the next policy committee meeting. Uh our next meeting
027of the governance committee will be April 21st at 7 p.m. It's a virtual meeting. While I have the mic, I'll turn to buildings and grounds. Um the buildings and grounds committee met on March 25th. Um in attendance were Katie McClennon. um uh Mr. Lexus, Miss Bulmer, uh Charles Frank, and myself. Um we, uh in general reviewed, uh the committee goals for the year. Um uh we also reviewed the work that had been completed over the month, uh you know, um immediately before that meeting. Uh which included some work at Millington School, including the replacement of an exit light. um uh exact measurements that were taken for uh sink and closet replacement projects for this, you know, planned for the summer. Um at Central School, there was some uh uh installation of a locking wall switch
028for the highlight highway uh the hallway light. Uh trees were removed on March 21st. Um and there was approval received from the shade tree commission before that was performed. and districtwide there was some uh precautionary sanitizing in the schools um and a donation that was accepted from a local law firm. Uh we also discussed what um projects would be completed for the spring during the spring break that we just had which included some repairs to the central school HVAC painting in the hallways of both Gillette and and Central uh that were uh I believe performed. Um, we also discussed the anticipated work and budget for the 26 to 27 school year. Uh, and during the summer, our next meeting will be April 22nd. Um, it's it's a virtual meeting held at 3:00. Thank you. That's
029all. >> Thank you. Any questions for Alex? >> No. Okay, Katie. >> Um, just an update for the Long Hill Ed Foundation. Uh, excuse me. We're in the middle of the swing of the U forest classes which are going really well um at all at well both Gillette and Millington. Uh, just a reminder that Friday, May 1st, um, is the, uh, long hill fun uh, color run. It's, uh, Tiger Tracks color run. Um, it's at 6:30. Check-in is from 5:45 to 6:20. The tickets are $20 in advance. 25 there. Um, children have to be supervised uh by an adult and there's a um a waiver that needs to be signed. So, unfortunately, older kids can't just show up. We've had that problem in the past. Um, as much as we like it there, um, parental
030supervision is really important. Um, it's a fun day. There's a DJ. We have three uh, food trucks coming. Mike Makes Grill, Mexi Boys, and also Kona Ice. So, it should be a really great time. Also, keep your eyes out for the graduation signs for kindergarten, uh, first grade, and fifth grade. Um, those those that will be sent out. Um, and also um the information about getting the school supplies um will also be the school days, school supply purchase um for parents will be sent out. And again, that's only for Gillette and Millington. That's all. >> Great. Any questions for Katie? No. Okay. Um, Robert, were you gonna give or We're just gonna wait for your Okay, got it. Okay, I'm just gonna I'll quickly report. Um, on behalf of Karen, um, the Ed Service Commission,
031uh, which serves as a lead agency for cooperative purchasing for over 400 school districts in New Jersey, uses ED data services as their third party administrator. Uh the ESC is responsible for bidding over 10,000 items for school districts ranging from paper and pencils to technology and athletic equipment. Similar to our district, because of the new mandate regarding prevailing wage, they have to reissue bids and are working uh the advertising of these contracts for approval at the May board meeting. Um as you also know, the central school is closing. So now all students have been placed and their superintendent evaluation is due similar to us by July 1 and will be done in May. Um, also their shared services agreement was approved at the last meeting. So that's for Karen and I'll do quick personnel negotiations.
032Um, so we met on uh March 26th. Um, uh, thank you to Justin, Crystal, and Alex for being part of this committee. Um, on March 31st, we met for the third uh, negotiation sessions with the LHA. Um, April 13th, which was today, we met as a committee again. And then, uh, April 15th will be our fourth session uh, with the LHA. And we also have scheduled a fifth session of April 27th. Any questions for me? No. Okay. Moving to superintendent reporting. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh on the agenda, you'll see the revised school calendar which reflects the return of the one remaining snow day. So, barring any type of emergency over the next few months, the new last day of school this year will be Thursday, June 18th. Uh we've had uh some very nice
033success with um some of our middle school students participating in um steam related uh contests. Now I've mentioned before this opportunity that we had this year 13 of our middle school students are participating in something called the Fiserve future techies program which is in connection with Fiserve over here in Berkeley Heights. Uh the kids have had a great experience. We had one of our groups actually um make it to the national contest, the national pitch contest. So the team has already recorded its pitch. It will be evaluated by a panel of judges on the evening of May 6. There's more information on the Fiser Future Techies web page. Uh and everyone's invited to um to watch. We also learned uh over spring break that our other middle school team was selected to compete in the
034finals of the uh New Jersey School Boards Association Steam Tank Challenge on May 18th. The girls and their teacher, Mrs. Nadi, are very excited. There were only 21 teams statewide invited to compete in the finals. Uh looking back on March at Millington School, uh we had the annual third grade biography Bonanza. The interactive audience of families and staff enjoyed hearing from the talking museum exhibits. The project is designed to engage students in research, writing, and public speaking, and to encourage creativity in the presentation and in the selection of costumes and props. Uh the PTO book fair at Millington followed later that week and Principal Dawson showed off her new library card, compliments of the township library staff who came over to Millington to issue it in the media center. March uh was an exciting month
035for our Gillette students. Our kindergartens love to track the days of the month um and identify them as either lambs or lions. So, March came in like a lion and thankfully went out like a lamb. Uh, right before spring break, they had some life-sized spring bunnies visit student arrival, which got the kids very excited for spring recess. Our kindergarteners also enjoyed kinesthetic creativity, excuse me, with circus yoga. And as we saw tonight, our first graders enjoyed learning about different cultural dances last month. Central closed out the week before spring break with a pep rally involving a friendly competition between the students and staff. A volleyball game was the culminating activity and the staff actually after a very slow start pulled out a victory. On a less positive note, our attendance numbers for March were a
036little disappointing. And as we look to NJSLA testing, which begins the first week of May, we need our students healthy in school and engaged in learning. This next stretch of the school year uh from now through June 18th will fly by. And as Anne mentioned, our next parent information webinar will offer helpful tips related to the NJSLA and handling uh some of the stress and anxiety that may go along with that. So remember too that all the prior webinars remain available on our official YouTube channel and keep an eye out for a message from Dr. Jones about the next session. And that is it for me. I'll turn it back to you, Mrs. Casease. >> Any questions? No. Okay. Going to go to business administrator's report. >> Okay. I'm going to start with the finance
037committee. So, the finance committee met on April 1st and began with a review of our goals pro progress particularly around identifying additional revenue sources and shared service opportunities. Charlie Frank, who's our facilities manager, and I met with Watson Hills Regional High School's buildings and grounds director regarding potential support for athletic field maintenance at Central Middle School. and we're awaiting additional information now from their business administrator. I also explored shared ESY transportation with Berkeley Heights and Mendum, but neither district is able to participate due to the timing of the routes. I have also reached out to our neighboring districts of New Providence, Chadam, Harding, Berkeley Heights, Basking Ridge, Wung, and Warren to coordinate bidding opportunities for both ESY and regular regular year transportation for our out of district place students. We also discussed the summer institute.
038As of today, there are only six students registered. The program, which was announced to families on March 23rd, was designed to be self-supporting and is contingent upon reaching a minimum enrollment. Unfortunately, we will not meet the number of registrations needed to run the program this year. So, the district will not be offering the summer institute for the 26th season and we will be notifying the families who registered and the staff that hope to be involved in this year's program. The committee has also been supporting negotiations which are ongoing. Three meetings have all already taken place and a fourth meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. We reviewed the recent change in the law regarding time and materials contracts which went into effect on March 23rd. As a result, the district will be issuing an RFP to establish
039on call vendors for maintenance and repair services such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and sewer work to ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements. The committee also reviewed several items that are on tonight's agenda, including contract renewals for the uncommon thread, Alphabest, and our membership in the Morris Essex Insurance Group. These include contract renewals under existing agreements along with the three-year renewal of our membership in uh MIG, which is Morris Essex Insurance, which operates as a joint insurance fund and is not subject to a traditional RFP process. We also discussed vendors exceeding the bid threshold, including the planned purchase of the 105 MacBook Neos that Justin referred to. This expenditure was already included in the budget as part of upgrading our staff devices for Chromebooks, but we will be moving to what our technology department believes is
040a stronger and more appropriate product for staff use. Finally, the committee reviewed received uh a budget update. As of April 1st, the budget presentation had 47 views on YouTube and no questions have been submitted to date. The bill's list was reviewed and we also noted receipt of a donation of office furniture valued at about $1,500 from Murphy and Hollows of Sterling and we appreciate their support of the district. For the board secretar's report, the board um I want to review a few items from the finance section of the agenda. We are renewing our vended meal contract with our current provider, Mr. Food Service for the 26 27th school year. This renewal is in accordance with the original RFP and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture guidelines and is an estimated value of $23,000. We are
041also continuing to look at opportunities for additional revenue through facility use this summer. We have two organizations scheduled to utilize Central Middle School, including the New Jersey Cyclones for basketball practices and Brain STEM Ventures for a summer camp program. These types of partnerships allow us to make productive use of our facilities during the summer months while generating additional revenue for the district. Then lastly, I got some good news just tonight that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has officially announced the award of nearly $10 million in local recreation improvement grants to 154 local governments across the state. and we're pleased to report that Long Hill is among the recipients and has been awarded $67,700 to enhance our community's recreational facilities. These funds will be specifically utilized to install additional playground equipment at Gillette School
042and to update the protective athletic back stop area on the Gillette field. This grant administered by the division of local government services is designed to help municipalities cover costs for updating parks and a athletic fields without the need for advanced payment as the funds are provided on a reimbursement basis following the submission of qualifying expenses. This award represents a significant investment in our local infrastructure ensuring continued public access to highquality outdoor spaces and rec recreational facilities for our residents. And I'm really sure that our Gillette children and our Longill community are going to be very appreciative of some updated equipment. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I just say great job, Robin? Thank you for securing that. >> Yeah. >> And yeah, John. >> And John. Yes. John had a lot to do with
043John. >> Any other questions? >> Very good. >> Oh my gosh. >> We were do checking analytics on the the budget presentation. I was looking up the >> What are we up to? >> I won't tell me because I got so embarrassed. I have the volume up. I don't know why I came on. Sorry. I was okay. Um any comments uh from the public on agenda items? Okay. You have to read my statement. At this point, the board of education welcomes comments from any member of the public on agenda items only. Please note that as per board policy number 1120, a total of 15 minutes is allocated for public comments at any single board meeting. In order to provide residents the opportunity to comment, individual speakers are limited to 3 minutes each at any particular
044board meeting. The board may extend these time limits at its discretion. Any questions should be directed to the board president and depending upon the nature and complexity of the question, it may or may not be answered during the meeting by the administration. If so, the response would occur after this public portion of the meeting has concluded. Everyone has the freedom to speak, but please be advised that anything said in public may have legal ramifications and there is no protection regarding statements made by the public. Please state your name and address before you begin. >> Sure. Eric Calibri, 126 Windingway Sterling, parent of multiple students in town. Um, before I get to the agenda ones, it just came up in organically and listening to Justin talk about tech. I don't know if you guys are interested
045in answering, but I'll ask. Um, in response to the copers, are we using uh same copier across all buildings so that we're buying one brand of toner, one model toner, one model staple? I'm a 20 plus year teacher, so I'm well aware of like the shenanigans that get played. It's just one of those questions like we went to in my district having uh like in my building alone, we have three that are all the exact same. So, we're just buying one brand of toner, you know, like so there's no redundancy or you know, expenditure there. So, that's just like a thought process. I don't know if you guys want to answer that, but that was like something that came up when you were saying that in your stuff there. Um, and the other question is,
046do we have enough tech staff to support a onetoone initiative? Um, my district, we have three buildings, so I have one person in every building, but then we also have a carryover of two other tech individuals. So, you know, it depending upon the issue, it could be, you know, rectified by a kid within five minutes. It could be two hours. It could be within that, you know, school day. So, I'm just curious from a staffing standpoint if like do we even have enough? It's great to, you know, obviously offer that, but it's useless if, you know, it takes four days for a kid to get their Chromebook fixed, which is ludicrous. It makes it one to one completely invalid. >> So, I don't know if you guys want to answer that or if there's, you
047know, formality that you guys want to respond to any of it, but >> I mean, I'm I'm not going to answer it, but I don't know if George or Rob >> I can say with the copy machines. The copy machines are all one brand, all from one vendor, and we we don't have a problem with different >> Okay. But they're not all the same model. No, but they actually are stocking a lot of the replacement parts in our building so that they don't have to call out for them. >> Sure. Okay. Um, next one. Agenda item seven. It's listed in the bid threshold. Um, I know it's highlighted in boldface that it's about the Apple, but it does show up here that the curriculum associates with the I Ready lawsuit. I know there's multiple attorneys
048up here on the board and superintendent. Um, I would hope that we are aware of that. If you are not, feel free to Google that up. Um, Alex, I know you've got a, you know, a plethora of educational law background. Um, as a parent, I would be concerned at just a district not knowing about that, but furthermore, um, are do you do we even have any concept of where that data is on our students? Um, you know, so I'll be the squeaky wheel to that one. Uh, I mean, it just hit, but you know, I had students entering my classroom today asking me, why are we using I Ready if they're being sued across, you know, federal government. So, um, that would be the question there for that one. Uh, action item agenda item 16.
049Um, it kind of parlays into that. It says ED data services, but I I think Kim, you mentioned something that sounded kind of similar. Was that the same item that you were talking about with the purchasing agreement or >> I gave the report. So, we have a board member who's not present tonight who sits on that board and so I just gave the updated report. So it would seem to me that the these things are aligned. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I was just curious if that was computer data or if that was like consumables, you know, within the district um you know on how that kind of functioned. >> Okay. Robin, did you want to >> Yeah, that what we're approving is for ED data for purchasing. Ed data also has a time and materials
050element to it which we do not subscribe to. Okay. So what they were talking about earlier is the time and materials part and that has to do with the new law that just started on March 23rd that we now have to do follow prevailing wage and everybody has to go out to bid but we're not using ED data materials. >> Okay. Um number 18. Uh just curiosity. It says that we're re-upping that but it would seem like you know maybe we didn't put in the contract amount there. I don't see any dollar denomination to it. uh to action item 18. It was just curiosity if you know I understand like is it cheaper to go in-house on this item um you know or if it's uh therapeutic services for you know specific students you know
051it's just the the if we're going on two years with something if it is somebody that we should hire inhouse and bear the cost obviously of healthcare insurance which is by far one of the largest overheads for uh public you know services um wouldn't would it still make more sense to go inhouse rather than outsourcing because you don't have a uh level of like communication from exterior to interior people, right? So like if I'm if my child was special ed and was receiving services, there's another layer of me being able to communicate with that individual, right? They would have their own work email that they then have to then come over and look at their um contracted email. you're almost creating a barrier, you know, um to that communicating for those special ed parents. So,
052um you know, just curiosity to that one. Um but there, you know, we say that we're reupping our contract to it, but we did not include a dollar denomination to that contract. Are we smoking mirroring costs? >> So, >> you're over three minutes, so are you going to wrap up? >> Um yeah, I find it kind of disappointing that you would not want to extend it if I have another item because there's obviously no other public person here to ask a question. um because it does involve special ed. >> So, it's up to you if you'd like to extend it. >> Well, do you have another next? >> I do. >> Okay. >> Um action item 27. Are we replacing Miss Skolnick for next year? Um if she's a social worker, that's the person every
053special ed parent reaches out to, the rapport between that special ed parent and that, you know, case coordinator essentially. Those are the people that you rely on. Um you know, my son was declassified in this school district. I disagreed with it. I argued it. I played with the numbers. I'm not going to lie, like I know how important that person is. So, the rapport that is created between the parent and that person mitigates issues for every staff member, mitigates every issue for a schoolboard and possible, you know, legal consequence. Um, because there is no winning because you pay for that attorney on retainer plus more dollars every time somebody tries to file a founded or unfounded lawsuit. So, I'm just curious if we're going to replace her. >> Great. Uh, I think that was it.
054Yep. >> Okay. Okay. >> I I really enjoy getting some sort of response to some of those questions. I previously reached out four years ago, uh, and I never got anything from anybody, including the superintendent. So, it was obviously before, you know, Mr. Alexis's tenure here. But just proving that point like I thought I had an idea issue. I thought I had um you know some Njac issues and I never even got a response. Okay. >> And that's also why we're on an action plan as a school district from special ed standpoint. So you know I come at you guys with 20 plus years as a teacher in the classroom who also has an understanding as a parent, but I grew up in this town. I have an invested interest in this town. I have
055no plan to leave for another 30 to 40 years. So, you know, it's just one of those things like I'll be the advocate for people who don't have time. My wife got in from the city is putting the kids to bed, quick house, some food. Like, I know you guys all know exactly what it is because I know we all have similar age children. So, it's just one of those questions like when I look at it, I'm here to advocate for all those other parents who don't have knowledge base to this industry, um, don't have time. I look at every one of these board agendas. There are times I wish I could get here more to actually have comments like this, to ask questions. I know very rarely people show up. So, it's just one
056of those like when it works for me, it works for me and I can get here. Um, I do appreciate everything you guys do. I know most of your faces, Alex, we've known each other for years. Katie, I live up the street from you. It's one of those like I you guys know the same world. We're all in that same time period of life. Um, it's just to be here to advocate for everybody. So, thank you for what you guys do. >> Thank you for coming. >> Okay, moving to resolutions. Danielle, will you move in minutes number one? >> So moved. >> Second. Any questions? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jamos? >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster? >> Yes. >> Miss Dr. Maher? >> Yes.
057>> Miss McClennon? Uh, Miss McClennon? >> Yep. >> And Mrs. Casease? >> Yes. Okay. Financials. Crystal, we move in numbers 2 through 21. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler. Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly. >> Yes. >> Damos. >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster. >> Yes. >> Dr. Maher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. McClennon? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Casease? >> Yes. >> Um, and will you move in special services numbers 22 through 24? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dejamos? >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster? >> Yes. >> Dr. Maher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. McClennon? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Pace? >> Yes. Uh Justin, sorry. Personnel numbers 25 through 31. >> So moved. >>
058Second. Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dejamos? >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster? >> Yes. >> Dr. Maher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. McClennon? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Casease? >> Yes. Alex, we move in curriculum number 32. >> So moved. Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? Yes, >> Mrs. Staley. >> Yes, >> Mr. Jamos. >> Yes, >> Mr. Foster. >> Yes, >> Dr. Maher. >> Yes, >> Mrs. McClennon. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Casease. >> Yes. Um, Katie, will we move in policy number 33 to 34? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dejamos? >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster? >> Yes. >> Dr. Maher? >> Yes. >>
059Mrs. McClennon? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Casease? >> Yes. Um, go back to Danielle. We move in other numbers 35 through 37. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Butler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dailyaly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dejamos? >> Yes. >> Mr. Foster? >> Yes. >> Dr. Maher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Nyquist? >> I'm sorry. Mrs. McClennon? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Casease? >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. Any items for discussion? Any unfinished business? Okay. Any new business? Okay. Any comments from the public? >> Okay. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> Extensions. Thank you.