001The New Jersey open public meeting law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced open and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest was discussed or agreed upon. In accordance with the provision of this act, Regional school Eastern Board of Education advertised this meeting on April 7th, 2025 in the Asbury Park Press. These notices were sent to the school clerks of the Burough Manuel Aberdine and the Madan Avenue Public Library. These notices were also placed on the district's website. Please [Music] stand to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] Mrs. Skully here. Miss Violet, Mr. McGovern here, Mr. Mont here, Miss Pal here,
002Miss St. Miss Bar, Miss Martinez here, Miss Warranty here. Be resolved that a close session be convened for the purpose of discussing privacy, personal matters, and legal services. The subject matter of these discussions will be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality subsides. Although the board will not guarantee it, the length of the executive session is estimated to be 30 minutes after which the public meeting of the board shall [Music] rec. I have a motion and a second to executive session. going to return to public session now. I have a motion and a second to accept the minutes. I'll second motion and a second to accept the correspondence of the motion. [Music] Good evening everyone. Um so I have a few highlights um this evening that I wanted to share and also community.
003Um I have the pleasure of attending a congress state and they [Music] wonder [Music] statewide. Um the law school chorus also had the opportunity to sing at the um Westminster um for a famous African American. She's so impressed in them to stay at the Lincoln Center with her this [Music] [Applause] coming also county supported birth and will be back at the state level in June. Um they also um appeared this year at party hall and also worked at Robert Johnson to collaborate in opening um on the level for cancers at fourth level. Um so good morning. In addition to that um Miss Walling um shared with me that the following students receive scholarship offers from the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts after Dave critique on Friday night at the performance of so Lucas Vizuto
004is receiving $20,000. Henriette $15,000 Christina Tessy $10,000 [Music] $1,000 Charles [Music] why $1,000 I think I'm not reading the name so BSA $1,000 $1,000 Sabrina fund $1,000 for a total of $50,000 in scholarships. We're [Applause] absolutely this week was the week of the young child. So, there were a lot of events at the at each of the three schools and the elementary building. Um he was bringing Cambridge has that little path that's um lens road to Cambridge Park. Um the cops were able to walk um and sing with the fifth graders. So the fifth graders were mentoring and helping them sing along on um music Monday. So they walked across over there and they did such a beautiful job. So it was really really nice. Lastly um tonight on the agenda is a board resolution
005regarding the tax and senate levy which is up for board. I want to thank the full board and the cabinet team for their insight and for engaging in fall. We had difficult discussions as we work together to support our school community. I'd like to reiterate that the tenative budget that was submitted in March is balanced. The proposed tax money would provide essential support for additional construction materials, professional development, and critical services to help us begin planning for 26 2017. But again, I want to reiterate that what we submitted at the tenant budget is balanced and we're aware. We are committed to continuing these important conversations and I think that the start of that was a Monday night forum and also um get feedback and announce the conversation with many partners and members. Um this is
006only helping us gather that information and our community so we can plan proactively for the future. We recognize the financial challenges ahead and we must come together to address it as one community. This can only happen with strong partnerships and collaboration with our families, community partners, town council and our board. We also realize that this requires us to be creative, innovative, and really um work together and think outside of the outside the box in order to support the evolving needs of our school community and district especially when it comes to ensuring effective and instruction to our facilities and students. We thank you and look forward to connecting with our community and the future of our [Music] president local portions taxes. Um audit people budget um you're required by the [Music] CS [Music] objectify management funds
007starts every year in July and we started out seven days correct in 2021 in [Music] 2022 actually over lunch and it had to be used that um good on lunch and that's due to the work of this administrator and her team. We had zero last year. So everything was and we had a short state as well. So as far as accountability goes for our funding budget transparent and confidence that um we also hear a lot about policy decisions especially in central office and I just want to say that the practice we have the fewest number of central officers we've had many years we've been able to reduce the high level and highly position about seven goals over the last few years. Um and also nutrition streamlining goals of the [Music] duties and then a lot
008of other creative creative solutions. And um what happens is all of those students go away. So superintendent superintendent Dr. have to deal with a lot of those duties. So for example, this case is in charge of our transportation and she's in charge of our facilities. Um Mr. is our security officer. So now that we have our own security, he's responsible for that team. Um it's a lot of it's a lot of work. Uh they're basically on 24/7 so if anything happens any like uh we have a sewer problem. So, you know, they're they're they're on um we have we have to have AI specialists. So, that's required by the state and that's used to leave this program. Additionally, um they're highly exper experienced professionals and due to the diligence and efforts of all these folks,
009the district was able to submit to the county March 21st. That was before the tax information was presented to us. Um in terms of the tax, I will say that it's really dis appointed that the state of the boarding position having to make decision to raise taxes to both our municipalities and that in fact it takes away your voice in the process. Um I want to thank the members of the board who have been diligently dive into all the information and finances in our budget as well as carefully considering the tax levy. We put in a lot of conversations with district leadership. They provide us everything that we've asked for. There's a lot of work that goes into this behind the scenes, but I think important for us is the community should know it's not
010something. And lastly, I wanted to wish Martina happy birthday. [Music] And I would like to congratulate our student representative Tutor. She has made her decision to attend my own honors, the College of New Jersey with a major in speech, language pathology, and a language. Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] Hopefully soon. And with that, Miss Mr. Report. Thank you. Good evening. To begin at the high school, tonight is the Husky Hero Volleyball Showdown in the gym from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Students, alumni, faculty, and our local police, fire, and EMS departments are all competing in the volleyball games. We cannot wait to see which people win the end. This past week, homeworks have been participating in the make a change challenge with great one, formerly known as juvenile activity foundation. This was organized by 9th grader Ryan Hoski.
011The class that raises the most changeable winters donated from main street donuts after spring break. Husky's closet is still offering gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for students. Prom dresses are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Students can reach out to Miss Longo 600 if there are any questions. Please join field hockey team and their block jack fundraiser at Applebee's on Sunday, May 4th from 8 to 10:00 a.m. Contact the field hockey team directly for more information and buy tickets. The Husky touchdown club is selling lawn signs for graduating seniors once again this year. All orders must be received by Friday, May 2nd. Class High School, the senior achievement ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd at 6 p.m. Stay tuned for more information. Next up, Boy Elementary School is excited to
012announce that all current fifth grade students will be taking a trip to visit M Avenue Middle School on Tuesday, June 3rd from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. This visit will include a presentation by teachers, counselors, and admin along with a guided building tour and time for a Q&A. This June student orientation will be an addition to sixth grade family orientation session that takes place at the end of August when rising sixth graders visit the middle school with their families just before the opening of school. On April 9th, Road held it second annual STEM night, which was an hands-on fun that included experiments and engineering design challenges. Thank you to all of our families, students, and staff who supported the spring night. Road Elementary School will recently share a state of the day flyer with all families
013to assist in tracking the various end of year events they have coming up. They are excited for their family game night taking place on Wednesday, May 9th, which will include Jeopardy pyramid, SKL video, and a special effort. Also looking forward to their PTO color event taking place on April 29th at 5:00 p.m. Finally, they're planning a movie night under the stars this event. Please mark your calendars for the events and be on the lookout for updates. Moving on, would like to celebrate wonderful activities and experiences school together this month. A huge thank you to Miss Dit was incredible music teacher for organizing March Music Madness. Each morning, students enjoyed listening to and voting on their favorite songs. They are excited to announce that this year's winning song is pink pony club nominated by Mrs. Anderson's
014class. Congratulations. They kicked off the one school one book program with adventure according to Humphrey. It has been truly heartwarming to see students reading the hallways and classrooms and excitedly discussing Humphrey's adventures. The joy of reading as a school community is something special. Don't forget students who submit their chapter questions every Tuesday and Thursday have a chance to join us on Fridays. They had their first winners last week and they look forward to celebrating more students. During this month, the food will focus on optimism acceptance, disability awareness, and diverse through engaging activities that promote understanding, inclusion, and celebration. Wednesday, April 2nd was World Autism Acceptance Day, and all teams were encouraged to wear blue tie to show their support. Throughout the week of April 7th, students participated in activities like differentiating between facts and myths
015about their diversity, visiting a specially designed classroom hands-on with diverse learning experiences, and designing community symbols to represent the infant diversity in the autism. Hood is also thrilled to announce a schoolwide mural project to beautify the storage trailer near their third grade students will take the lead by participating in a design contest. One of the designs chosen with the students along with the band's art club will bring to life by painting the mural. They cannot wait to see the creativity of their students shine through the special projects. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Next up is reading drive. At the end of March, they were able to honor their monthly remarkable road runners with a breakfast and each student selected invited a special guest. The excitement of the students and the joy of
016their faces was truly tremendous. Throughout the month, Virginia PTO sponsored their dinosaurs rock assembly on April 7th. Students and staff love this engaging event. Thank you to the Maline, sorry, excuse me, Mal and Adrian Education Foundation for introducing this organization to our districts and for the authentic learning experiences is bring to our element. When they return from spring break, they will have their next assembly, a performance by the Garden of State Percussion Trail. Marine had the opportunity to see the performance based on a grant that was awarded to their music teacher, Miss Got. Finally, Maria is looking forward to both their Mother's Day plant sale on Friday, May 9th and Color on Thursday, May 16. They hope to see you today. Maria wishes everyone a spectacular spring break. Happy Passover and happy Easter to all
017our fans and community members celebrating at Strathmore. The BTO sponsored another great schoolwide assembly, the ABCs of hip hop, where students were taking on a fun multimedia trip through the world of creative writing. There was a lot of dancing and all the students had so much fun. Strathmore celebrated of the young child April 7th through 11th with theme activities each day including music Monday, tasty Tuesday, work together Wednesday, artsy Thursday and family Friday which is tomorrow ready for spring break. Shop is excited to begin preparations for spring activities including the setting of ceremonies, fun days and any engineering activities for third grade students during the war multicultural club. We've created a diversity club during the month of April. Students make great squares to represent their own culture, culture, traditions, holidays, languages, clothing, landmarks, and more.
018Individual student pieces will be assembled by the club to create a single build which celebrates the diverse cultures present at we look forward to seeing the finished product. Did you know that has a new official Instagram account? Check out the daily posts and stay informed about the great things happening in the middle school by following. Finally, Cambridge Park also celebrated the week of the young trial April 7th through 11. On music Monday, Cambridge Park staff and students took a walking trip to Lloy School where they were entertained by the Mary Towns Road and students. Many Cambridge Park students felt it was the best show they had ever seen. Next was EDC Tuesday. This fun movie day was about more than just cooking together help students connect in math, literacy skills, science, and more. On work
019together Wednesday, high school students from NHS came to Cambridge Park to assist with fun and educational student activities. I went through on Earth Thursday celebrated the joy and learning children experience by engaging in creative art making. Tomorrow at Cambridge is family Friday. Students have invited me to our school for bring school day. This will be so much fun for all involved. This concludes our report. Thank you and have a great evening. Thank [Applause] you. Instruction. Thank you. Good evening. Instruction agenda. We are asking for action on the following items. Item A, travel as listed on the travel patch and item B, field trips. Um so we put out to board that there are combination of trips there change that includes instruction to accept this [Music] construction any questions um in terms of the the transitional
020service to the schools. So I know we've got the um middle school students going to the high school, the girls going to middle school and more going to the boys. I'm guessing that um ravine drives and uh will follow as well. And then do we do um Cambridge Park? Do we ever trans when they're transitioning into I'm just asking the question I don't know the answer. Um when they're going into when they're moving up when they're meeting their depending on we ever take them over, but they will have I'm guessing an orientation. Any other questions? [Music] Sorry. Under the student services agenda, we ask take action on one item and item one. We recommending to approve bedside instruction for two students as student services. You have any [Music] questions to accept services now. Thank you,
021Mr. The board has a walk in item that we're asking for the board to take action on tonight which includes absences for 242 school year. Uh and now for the regular plan and the we are asking the board to take action on leave of absences listed on page 108. We are also asking the board to take action on the appointment in B. But I would like Mrs. Case to let the uh the minutes reflect a correction uh under the salary on item one. It should not be negative 146,76144. So item number two, extra rigor activities for basketball. Uh we're excited to get the uh summer extended school year staff going uh as listed in item number three which continues from page two three four five and finally on page six on that item I'm sorry
022one more we have one more correction I need to on page 68. The final item uh post 2808. Uh if the minutes can reflect a correction in max hours, it should be 12 hours and the cost hour section should be per deal break. [Music] Continuing on uh on page six of a we have summer credit recovery uh staff to support our students who are in summer credit recovery courses. Uh we have an item five instructional assistants who work as subsequent teachers. Uh in item six includes our home instruction which goes to a seven of eight. In section D we have that were reported and confirmed from last meeting. We also have a substitute school nurses for additional pay. Uh we have an administrative absence elite pay there. Uh we have a black seal boiler operator
023license stipen as listed. And finally we have the 95 summer practices camps and clinics for the 2526 school year. Uh there's language there that basically speaks to an allowance for uh coaches and club advisors to meet with students uh during the off hours whether it is season or school. Um and then you can see the fall, winter, and spring sports and clubs uh listed appropriately for uh that personnel agenda. Thank you. Can I have a motion with a second to accept the personel agenda motion? Any questions? I do have one question. Um I don't know who belongs here or not. Um hockey is a co-op. Does that need to be on there or no? Winter sports. No. Right. Because it's co-op or yes because it's still our be out of season. Yeah. Like probably not
024because they're not doing anything. I wasn't sure because you've got winter. That's great. Yeah. Okay, I can check if I can check with Yeah, just only because you show winter that the only reason I have a question about the exhib. It's a robust list of staff. Is it do we have an idea of how many students are in this is specifically for special populations is for students with disability and it's an [Music] online student tonight. So we will go to finances. Uh good evening. We are looking to take action on common this evening. Uh the first would be the board monthly reports for the month of March as well as bills list the transfers for the month of March and then um for number five the application for the submission of the additional expenditures and
025tax incentive. Uh please note that that should say 1,ion50,000. It has to include the 1 million tax plus the 50,000 in C. Number six is the preschool classroom square footage facilities waiver. That is listed because the state changed the waiver from 750 ft to 950. So every 3 years any classroom square footage that is under that 950 ft needs to be reapproved. So those are the classrooms affiliated in the chart by building. Then we have the acceptance of the donation as listed. We are getting an additional status and number eight is the fire evacuation drills for the month of March and that concludes finance. Thank you. Can I have a motion that to accept the finance agenda? Any questions? Can I just ask you this before looking on the bills list? Is is that like
026quarterly or it just depends on what? Uh so there's a couple different portions of the airark bill. Uh the first portion is the contracted services for the custodians. So there's a price per month that's for that. And then what you're seeing where you're talking about February March of the differential is when our facilities get rented out, there's a cost for that and that gets built out separately outside of the contract. Thank you. inappropriate. I can speak to the surrounding. Uh so we had a backup at the middle school that has all been taken care of, cleaned up and rectified. Uh the high school our grinder is 100% broken. Uh so we have gone out to three different vendors. Um one of the co-ops did have it. Um, unfortunately, the grinder was sold quickly to another
027place. Um, so we need to find a lead time on this grinder. Uh, we were hoping to have the repairs done over spring break, but that doesn't look like that's necessary. A big shout out to operations and management because they were able to selfcreate a piping system so that while the grinder is not working properly, they actually piped a full entire pipe into a sewer to ensure that we keep working and that it does not back up into the [Music] sewer. I was just going to say talking about creative and innovative solutions. I mean, a team of people that work for us build something to our toilet to work. So, thank you. Um, in this case, do we know um what caused this and what obstacle? [Music] I'd rather be able concrete plan in place.
028We're not quite there yet. I have to say all the two vendors have been out to research um three or three varying ideas on how to fix it. Uh typically when we have multiple vendors at least two out of the three come up with the same solution. Uh unfortunately that has not been the case. Um so we're just waiting for a better idea and then obviously lead time on those parts to kind of come up with the next solution. uh at the time when we had started this and we knew that there were issues at play uh we thought we were going to have more time life expectancy if the grant did not make that so uh you know going to have to transition and you work on that work obviously very very thankful that
029they've come up with a solution until we've done that [Music] so what school Uh, so all the plumbing it connects together and it has to go to the sewer. But before it can do that, all the things that you flush down the toilet have to actually be corrected out kind of like a cheese grater. And so what happens is there those are blades and so those blades have to be taken care of. There's a life expectancy to those. And as objects are flushed down that should not be flushed down the toilet, that in essence creates those blades that become much less sharp and then in essence it stops their ears, right? Their ear stops working and then in essence creates a backup and you might not know that until we see that coming up or
030smell something. Thank you. And the objects that um I would say number one object that shouldn't are I was going to ask so many regards to that. So just public in the past happened quite a few times recently mostly in the high school. Um, and last time around I believe up to 25 $30,000 in the last time someone put on a student they collected over 100. Yes. [Music] Okay. So, um I know a bunch of people were at our last meeting on Monday. Um I think a few of us wanted to speak tonight before we take a vote. Um first and just bear with me because I have a lot to say and I need lots of notes because that's the way it works. Um so I've been on the board a while and you
031know [Music] We just try to get close together. So, um, so I a lot of us have been doing a lot of thinking since actually since this was we heard about this probably a few weeks ago. two to three weeks. Um, and since then, I know myself and I think a lot of us have been um really wrestling with this and have just been very uncomfortable um because of the position that we have been put in um as board. Um so, first off, I want to thank the central admin team here. Um I know you guys have been working around the clock. First to get a budget out that we approved um and then now working on this is this information kind of follow that. So um you know you've been working to prepare information
032not just for us but also for the community as well. And you know I thought Monday's meeting was phenomenal. I think you did a great job um educating you know the community as well as even us. I mean you learned some things that we didn't know. Um so thank you. Um, I know you guys care very deeply about the students. Want to ensure that every dollar we get from the state is used on the children and their education. Um, you guys work very hard. So, everything I'm about to say, just know, you know, I respect you all greatly. I love the work you've all done. Um, we've all worked side by side for years. Um, but I just think it's important to get my thoughts out. So um and I just want to say too
033um I know you guys look for every opportunity possible for grants shared services we sell old equipment all buses old computers um you know you look at how we can um move around the budget so that we have the highest interest but I think you guys are doing phenomenal. So, I did want to say because I know everybody really loves the idea of additional funds coming in that we can educate. As a board, um, we need to make sure that what's best, you know, do what's best for all students, but we also have a responsibility to represent the community voice and be fiscally responsible. So, that being said, I'm just going to share what's on my mind. May not be popular, but I'm sure. Um, since day one, I have felt very disappointed and upset
034that this is what we have been offered um to make up for years worth of funding inadequacies for not just our district but other districts as well. This after we had already submitted our initial budget, approved it, um, and after months of our team, not just the team here, but also the principles, staff, everybody worked really hard on it. Um, we've been told this is a one-time deal. In my mind, it isn't. Sorry. Um, that we are under adequacy and in order to get to get additional aid to help us, we need to raise our local tax money to help us this year and potentially help us address future challenges. This um this is really incredible to me that 300 that's half the districts in the state fall into this category, 20 in our county.
035this case um has been so kind to explain what under adequacy means because frankly ideally understood um and essentially correct me if I'm wrong it means that our property values and the income of our residents are showing that we can provide more taxes to the school district we happen to live in a county that is assessed every year so of course it's going up um so Not only are there years where we haven't always received adequate, but we we have recently heard that we should expect a lower reimbursement on Medicaid um and IA um than we previously had in the past. All while dealing with increasing unfunded mandates. And of course, this is all in addition to the 20% increases that we're hearing, benefits going up. Um so all that to me, it just doesn't
036make sense. feel right to put this on our community members. Every district is struggling to some extent. And I feel like I keep saying this while I feel like everybody's like approaching a flip and we're just at different rates getting there. Um I feel like um with this program, we're being asked to essentially fall in line and do what they ask. But this will not just raise our tax, this will raise our tax levy base moving forward. And I'm concerned that next year's base will be lower if we take part in this. So in other words, if our if our base goes up, is the state going to come back next year and give us enough money? Question. I don't know. Um we have currently, as um Miss Perez in this case has said in
037the past, we currently have planned for a fiscally balanced budget for 2526. We have and will continue to be transparent about future budget concerns as I do believe we will have very tough choices as school districts make within the next year or two. While I'd love to get even more state money for the kids, um I feel like we all know there are members in our community who struggle a lot. I mean, look at our every year we do um we collect money for Thanksgiving, for the holidays, every year the amount of children that and families that we feeding at Thanksgiving, it's 100 over 100 families and then Christmas. I mean, for the holidays, you know, I went into design there boxes down the hallways in the conference room. I mean, they're everywhere filled with
038toys that people either donated or we have gone out and purchased for these families. So, we know that there are a lot of people struggling. Um, so while it may seem like a small increase to some, um, this is just the school, this does not include a town increase. So, combined with all the other increases that are out there, um, I think it could have a really big impact on people even just, you know, myself personally, I think about it. And these numbers that we're showing are based on I'm just getting really transparent. These are based on average home value. So if you're above that, it's going to go up beyond that. If senior citizens apply to not have to take part in it, that's going to fall on the other residents the additional amount.
039Then if you're someone like me, but you've got money in escrow for your house, you're paying additional on top of that. So it's it's a lot of it's, you know, it can be a lot. While it looks like a small amount, I know we voted in which I greatly very greatly greatly appreciate, it can still be a lot to be. Um I know that many districts around us are voting yes um majority actually. Um but just like we have made other decisions in the past such as our policies where we have tailored them to meet our district, not thinking about every other district around us, but thinking about us and what our community needs are. I feel like we should try to work together over the next year knowing that these are coming and trying
040to find solutions. [Applause] Sorry, I was being hesitant because I had been wanting to see ditto. Um but yeah, essentially did a slightly different words, but um really the same rework the way they looked at us. And when they did, they decided our budget should be higher and did not spend any extra money. And um our residents meanwhile, as you just pointed out, are experiencing unstable economy and current potential loss of vital services. uh they've experienced more than a year of inflation that has slowed the prices have gone down and they're looking to a future of uncertainty as the cost of production is infected by increasing income costs. Many residents have fixed incomes for wages that aren't keeping up with inflation. Both homeowners and renters pay when property taxes go up. And while I agree
041that additional revenue would be helpful, my kids are in school, too. Um, this should be through getting our fair share of state aid through shared services with other districts. This requirement agreements with our municipalities. We're all the task of doing what's best for students. That's what we're reminded of regularly. Um, and we're not helping our students further stress their household finances. So, well, I would love to take this. All right. I only wrote my notes on my hand. So, I um echo my fellow boy's statements. Um I believe the state did something back because is I think it's unfair and one of my fellow board members said to me today is that to put that decision on the board. We're we're all people that have had kids in this district, have kids in the district,
042we're working families, some working two jobs, some working one job. And what not saying we're not qualified to make decisions for the community input, but what qualifies us to make that that judgment that because the state didn't decide to fix their funding, they're going to put this and and much like my peer said, they're going to put this on the boards to make that decision. I'm sorry. I'm not a big fan of believing that anything is going on. If they see that they can have boards make this decision to raise town taxes, what's to say 3 years down the road instead of fixing their funding formula, they don't turn around and do the same thing again and and they put it on boards to make this decision. Takes the heat off that but doesn't fix
043the problem putting the band-aid on a scar about. So, I just think that, you know, we we're all struggling with this. We both sat up at night. will listen to the community and I think that they need to fix the real problem before we start doing this type of action. Thank you. Um thank you guys. So um as everybody has said um I just wrote some things down. Same thing. Um, thanks to the board and admin, um, and the community is great. If you are here, we were able to, uh, be here to do it. Um, I think that really work together. And I cannot tell you the time, energy that it takes for these guys, um, to have gotten that ready and answer a thousand million questions and texts and phone calls and emails
044from us over the last couple weeks. Um, and in in states fashion, as always, everything is last minute and not done correctly and never know what's happening. So, it's we're always chasing our tails. Um, horribly watching all the other districts struggling. You know, we're all on social media. We know people are on the board and they don't another district. Um, you know, like Mrs. said, we're pretty much all in the same place. It's just a matter of getting there. And I I don't I feel for all of them that they're in this position where they feel they need to take this because their budgets maybe are not sound this year. Um thank God for our team and all their their planning. We are sound this year. That being said, um next year there's going to
045be more challenges. We know this. Um, personally I'm I'm just angry that the state would put us in this position. Um, we are nine elected volunteers that in my opinion have no right to dictate taxes. Um, if if I thought I've been here 12 I'm going on 12 years. If I thought I was going to have to determine tax rate for Malone, I'd be like, mine's not voluntary for that. This should not be on our um so that that in theory that um we had to make this decision and yes, we're here for the kids. We're 100% everything is always about the kids and if you base every decision on kids, it's easy to make. But, you know, like the other board member said, we're here also for the community and we have to serve
046our community. Um, and having our community struggle is not going to help our children at all. Um, so next year there are going to be more challenges. 100% we're going to be transparent. Moving forward, things are going to be difficult. Um, I'm hoping for some positive changes, some you know, relationship um through council maybe um you know, we're we're probably going to be under new leadership in New Jersey. Maybe the funding formula. There's there's a lot of things coming down the pike, hoping for better change. Um, but I know we we are 100% committed to being transparent, letting you guys know where we're at. And um, we appreciate your patience, your time, your energy, coming out, giving us ideas, thoughts. We have so many community members that are so smart and so um, helpful and
047just giving us an outside, you know, ideas is is so welcome. So, um, thank you and we appreciate your patience, which is a lot of um, you know, I do, um, mimic a lot of things, but I want to thank his board specifically for, um, valuing the importance of community engagement because some of our surrounding towns and districts have not involved the community, which I think is wild. Um, that they, you know, we make decisions without getting the community's input. Um, and then the administration for listening to us and the board and putting that forum together rather quickly on Monday night, which was excellent. Um, so thank you for that. Um, and um, I this is a very very hard place to be in. Um, while I want the most for our kids, like I
048want everything for them. Um, the fields, the programs, the services, the staff, it's at what cost to the entire community. And I don't think it's right for us to have to make that decision. So, how dare the city? Um, you know, I just hope that we can continue to balance our budget in the future. I know this case, she works her magic. everybody works really hard. Um, so thank you and hopefully we can continue to do that um without having to make too many changes um down the road. Um I don't know where we'll be in the next two or 3 years, but you know hopefully we can at least continue where we are now. I mean something will change and things will get better. Thank you. I'm basically going to echo what everybody says.
049Um it is very disappointing that the state has us to make this decision. A lot of our surrounding communities did vote. They didn't get community input. Um I agree. I don't feel um that I'm in a position to ask more out of their household finances, especially the my children are graduating from this district. Um, obviously I am in this position because I want the same quality of education that my children got for the children coming up in the district now and my excellent experience here. Um, so it's it's hard to weigh those two things. Um, I will say that I'm cautiously optimistic that things have to change. I don't think there's any other way for it to move forward. So, and I will tell you that I think that this governor's race is going to
050eliminize the school funding formula because it's crucial that that get addressed at the state level. So, hope everybody's engaged with that um race for the fall. Um I I just want to say it is going to be difficult if everything stays the way it is. next year does not look great. So the fiscal year 26 27 is not is not good. That's just the facts. So, um it's really sad because, you know, I see on social media, um this field trip didn't get data. um you know why why why does everybody make you know why are the administrators make so much money and and all these things that just it's really it's you know looking at from the outside it's hard to see these guys sitting with these numbers crunching these numbers and trying to
051dollars to parent just to make it work so yes we have to work as a community and I'm hoping that the community can help not only understand the position you know I hate to say I don't know if that's going to happen with things like I don't know. Um so hopefully work together and give the kids everything that they deserve. Um and just praying that things get figured out at the state level so we get funded the way that our kids generation deserves. everyone else do not position for us to be put in as boarded. We are elected volunteers um but we are rented by our community. So Monday's voice and more responsibility to people to work. Um I love them. Um but I do fear the future. I don't think that either. So that
052cautiously optimistic into the future and know that we are the voice from the public. The board of education recognizes the value of public comment matters of interest to school community. Individuals wishing to speak must state their name municipality of residents. Comments are limited to a freedom duration, but an individual may speak a second time after all others who wish to speak on the topic can be heard. All state district president and no participant may address or question board members individually. All speakers are requested to express themselves in a civil manner with due respect dignity and privacy. Others who speak rights may be affected. Please know what is not the board's intention to simply comment on matters of legitimate concern. The public should be aware that if their statements violate the rights of others under the
053law of declaration or privacy, they may face personal liability to the injured party. Speakers are uncertain of the legal ramifications of their comments. The board urges them to seek evidence before from their legal advisor. [Music] Hi, my name is Maggie. I work at Cambridge. I'm an IIA. I've been working there. Thank you. I've been with this district for over 12 years. Um I have to say thank what we did the last few days to explain the coming from the money that we spent and what we need. My kids are in district. I know what I do and I would love our program for those kids. I'm asking to get the best out of those kids. My thing is these students have to love school and so I want to say thank you for all the
054things in I believe we do. But with what's going on in this world right now, we don't know what's happened. Do we put a bed on top? We don't know what's going to happen. Everybody's afraid. That's the reason why I'm afraid. And I don't I I can't deal with this. I I don't want my taxes to go up cuz I don't know what's going to happen to my family to my living here and I don't want our community. I don't want people to come out. I think we have a great community, a great school of school education and we can do more but at this point I don't know if we can do that. We don't even know what's going to happen with the what they're going to do to what Trump's going to do
055what the government's going to do tomorrow and everything. We don't we don't know. I'm afraid to make that to accept that. And I'm I don't think I'll be the only one that So far I don't have this town. I get where all of you are coming from. I don't want to comment on that. I just want to ask a budgetary question. Are we required every year to produce a balance budget? So that means next year to produce a balance budget, we would need to make cuts in the absence of this money. And then next year hopefully if they do something, but if they don't, we're back in the same position essentially. Okay, that's it. Thank you. question just for clarification that meanwhile theory yes we would likely have to make cuts I guess that some
056of those cuts aren't necessarily down at the kid level right for example the budget somebody said once the budget is cleared there are changes in it for the upcoming year versus the year that we have but they're not necessarily down level um right shared services agreements there's a cut somewhere in there's a shared services agreement because that's you're sharing services that doesn't necessarily mean but there's too much unknown like we don't know how much significant I mean it could be are we talking about theater programs sports I some schools has to go to that level. So again level and I mean that's the thing is it's very un the reason why I you know I I'm very optimistic. I don't think that the state can move forward without there's no there's no other option. the
057schools are just going to come up. I mean, there's really no So, I'm figuring that it's going to have to change. And so, I'm quote unquote kicking the hand down the road because I I'm hoping beyond hope that next year this is not the scenario, but if it is, and knowing everything we know now, I think, you know, what what can be on the table to to to balance the budget? you you do not spend money you don't have we don't have a dump deficit like pretend money [Music] um so the way I feel the way I look at it is that just from sitting with these guys um meeting after meeting and conversation after conversation in my opinion and obviously in this case is is the VA but we have exhausted all of our
058resources and ideas. Um, and we cut everywhere down to fine-tuning our our um services trying to figure out ways to get services. Um, so in my opinion, moving forward in, you know, next year, we've already done all that um without cutting and we were able to, you know, balance budget without cutting that affects children. Um, but like these other districts are grounding this year, you know, if something doesn't change, there will be cuts next year. Where that will be, we have no idea. Um, but we just, you know, it's like your bills keep going up and your paycheck keeps going down. So, you know, it's like the whole budget is just upside down. So I'm I'm along the lines of this something has to [Music] get and you know one of the things that we've
059been working on and we've all pushed to work on this is income right trying to get some other income in. So, we approved at the last agenda before and we're doing advertising. We're having an advertising agency come in and we're selling our we're selling our schools to make money to advertise. We are doing shared services. Um, Perez is giving free marketing promotion to a company that negotiated a better deal with us. anything and everything you can think of, we're doing it like to, you [Music] know, we stop getting real. It's just it's it's we're doing everything. So, if anybody has any ideas about how the the district, the school district will make money, that's where my head is at. Um, we did a preschool program this year. Not keep saying summer school K through five.
060Um it's you know the towns love their rent programs so parents working parents can put their kids. We decided to make money on that. So we are renting our facilities out to the YMCA and we're bringing in money for that. Our summer theater program is now funded and profitable. So we have students paying um registration fees to summer theater another another kind of summer camp. So I mean you know whatever our facilities used to be kind of given away for outside use. We have basketball teams adults that come in. No more. We charge every single one of them for using our facilities. Um you know they kind it was a very wishy-washy thing. The board changed the policy. They have to pay for the use. So those are all the things that we've been doing.
061Just you know it's it's a lot. We're trying our darnest to make it work. I would just like to say I am sitting here not in my right now to make this decision because while I do not want to increase taxes at all for anybody, the last thing I also want is 2 years from now 2627 to be sitting here cutting staff. We just did that last year. I think 16 teachers we laid off and we did not renew. And I I do not want to see that happen again. So while yes, I the tax this is this is such a tough decision. Um it's just it's very hard. It's very hard decision. Okay. Um, so this is something that I thought about for a while quite right. So, uh, as Penny had talked about
062in the meeting we had about how we in the past used to vote on budgets and then that force kind of the town to be involved in the process. Is there anything that prevents any interest in the state from going back to that? because I feel like that there are still a couple of districts in the state that actually still vote in April rather than you in November where it's just so is that something that ultimately is being taken out of you being a situation like this whereas taxpayer say to what actually happened that was important discussion in the department of education hearing in January that um we were talking some districts that do have the April elections scheduled so that they can have their budget out here and um some districts were saying they
063don't think there's anything that [Music] switch is the refund. So, there's two types. There's a bomb run for them and that is for facilities. So, we talked about it before. We have seven buildings. Every single room is out of quarantine and will need to be replaced. Um, that's not in any budget right now, but it has to be done. Um, we there's also a second question where it could be things for the efficient education which would include curriculum staff um anything like that. So in that case also operations as well. So in that case it would also be approach to the entire community. So that is another you know something that's not on the table. So all of these things are on the table set um to to balance the budget forward not this coming
064year if everything stays the same for what second question um it's it is slightly not just we question I had a conversation with our board attorney last year about that there it is almost a little bit like how extra leed that it needs to be more education itself. So it's limited to some programs and etc question [Music] Yes. Except finance by me is no. So noted the silus um curriculum and instruction travel I have as well as personality I have and finance 5 [Music] mill so noted Mr. Mr. McGover. [Music] So noted, Mr. Mon. No. Anything else? Yes. So noted, Miss Pal. Yes. On everything except for finance agenda. So noted, Miss Brook. Yes to everything except for so noted Martinez. Yes. Finance. Yes. To the agenda finance. All items except finance number [Music] five.
065Do we have any additional business and um say this case and [Music] everybody needs continue to be creative. We'll do everything we can for our finances moving forward. Um, I know you work around all the time. So, you continue to do [Music] that. We will continue to do our best with that. We also ask that during our public hearing, we'll share our legislative information. We're part of, you know, district 12 and district 13. One of the major things that's going to help us is to have data and information and get our numbers as soon as we possibly can. So the biggest thing that we ask is that you know reach out to them and ask you know as soon as we can for next year to add our members because the quick turnaround time is
066very very challenging. Yes. you know, just to um tie on to that the information about our legislators, I think that it's shared also to ask them to push um you know, the New Jersey Department of Education and was in charge last year to fix the schools properly. Fair share ideas now because the bulk of the money is being taken from suburban districts. Yeah. And sorry. Um, one would wonder if we have this much money as a state to give out as an incentive to districts, why why does it have to be incentive? Like if you feel like a district is underfunded, why are we incentivizing it? 50,000 regardless actually would be the whole and just to add that. So um I want to clarify too that this is not even a guarantee. They're making all
067the districts jump through these hoops, slam together an application, get it in by the 14th, make this crazy decision, and then when the budget is complete, end of June, end of June, then we'll actually know for sure if they even have that [Music] to the actual [Music] any uh other things to do business. Um shout out to STEM night last night which was such a great um experience for my children and thank you so much for um offering up two younger siblings or old siblings to attend cuz my second grader had a phenomenal time um with his fourth grade sister at the family night. So it was great. Thank you. I'm not surprised that our high schoolers were over $50,000 scholarships for the theater program because the show was amazing as usual and being recognized
068in ways that sometimes for not an academic reason for creative. Yeah. I mean the entire district is always doing phenomenal things. So really really proud. Hope we can keep it going. I mean we will they'll figure it out. I'm sure they'll figure it out. Yeah. I mean I I know this if it's not it doesn't happen with dollars and cents. I'm imagining that, you know, parents will volunteer or whatever is I'm sure will happen to go into a second [Music] session. Resolve a close session. could be for the purpose of discussing property, personal matters and legal services. The subject matter of the discussion will be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality subsides. Although the board cannot guarantee it, the length of executive session designated to be 30 minutes after which the public
069meeting of board shall be convened with business action will not take place. I have a motion on a second. Thank you.