MTPS Board of Education April Workshop Meeting (04.21.26)

001Mhm. >> You got it. >> Okay, it was me and daughter. Adequate notice has been used provided by sending such notice to the Asbury Park Press, Milltown Patch, Middletown Township Public Schools District website, and posting of such notice at the Augusta Myer administrative offices, middle elementary, middle and secondary school in the district. Roll call. >> Mrs. Benitez >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Galaski >> Here. >> Mr. Safranski >> Here. >> Mrs. Tabacco Mrs. Torres >> Here. >> Mrs. Weinstein >> Here. >> Mrs. Wright >> Here. >> Mr. Capone Mr. Aveta >> Here. >> And I need a motion to go into executive session. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstentions? >> Mhm. >> Everybody please rise for the After the pledge, please just please remain standing for a

002minute. The district has learned of the recent passing of two former district employees, Joan Base and Geraldine Cason. Joan worked in the payroll department for over 16 years before retiring from our central office position in 2015. Geraldine was an elementary school teacher in the district for over 38 years before retiring from Middletown Village Elementary School in 2005. We send out deepest sympathy to the Base and Cason families. I pledge allegiance >> 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. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> And we're going to start off with committee reports. Curriculum, Ms. Ryan. >> All right. Good evening, everybody. The curriculum committee met last night, and we had a pretty lengthy

003agenda. So, I will do my best to try and get through it for everyone. So, one of the first things that we did was we looked at the curriculum guides that were up for rewriting and review. Uh they're for the adoptions for the 2026-2027 school year. I'm going to give, you know, again, a special thanks to Ms. Merrow, Dr. Cook, and Dr. Kerrigan, who led these curriculum reviews and rewrites, and then actually took a really good decent amount of time in explaining them to us last night, and were available for us to ask questions. Uh you know, they gave us, like I said, the overview of what the actual process is, and then how they were rewriting these course curriculums that were due to actually align with learning standards. And I have to say that

004it's pretty impressive once you actually sit down and really see what goes into this process, the amount of work that these three administrators, along with the teachers, who are then tasked with actually rewriting these curriculum guides, how much work actually goes into it. So, I know, you know, for myself and the rest of the curriculum committee members, we do want to extend a thank you. Because, again, this is really just shows the excellence that we have here in the district. We talked about the summer reading program. I think we launched this couple summers ago. We continue to really think about how to improve the summer reading program, and this is for all levels. This is for elementary, middle, and high school. Dr. Cook did talk about really thinking about on the secondary level how to

005actually have more of a shared experience amongst the students and I think this is really being stressed for the incoming freshmen that we are now going to be adopting that one of the two books that the students will be asked to read over the summer will actually be a shared book so they actually have that shared experience coming in to ninth grade that they can then talk about obviously in their classes once they get here and then there will be an entire list that they can choose their second book from and this is the same obviously like I said for both elementary and middle as well. So those letters I think will be be given to the students soon and then brought home to the parents because there is the component where the parents are

006talking obviously to their children about what books they want to select for the summer. Everybody's then going to agree and sign the paper and then move forward with the summer reading once the school year is over. We continue to talk about the kindergarten through third progressive reports and I believe at this point now um this is going to be really to give more timely performance related feedback for parents. Mid-trimester progress reports they will be available through Genesis Genesis and they'll be launched for grades K, 1, 2, and 3 next year. Excuse me, sorry. [clears throat] And this will be more of a consistent checkpoint across all elementary schools and reinforces our commitment to communication from the teachers to the parents. All right, so we also talked about the i-Ready discussion. So I know we as

007a district we've been talking a lot about i-Ready the past couple months and also really trying to pay more attention to the time that our students are on screens during the school day. So as we continue to sort of refine what we're going to do, we have been using i-Ready now as a diagnostic assessment tool for some time, and that will continue for the 2026-2027 school year. It will also be more of a personalized learning platform for grades only 2 through 8. We are also going to, like I said, have more greater limitations on the actual screen time for grades 2 through 8. As we continue to sort of look again at what really is developmentally appropriate with use of i-Ready, I think pretty much the committee now agrees that for K through 1, uh

008those students will not be using i-Ready moving forward in the new school year. We are really going to be stressing for K through 1 to go back to more just pencil and paper assessments, along with personalized activities uh that will be more, I think, appropriate for those grade levels. We are as we continue to sort of refine this and move this out, there will be more information that we will provide to everybody uh going forward. Marking period 3, secondary report cards, uh they are going to be released on Genesis on Thursday, April 23rd. Uh we also just reviewed again the criteria for high honor roll and honor roll as well. Okay, so we also discussed NJSLA administration for all three levels. Um we have those dates that are going to be starting soon. For the

009high school level, they will be taking NJSLA April 27th through May 1st. Middle school will then start May 4th through May 12th. And elementary school will then begin on May 11th through May 19th. It looks like also um for the advanced placement exams for the high school levels, both North and South, they are set to be administered 4th through May 15th. >> [clears throat] >> We have two voting agenda items next week that the committee did discuss. There is a new field trip um to Washington, D.C. This is students in High School South Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America who have qualified for the national competition following the award-winning performances at the state level. So, they are planning to travel to Washington, D.C. from July 5th to July 11th with their advisor. So, that

010will be on the committee I'm sorry, that will be on the agenda for our review and voting next Tuesday. And there will also be continuing professional development for us to review and vote on next Tuesday, as well. We discussed two grant applications. Um the first one, which is one that I am so proud that we started to do a couple years ago because this is making a huge difference for our very early learners. This is again to apply um for another grant to continue our work with the FOCUS Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners grant. This is money that allocates basically for us to be able to use and administer the DIBELS early learning screener for grades K through 3. And then also the continuing professional development for our teachers to be able to really

011analyze that data that they get from DIBELS and then be able to move forward to have individualized instruction for students. Um I did read actually the the grant application for this is pretty exciting and um and if we get awarded it will be $20,944. We also discussed how the district is conducting its comprehensive local needs assessment in accordance with the Perkins grant, noting that recommendations will be added to the grant application for next year. This funding supports our CTE program and students have been successful in their internships this year, earning real estate license, as well as other credentials to support career success following graduation. We have a new sort of partnership with the College Board, which um Dr. Karen was very excited about. It was actually really cute because it was like he gets to

012be very, very nerdy about it, but I think it's a great thing to celebrate. Um this basically is a group that is provided with early access to pilot courses and engages in conversation about product development. So, we are now exploring the prospect of piloting AP business, AP cybersecurity, and possibly medical CTE. This will actually allow us to start having these programs, which is really exciting. We have our teacher, educational service provider, and support staff of the year recognition ceremony this Thursday beginning at 6:00 here at the high school North Auditorium. And we know that's going to be really nice. It's always a great celebration of our staff. And last but not least, we've been talking about this for a while to get it on everybody's calendar. So, Rob Franek will be coming back, who is

013the editor-in-chief of the Princeton Review, to um basically take us through AP exams and how college boards are now using this in a different way and to try and actually be able to reach more of our district and parents who will be interested in this. We are going to move this to a virtual platform. So, it's still being scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th, beginning at 6:30 p.m., but there will now be a virtual component to it as well. And that's it. >> Thank you. Facilities, Ms. Nunzius. >> Okay, just want everybody to bear with me because I am comparing my notes to um the notes that we have on the uh committee report. The committee met on April 14th, and it was myself, uh Mrs. Torres, Mrs. Kalaski, and Mr. Sefaroski. The committee took a

014tour of Bay Shore space that will be used for elementary classes. There was a discussion amongst the committee members regarding the addition of bathrooms to the kindergarten classrooms. The NJDOE county office staff has done a walk-through of the space and slated that the plan for kindergarten bathroom waivers was appropriate. Several kindergarten classrooms across the district received NJDOE waivers for bathrooms. Members of the committee supported adding bathrooms to these classrooms and want the project included in the 2026-2027 budget. We also stated, as we were talking about this, is that if this is being considered the state of the art school, then we should be starting out as a state-of-the-art school and put those bathrooms in. We also had um concerns about the kindergarteners being put on each side of the building and not together. We feel

015that, you know, for years we've been told, if you, you know, group grade levels, it gives teachers better opportunities to work together and we can include all kids in that grade area. So, um we're hoping to do that. We were told that, you know, the plan that we had received could change when they get a principal. But that's the plan that we were being told is what was submitted. So, we did have um lots of discussion and lots of concerns about that. And our committee does want bathrooms put in. And um sure Mr. Saparaski's going to um jump on that when I'm done. The committee also discussed playground equipment for Bay Shore. Members of this committee supported the addition of the purchase of a playground equipment to the 2026-2027 budget. The um playground that's there

016now is too far away from the building for kids to actually take part in. Plus, we're also um to consider is we're doubling the amount of kids that would use that playground equipment. So, you know, even if they had to walk to the far side, it's not going to be enough. We need to put a playground there. Um Do you want to jump in on that now? >> Yeah, um because it's not noted here, but we also discussed um adding to New Monmouth to [clears throat] their playground. >> was going to do that on the back. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was because we kind of we talked about them together because those are the buildings that were consolidated and when we had a meeting with Dr. Alfone as far as the

017budget that we're needing as well, um it was brought up that the playground should be amended. Um New Monmouth PTO has already put in $60,000 of money that they have raised to that playground. >> [clears throat] >> It's only appropriate that if we are and we are told that there is money that we could put in the budget this year for Bayshore and New Monmouth for the playgrounds, that we need to get that as a line item to ensure that it happens. >> And the reason that topic came up is because the local recreation improvement grant for 2026, um New Monmouth did not get that grant. So, being that they we feel that way being that we combined the two schools a few years back, we never followed through on the playground. And they deserve

018that money. >> Yes. >> They deserve the money to make an inclusive playground for the entire school. And it's been long overdue. So, if um the money's there like Dr. Alfone and Mrs. um already said, then we should be putting in the budget this year and letting them continue on with what they were going to purchase with that grant money. Okay, um let's see. On the April voting agenda, the HVAC bid award, the bid award for the HVAC equipment bid will be on the agenda. Award will be split between two vendors for different types of equipment. And these HVACs are for only if needed, am I correct? >> So it's just so that if we need them, we have the access to get them. >> They're They're replacement units, is that right? >> The long

019range facilities plan major amendment, there will be a resolution on the agenda to approve our architect to submit an amended amendment to the long range facilities plan to reflect the closure of Leonardo and Navesink and reassignment of Bayshore Middle School students to Thorne and Thompson. We had a monthly discussion on this. We did want to see this plan now so that we could see it before we vote on it, but apparently it's not ready yet. So um It's They're going to come next week and they're going to present it. >> I did ask the architect to come to the board meeting next week to walk through the changes. >> Okay. And will they be able to compare the changes to what's in the long range facility plan right now? >> They'll Yeah, we'll craft the

020presentation so it it shows what's been updated. >> Okay. Um Mr. Naser and Mrs. Doughty reviewed the updates of the capacity information. Um It just to me, my personal opinion is from someone who's been in those schools when there was a lot of kids, those numbers just don't make sense to me. How they're figuring out and I don't know actually how they're really getting the actual numbers because we don't know exactly what classes are going in what where and it really does matter square footage on what's in that classroom. So you know, I can't wait to see how that's going to fall out. I just don't have faith that that's the right numbers, but that's my personal opinion. Um Yes. >> Do you want to go first, Jen? >> No, go ahead, Jen. >> Um

021after our discussions with the capacity, uh we talked a lot about it. We talked about the science of the capacity numbers, which is what our facilities team does, is that they come up with what the numbers are, and then it's as it was explained and it makes sense, the art of it is what the administration does to design where the kids go and how they fit. So, I did follow up asking about um the cafeterias at Thorn and Thompson and what was fire code versus what was allowed. Uh Mr. Nasser said fire code is what is deferred to, um and the capacity for both is 328 with tables and chairs. And so, then I asked for the projected numbers for next year, and four out of the six lunch periods of 6th, 7th, and 8th

022grade at Thorn and Thompson are over that number projected for next year. Um Mr. Dardi replied that they um have discussed auxiliary lunch spaces, similar to what was in place in Thompson when their enrollment was higher, but I do not recall that. What I recall was the community notice from Dr. Alfone that said they're offering other places for lunch, such as outside or other classrooms as quiet spaces. And um I was hoping that tonight that we could get more information on what those options are and what those plans are for these children to all have space, have lunch, be able to get in and out of that cafeteria in 23 minutes, and ensure that this plan Like, this is this is the simple, right? This is the easy numbers that we see. A cafeteria is

023a cafeteria. So, what is the plan for this? Do we have that? >> Like I I referred my email, we are work we have to work with the principals to identify what spaces will be used for the auxiliary. And we've actually been starting talking with the food service management company, and you know, again when we've done this in the past we've put additional serving areas also in the auxiliary space so not everyone would have to come into the cafeteria and they can get the they can get food in the other area but we are we are still formulating all that but >> Is that in the long range facility plan? >> I'm sorry. >> Is that in the long range facility plan? >> No. No. >> So where is it? >> What do you mean

024where is it? >> Like where where will the plan be where we expect to see this? Where can we have faith that our children in middle school will have the space needed by September? >> When we identify when we when the principals and the administration identify the spaces then we will reflect it. >> My other concern is that these quiet spaces are not reserved for the special needs students to separate them from their peers. So that needs to be noted that those students get to eat lunch with their peers. >> The next thing The next thing the next thing that we discussed was current facility issues. The high school north varsity baseball field and the equipment master plan. Myself, Mrs. Dardy and Mr. Naser toured the high school north field last week after another series

025of emails of concerns. Um we met there there was a Mr. Buck was there who was the fields named after his brother and um we went over some of the concerns of the field. To my remembering when the last time that field had work was about 20 years ago. When I first got on the board they did some work on there and it hasn't been touched. It absolutely needs to be fixed. Not only do they use it for baseball but they play soccer it. So, that field is heavily used and definitely needs to needs to have some work on it. Mr. Naser said that once we get a new athletic director, he's going to sit down with them and Mrs. Dardy and they're going to go over the conditions of our fields because if they're

026playing soccer on that field, what's wrong with the soccer field? You know, it doesn't make sense why we're playing soccer in a baseball field. That doesn't happen at High School South, but it's happening at High School North. So, um unfortunately, I really wasn't aware of that and I've been on co-curricular. No one's ever mentioned that. So, it's something that we need to do. Maybe we need to go back to what we used to do where the committee before every season tours the fields to make sure that we could see that they're in safe playable conditions and we could bring it back to the board on what needs to be done. But, it definitely needs to be looked at. And there definitely needs to be some work. We also saw that the parents are one of

027our volunteer and they want to help, but what we realize is that everything really does have to go through the district. So, we do want their help and we do want their volunteerism, but for insurance purposes, everybody needs to go through the athletic director, the building principal, to Mrs. Dardy's office and get permission to make some of these changes. So, if we have a contractor volunteering their time on the property, we need to know that. And Mrs. Dardy needs to know that, not me, but Mrs. Dardy, we need to know that and they can approve it and insurance-wise, we would be covered. And we're very grateful to the people that want to volunteer and you know, support fixing these fields because we obviously can't afford to do it all, but we just need to make

028sure there's a chain of command on how we do it. And that's with anything that goes on in the district. Um Thorn made an IAQ testing. Do you want to tell us what those >> Indoor air quality testing was performed in response to staff request at Thorne. The testing did not indicate any issues. All of them the two rooms that they claimed were cleared. The Davey Field update, the Township indicated that the bid awards for this project will be made on May 4th and the work will be done over the summer. Um local recreation, I we talked about that. New Monmouth did not get that grant, so we're hoping that we can compensate that money to them to continue going on with that playground equipment that they were promised years ago. They don't want the

029Port Monmouth playground equipment. It's been in the ground for many years. I actually have the actual date written down because I was a part of that. And to move it is not safe. And no one really can deem that it is safe. They want to move on with new stuff, safe stuff, and inclusive stuff that's going to make it usable for all students in that building. Um utility easement Verizon, the Township attorney has contacted the district regarding an easement for small wireless facilities. Generally, these facility poles are placed in locations that are municipal rights-of-way. Verizon wants to install one of these poles specifically to serve High School South. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Okay. So, usually these poles are located in municipal rights-of-way. Verizon wants to install one of these poles specifically to serve High School

030South. The location that Verizon is proposing is on the parking lot island of the High School South parking lot, and we have asked for more information because we are under the impression that some of the people in the neighborhood are not in favor of this. And to push it onto the school might not be the greatest way to do it. Recap from the March committee meeting. We reviewed information presented, responses to Mrs. Torres' list of questions at the last meeting. The information include facility used by outside groups, facility use revenue, facility use policy and regulation, and Champion contract before and after care. Um we did have a long discussion on um what we charge people to use our fields and our buildings, and those prices have not been raised in years, yet organizations charge our

031parents a lot of money to be a part of these groups, and if we're going to continue doing this, then we need to start fixing our fields and repairing things in our buildings that are getting destroyed, we need to maybe raise the price a little bit, and that has to be discussed with committee and then taken to the board, but it was a lengthy discussion, and we haven't done that in many, many years. So it was a worthwhile one. We also um had a discussion on bussing and transportation, and um it came up, and I and I think that I I want to say starting I think that the public needs to hear this. There is consideration of eliminating the Port Monmouth school bussing that we put in place when we closed that school. I

032um personally am not in favor of that. I lived in that area. It's not fair that those kids have to walk from Port Monmouth to New Monmouth. If any of you have kids that do that, it's not a safe route to school. We we talked about how do we make it a not, you know, how get non-safe route for courtesy hazardous bus for them? It's not possible for us to do that. I think it's a big mistake. What we should have done all along was um started letting them go to Harmony because they can walk to Harmony without taking a bus. And to eliminate that bus is just not fair. I know the kids that were in the school when it closed have moved on, but that doesn't make a difference. It's still the same

033area. It's still the same walking distance. And it's not safe. So, I mean, they're walking down You have to walk down um Wilson Avenue in front of St. Mary's all the way down to um New Monmouth Road, and then cross over down and it's just it's just not safe. I hope we don't do that. So, what I would really would like to see and because we talked about transportation on what the cost would be in the budget for the uh transportation of closing the schools. And, you know, it seems like there might not be an increase which I find I really find that hard to believe because we are bussing more kids now with this closure than we have ever bussed. Um I would like to see transportation show us what routes they are eliminating

034because is there more than Port Monmouth that we're eliminating that we don't know about? We need to know that. And so do the parents need to know that. So, um I would like to see us uh next week before the budget go over what routes have been condensed, what routes routes are being eliminated so that everybody knows what's going on there. And then also would like to see a cost, and I know it's kind of early, but we're voting on a budget with transportation costs close schools that we have no idea what it is. We have no figures. So, how do we know we have enough money in the budget? And for years we've been saying we can't get we can't get bussing for after school curricular. Um the other day we had no woah

035till Thursday we have no bus for base year to go to um track meet. How are we guaranteeing all these buses, extra buses when we can't even get them to support our kids now? That's a question I have and I would hope some of the board members would have because we can't be calling parents up every morning and say, "Oh, we're sorry, the bus didn't come. You know, it's not available or they didn't have a driver or whatever the reason is." Um we we need to have concrete information on this transportation part of the budget. Um let's see. And I think we Oh, we also discussed the the closure of the two schools. So, what happens to um Native Sun when the school closes because we don't own that building. Well, we're in the process

036of looking for the deed and the contract to find out exactly what happens because we don't have it. >> We actually do. >> We do you have it now? >> I have it. Um I was able to find in the files in the safe in central office um the documentation which I have shared with our board attorney um the the terms of the conveyance of the property and you know, the details on that. So, we do have that. >> Okay, so could you tell us what it is? >> And you know, there's not it it just to summarize, I mean, there's a lot of documents, but it it did say it was back in 1933 the property was conveyed to the district for the purpose of building a school. Uh the caveat was the district

037had to build a school on that property within 10 years. Uh they did build Native Sun. Uh I think it opened in it was built in 1933 or opened up in 1941. So, they did it within the 10 years. The language referring to you know, what happens if the property is not over with the school just simply says, you know, if the property is not used as a school then it would be revert back to um the trust. I know it's changed a few times during the years. Originally, it was I think a woman and her in memory of her husband and you know, their their kids and family gave the land. Then I think it was part of the Navesink Library Trust and now I think that's merged with the Duray Foundation. So, in

038any event, that it just said the property would be revert back if the school if it wasn't being used to operate a school. >> So, when I think our question was that night because it was going to cost when we're done, when when that building's vacated, do we have to tear it down? >> There's no no language referring to that, but again, I'd refer that to our board attorney as well. >> Okay. It's I'm going to found it because >> [snorts] >> we're curious about >> And I just, you know, I wanted to follow up, Joan, on your discussion on transportation. You know, every year we approve the budget before we put out transportation bids. So, there we always are awarding them after the budget. So, every year we do make our estimate for transportation

039and budget for that and we don't you know, a lot a lot of high school kids get them in June or July. So, that's not unusual and it will be the same issue every year. We won't have all the bids in before we approve the budget next week. We haven't even put the bids out yet. So, to get exact numbers, we wouldn't be able to do that this year. We don't do that any year. But that's why we work through our estimates. As far as the Port Monmouth, that's you know, we had that discussion because you brought it up, but you know, it wasn't really a facilities topic, but you asked. You know, that it's just to remind the board, you know, we we talk about this every year that the agreement was to bus

040the students who were in that Port Monmouth sending zone that were going to New Monmouth, you know, while they were attending New Monmouth and you know, the fact is they've all aged out. They're all in middle school or beyond at this point. So, it's you know, it's really just a discussion with the board that is courtesy bussing. Uh it's you know, the students do not meet the requirement for the mileage. Uh as we talked about, the routes you know, the roads that they would have to walk on, but we would have evaluated student by student. If it's not something that's listed on our hazardous routes, you know, we would treat that the same as we do all the students here in Middletown, and they would be walkers. But again, we would have to evaluate each

041student and what what their route is. You know, I can't tell you off the top of my head where all of them are, but they're all in that general area. So, they are currently there's about I think over 10, I think it's about 54 students at this point. There's students again who maybe the family lived there when Port Monmouth closed, and they're younger siblings, but there's a lot of families that moved in and never even attended Port Monmouth. Uh but they've all been put on the bus because that area has been bussed. So, it's just something the board needs to be aware of. Um you know, again, you know, it wouldn't be a vote, you know, we send out letters to the parents and let them know that the transportation would be eligibility would be

042changing. You know, we've done that in the past with other students. Sometimes we discover students who are not eligible for bussing, and we notify parents. Um it's you know, up for the board discussion. It's about we would be able to eliminate one bus route uh from this that the students are riding two different routes. Uh they're split between two Monmouth buses, but we would be able to collapse those two routes into one if if we took away the courtesy bussing. So, that's where we stand. >> Well, the difference with that is that there's an elementary school that's a lot less than 2 miles at their fingertips. And no other person that we're saying is in the mileage has that opportunity that they could have walked to another elementary school without being bussed. And um >>

043[clears throat] >> secondly, about the transportation thing, we have never closed three buildings before >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> It's normal, it's normal, but we're transporting a lot more kids now because of the closure of buildings and the distance. We should know how much that's going to cost us, especially with what bus costs us over the last few years. >> Well, again, we're not going to know until the bids go out. And I when we've discussed this, I I have said that there we're not anticipating a significant >> Right. >> So, I didn't say that there would be no increase. There may be an increase. Um we >> Well, we said we could There's a chance we could bring it back. >> increases on our other routes because if we're putting things out to

044bid now, if contractors don't want to renew them and they want to put it back out to bid, there may be increases on our other routes routes as well. So, >> So, do you have any >> And so, it's something we're not going to be able to have exact costs on until we finish putting the all these out to bid. >> If you don't have costs, do you at least have the routes? >> We are currently working on We have routes that are existing now, but we're currently reworking them to accommodate these changes in the school sending zones. >> And do you Do the families that you're going to eliminate the courtesy busing for, did they know ahead of time it was courtesy and that was a There's a chance it could be taken away?

045>> Back in 2020 when Port Monmouth was was closed, you know, when it was discussed that, you know, the students who were attending at that time were going to be bused and the intention was never to bring it on in perpetuity. >> But if a family moved or started kindergarten, first, second, third grade in 2022, they would have no idea. >> They may not. So, we would have to That's why we need to >> what we're dealing with is another communication problem. That these families don't know and it And then it turns it looks like we're the ones taking something away when maybe it was intended to be taken away and they didn't know about it. It's a It's a transparency issue to me. >> Well, again, like I said, we've had other in other

046years we've had instances where we've gone through and we've identified students who aren't eligible and we do notify the parents, you know, in the spring so that there's ample time to adjust for that. >> Right, but it's now the end of April and people have to make plans for September now. >> But for me again >> That's it Well, and that and that's, you know, it actually was on the finance committee agenda. If the finance committee had met, you know, we ended up talking about it in facilities cuz Joan asked about it, but, you know, yes, we would have to let them know as soon as possible. >> But for me again, we're making kids walk a longer distance when there's an elementary school right around the corner. That That is no other situation in

047this township that that's happening to. So, it's not fair. Um Amy, would it be possible for the entire board to get a copy of the Navasink um contract? The deed? >> The deed? >> Yeah. >> Um I can I I guess I can share that. I mean, I I don't know that >> I think people are People are asking so I'm just saying I'm asking. >> Yeah, I mean, I I assume so. I mean, I'll check with our board attorney. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be able to do that share. >> Okay. Mark, can >> All right. Yeah, I just want to speak on something with the bathrooms. Uh it was something that uh we brought up. Um it was Aaron Joan, uh Deb and I and Scott meeting with >> No,

048Ken wasn't >> No, she wasn't there. Uh I'm talking about the meeting budget meeting. >> Oh, the budget meeting. >> We brought it up about um some of the items that were in the budget and perhaps replacing it with doing sinks in the first and second grade rooms and bathrooms in the kindergarten rooms. When we got into Bay Shore then at the facilities committee meeting, found out there's actually sinks in every single room in Bay Shore, which is kind of a nice addition for all the classrooms. Um which then when we got looking at where the kindergarten rooms are going to be, there's sinks there, there's plumbing, there's running water, there's sewer lines. Maybe some modifications would have to be done with the sewer lines. But the amount of work the scope of work is

049significantly less than we had originally discussed. So my thing is that I think this is something that needs to get started immediately in terms of planning because there's a lot of planning and engineering that has to take place to put bathrooms in and permitting and things like that. And I think that that is a priority item that we should get on right away so that on June 23rd during their cutting the floor up and getting it ready so that >> So I did reach out to our architect after the facilities meeting to ask him to put together a proposal to give us a a scope of work. Uh they would have to develop, you know, they would just They would have to look at it and see what the scope of work is and if

050we were going to eventually do these projects and put them out to bid, they would write the bids backs and um more importantly I'd be looking for some sort of cost estimate because right now we don't have that. Um as we talked about in the facilities meeting, you know, we we could do this if the board decides they want to add these projects to the budget, uh we could do it that way and come up with I won't have firm cost estimates from the architect by next by next week when we approve the budget so we could develop our own estimate and put a placeholder for lack of a better word in the budget to put the project in with a dollar amount that may or may not be sufficient. But if it ends up

051not being sufficient, we would have to address that with reserves or or whatnot. Um if you don't put it in the budget, we discussed that too that the board does have the prerogative, you know, we do we can do things that may not necessarily be itemized in the budget if the board votes to approve that and we withdraw the money from the reserves. You know, we have put money in this budget to deposit into reserves, so there is money for the side. And the same with the we discussed the same with the playgrounds. You know, we could either put an amount in there that the board wants to list in the budget to spend on playgrounds or we can wait till we get cost estimates of exactly what we want done and then go from

052there. So, that that Those are the two ways you can approach it. >> I just think that the public would like to see that it's going to be done. That there's proof that it's going to be done and it's going to be ready for the summer. >> So, we just need to understand that whatever estimates we put in, you know, we may need to adjust those when we get the actual cost. >> Yeah, and I think I mean, I've done some homework on it and a high estimate per bathroom was about $16,000. And that was assuming that there was no plumbing down there. >> Well, that I I can't tell you. I don't think that that's going I don't think I think it's going to be more than that and then we also have to

053pay for the architect fees and so forth, but you know, again, I I asked him to work on it and he said he would at least have a proposal to do this work, you know, for us this week. Yeah. >> And will you share that as soon as you get it? >> I'm sorry? >> Will you be able to share that with everyone? >> I can and if it's something that doesn't >> Just so we have an idea. >> If it's below, you know, the threshold for a voting item, we can, you know, we can go ahead and move ahead even if we don't get it approved [clears throat] at the board meeting, you know, we can authorize that. >> Just have an idea what >> The board needs to come to a consensus whether

054they want this itemized in the I mean, that's the bottom line, itemized in the [clears throat] budget or not. And we can put estimates in there as placeholders like we did, you know, we talked about the annex. You know, we put money in there for the annex. We ended up, you know, having to spend more than what was in the budget, but you know, that happens with projects sometimes. same thing with them. >> And then another thing that we discussed in facilities is just a It's kind of a minutia a little bit, but there's a lot of different things around Bayshore that punch list items that are going to need to get done. Trophy cases, wall art, things like that. Is Is there any kind of a list going for when these projects are going

055to be done? Where are the trophies and and um jerseys that are hanging on the wall, are they going to stay there? Are they moving? I mean, these are all questions >> history in that building that that >> There is. And especially walking through there seeing it, it's like, well, how is this going to get Is there a plan for that? >> I think the support for the building administration to get in place for the new elementary school to help shape what direction that goes in. And of course the will address things that need to be addressed. >> I think for the middle school kids, the trophies and stuff that belong to them, they're going to another middle school that doesn't have any representation from where they came from and the things that they've earned

056and their awards. There's got to be some kind of >> plan now. Again. >> And and we would have to make room in those those middle schools for this. >> You know, these things are again normally building level decisions and I'm sure the principals will be addressing all of that. >> I I do have to say a big concern that I have is that almost everything that we brought up gets pushed out to the building principals. Well, we don't know who they are. We know who Thorn and Thompson is, but we don't know who any of the others are. And now you're expecting these people to in 2 months come up with their class list, do all of the regular things that you have to do to get ready for school, and figure out where

057trophy cases are going. Like, who's helping these building principals guide them? Can we Can we >> Of course the district administration supports the principals absolutely. >> do we get this like I would love to see something from our central office administrators being supported by the building principles of what their ideas are because all we all we have been hearing right now is the principles the administrators have to do this when we get it set. We have to do this when the staff gets it. We don't have any of this information and quite frankly we're running out of time. >> And and trophy cases was just an example because there's so many things. That's just an it's a almost a joke of an example. >> Honestly, every time we talk about these things it gets pushed

058off and our job as board is to set policy and decide what direction. Not only are we setting conflicting direction, but we're also not seeing this picture of how this is going to work. And it's very concerning. >> Our kids are going to be going for tours in these schools and there's nothing there that represents them. That to me I'm I'm more like kids oriented. >> And the kids are going to >> going to walk into a building and see that the building that you're in everything that they've learned, but where's all the stuff that you came from for the last 3 years, the last 2 years cuz we're talking about 7th and 8th graders going up. There's no representation and that might be a minor thing to a lot of people, but to kids

059they take we we have a great community that takes pride in all their schools. And they take pride in everything they do and we're sending them into building buildings with no plans of taking part of what they've learned with them. >> And that's those are the kids that we're talking about. We're not even talking about the staff that's being pulled and sent to a million different directions. >> That's why we needed a plan. >> [applause] >> We can still create one. Just saying. There's still time. Okay, that's in my my committee, I think. Time's up well over. >> Finance. Uh the committee was unable to to meet on the time we had due to conflict in schedule. So, instead of the actual committee meeting, Ms. Stahli updated me on the agenda items, and we agreed

060that we just have discussion here at the workshop tonight. So, on those three the items, and if anybody has any comments or questions, >> Do you have a agenda? Jump in. >> Excuse me. Do you have an agenda form? >> Uh did you send anything? >> We don't have an agenda. I We didn't do a committee report because we didn't It wasn't a committee meeting. >> Right, but do we have the agenda? >> I don't have a copy. I don't have a copy. Can you remember them for I don't know. I mean, I I have >> No, I don't have a copy. >> You don't have a copy of them? >> I don't have an actual copy. Again, we didn't do a committee report [clears throat] because we didn't have a committee agenda. But what

061What we can do is, you know, after we review this, I can certainly If there's anything that we need to update, we'll just post it in the portal. >> I got it. >> The two pictures. >> What? >> Do you have a copy of what we discussed? >> Yeah. Yeah. The April meeting agenda items, the 2026-2027 final budget adoption. Tentative budget was approved by the NJ DOE county office. Uh Ms. Stahli, she had the what the facilities committee was looking for the addition of the kindergarten bathrooms at Bay Shore and playground equipment for Bay Shore, and possibly new Monmouth slide items that was just discussed uh as well as the two facilities. Um there's also a shared services agreement the township has requested that the board formally renew these agreements for the current term. The

062agreements have been in place for several years, specifically uh with respect to our garbage and recycling and uh our fuel dispensing. Another item on the agenda is the Chromebook refresh. Approval for the purchase of 1,560 new Chromebooks at a cost of $590,803. Purchase is included in the 2026-2027 budget. >> I just want to explain that we are on a replacement cycle on those, so we as they age out, we replace each year. I mean, I'm sure the board's familiar with that, but in case you're not. So, we we don't buy all new Chromebooks every year. We have We have a replacement cycle. >> We also uh have the health insurance renewals, stop-loss, uh going to be about plus 4.5% over the current. The ISL will be up to more raised to 300,000 versus 275. Contract

063approved to 12/18 versus a current 12/15 contract that we have now. The insurer is Prudential and it's rated A plus. Uh we have a renewal with Delta Dental, there's no increase due to the 24-month rate lock. And we're also uh extending voluntary benefits, legal, accident, and ID theft insurance that will be offered to our staff and there'll be no cost to the district. The district currently offers disability and vision voluntary plans. >> Mr. You know, I'm sorry. Can you tell me the 12/8 versus 12/18 versus 12/15. What does that mean? >> So, our current contract is a 12/15, which means the stop loss policy covers claims that are incurred within for a 12-month period, but paid out over a 15-month period. The The contract we are going to be getting for next year will extend

064that 15 months to an 18-month period. So, it's it's better for the district. >> When are we going to have We usually have our health insurance brokers come in and give the board a whole presentation. We haven't had that in a couple of years. I think we really need to do that because we always talk about things that we could change, you know, they would give us the whole board an update so everybody knows what's going on. We haven't had that in some time. >> We've done it with the finance committee. >> Yeah, but we haven't done it with the whole board in a long time. >> The state law, I mean, we're not in that >> No, I know we're not in that. >> it was, you know, they're 32, 33% something along those

065lines. >> It's still to have them come in and inform the board of what we're getting, how we're getting it, our stop, talk about our stop loss, how did we do this year compared to last year. We don't have any of that information. >> I mean, we we can have >> I think we need to have them in >> Okay. >> to inform the whole board on where we stand and and why why it's costing us what it's costing us. >> [clears throat] >> So, you you will arrange that, Mr. Avina? >> Yes, absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Well, actually, I'm going to arrange it for I mean, we'll we'll target, you know, perhaps the We have a few things going on next week's meeting. I don't know that they'd be available that quick, but

066we could target the May meeting. >> Yeah, because we have to renew contracts soon, too, right? >> What's that? >> Don't we renew contracts soon, too, for these companies? >> Oh, you mean the the professionals? >> Yeah, professionals. So, >> Yes, that's actually on the main That's actually on the main meeting. >> I would like to do this before then. >> Okay. I I don't know if we have a workshop in May. We'll work it out eventually. >> We have to rehire >> Voting is combined. >> Okay, so >> The Teamsters memorandum of agreement with facilities and paraprofessionals and the units have ratified uh the district notices where you receive the agreements so that the board can consider them for approval. Um hopefully, we'll be doing that at um the meeting next week. >> Uh

067Mr. Miller, I'm not sure I might miss it with the other conversation, but I don't know if you mentioned that we have a placeholder for the mental health services contract award. Did I miss that? >> [clears throat] >> Uh it was under It was written below where we talked about health insurance, but we do have a placeholder on that. We had the RFP go out for mental health services, and we are evaluating the responses, and there will be an award on next week's agenda. And it's It's a competitive contract, so it's one of those processes where you put up an evaluation report and along with the award on the agenda. So, >> Don't don't we have mental health in place now? >> Well, currently we have that That's the services we currently ending at ESS.

068So, we were at the end of our 5-year period that we can renew their contract, so we have to We went out for another competitive process. So, this We have to put a report together with the results and score them on the rubric and make the appointment. It is in the budget. >> Yeah. Uh health benefits for 25-26, the expenses are running about a million dollars over budget currently. Uh, they offset by the increased rebates are helping. So, the June 30th outlook district will have the funds available to replenish its fund balance to the 2% level that the NJDOE county office required the district to commit to last year as a condition of budget approval. >> And where did we get that money from anything? I couldn't hear what you were saying about the budget.

069>> So, we were just saying that we monitor health the health benefits throughout the year. You know, at this snapshot time, you know, we are running roughly a million dollars over what we had budgeted last year for health benefits. Um, we have 3 months essentially of 2 and 1/2 left in the year. So, you know, some that that will likely change, you know, but we monitor we basically monitor it every day. So, we keep track and uh, look at what the projections will be, but you know, right now it's running, you know, roughly a million dollars over what we budgeted, but again, that that could change. But, I do want to emphasize that we have gotten a a better rebate program this year. Our rebates are have increased significantly, which has helped to offset uh,

070our some of these increases in claims. Claims are being driven mostly by prescription. It's the same in a lot of places. Medical claims are actually pretty steady. It's the prescription costs that are really driving increases in everybody's plans. >> So, we're getting we're just taking the money out of um, the budget to replenish? >> No, I'm saying the rebates come back in and offset the payments that we have to make on claims. So, that has helped to defray some of the increases in our budget. >> Uh, I have a question. Um did we get any update on the shared uh shared services the class three officers? Cuz I know we're supposed to have a shared service we were supposed to be a shared service meeting on the 13th that got cancelled. >> I found like

071so an email right before this meeting uh that the township is proposing next Wednesday. So, I I I read it quickly. >> That's after the budget meeting. >> I'm sorry. >> That's after the budget meeting. >> Yeah, they that was the I mean, I have no answer. I just read it. I you know, we have no idea. >> Is that a key component to the budget? >> Well, we have class three officers budgeted in the budget at the full cost because at this point, you know, we don't know anything different. >> And we don't know what's going to be different with the school closings either. >> We did factor in a reduction for the two buildings that wouldn't be open. >> So, are we actively negotiating this or is it just take it or leave

072it? >> I mean, I wasn't at the last meeting. >> The last meeting I think there was the chief was working on it. So, I'll have an update. >> Right, that's why why did we cancel the shared service meeting on the 13th? >> There was conflict with the date. We tried to reschedule and we just waited and then came we said we just got a new date today. >> If they don't want to >> I had made myself available. I know I was told that you were the one that was unavailable and I had made myself available. I sent you an email on the 9th that I was available. >> I think the email already went out and knocked out home mentioned that she wasn't going to be available either. >> But she already said

073she was available. >> Mr. Sawaf Roushdy, I did say the last time when when you're doing the meeting I don't have any problem with anybody sitting there. >> I just think that that was a really important thing that should have been finalized before this budget. >> Do we know that? >> I mean, it doesn't doesn't move us forward. >> No. >> So, is there anything we could do between now and next Tuesday to get working on this? So, we have an answer for next Tuesday? Can we reach out tomorrow morning and >> Thanks. >> Again, I have an email. >> an email. >> Just a little while ago I haven't responded or >> I mean, I I have all the emails. I reached out, I think, six times in the last week. And we finally

074got the this today. So, are we set to meet on Wednesday the 29th at 5:00? Can I reply right now? Can we commit? >> I mean, I I you'd have to ask all the members of the committee. I I don't >> So, well, at least if we get three or four of us there that can commit as backups, too. >> I can commit. >> I I will commit. >> Sure. >> Are you available that day? >> Oh, I don't I don't remember the time. I was I said 29th >> Wednesday the 29th at 5:00. >> I'll call her on the telephone as well because she's going to meet us as well. >> Well, if she can't, perhaps she could send in the I'm somebody else from administration. >> I am available on the 29th. >>

075You are? >> Yes. >> Um you're you're 5:00 p.m. 5:00. Okay. >> Is it 5:00 p.m.? >> I'll reply right now for all of >> I mean, that's what Erin said on the email. >> Okay. >> We got it. >> If Mr. Capone's not available, I can sit in. >> It's fine. >> As now, I don't >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, Okay, the last item that we discussed was the New Monmouth Girls C bus in which we just went over to the facilities in detail. That's it for the >> Can I ask a couple of questions for finance? Um is this where you would talk about money in the charter schools? >> Money for what? >> Charter schools in the budget. >> Charter schools, we And do budget for the state gives us a

076notice that says what the tuition is that for students from Middletown, and we do budget for that in the budget. >> Okay. >> We actually have to. They check and make sure we budget exactly what they tell us. >> Okay. Cuz I for the first time ever as a resident of New Jersey have seen a lot of local people that are asking about charter schools and are looking to send their children to charter schools in Red Bank and other surrounding areas. So, I'm wondering if you could give us the projected numbers that we have like the students in Middletown going to charter schools versus the actual our out-of-district numbers and the number of students that we had scheduled like that were coming to Middletown that are now leaving. Um because I have with all of

077the things that have been happening, there's a lot of unrest and a lot of loss of trust, and I think that's really important for us as board members to see and understand because it is our job to ensure the public's trust in how we are leading this district, and I think this could be um a symptom of what's happening in the town that we really need to be aware of uh as the decisions are made by board members to do what we're doing. >> So, I I can share what's been budgeted. I don't I don't have it in front of me. It told me to this. I think it was approximately >> you don't have to give me the numbers now. Like, could this be something that you reported to us or include in Tuesday's

078meeting? For the voting meeting that we can have this information. >> I can I can certainly bring what we were told the the amount of students that we had and what the tuition is currently. I I can't tell you if somebody's going to make a decision next year to enroll in >> Well, I think that would be important for us to see like last year what it was and then next year, what it is. >> Okay. >> To see the discrepancy. >> And I have to say that there was an increase even for this year versus the year before. Like I said, I can remember at least nine students. >> That would be great. Can we do two years because then it would be last year because honestly that's when all of this unrest really

079started. Um and how many kids K-12 left the district to go private, to go home school, to go charter, to go wherever they're going because they're making decisions for their children's future based on what we're doing. >> So you want more than the charter school information. >> I I would I was starting with charter school but I think that might be important now that you mentioned it to bring all of that in. How many kids that we lost. Yeah. >> I mean we might we might be able to we I mean I'm just thinking out loud. I'll have to check with the people who handle enrollment but I don't know that we always know why they've left, you know, whether they moved or >> Well, we can but that's I think that's why I was

080looking specifically at charter schools to start, right? >> So that that's that's easy. I can do that. >> And then maybe we could look at the out of district numbers in the last two years. >> Out of district? >> Meaning moving I get how How does that work? Do we find out about private people that have left? Yeah. Lost in numbers. >> Right. I just don't know that we'd be able to know all the reasons. >> You'd have to see what records are pulled and be able to pull all of them. >> I mean I again I'll have to talk to the enrollment department to see what we can be pulled. >> Whatever they can tell us. And because usually when you leave a district they say where are you going? Where are you sending

081your records, right? So you can say you would know if they were >> We will we will look and see what we can get. >> Thank you. >> But on the flip side I mean we also have students that will be moving into the district as well. >> I know. >> Any other questions? >> No, thank you. >> Uh personal who's not here, student services, Mrs. Torbin. >> Sorry, I lost it in all of my other papers. Um last night we met for special services. Um April is Autism Acceptance Month. It has changed awareness month to acceptance because it's not really enough to just be aware, it's be accepting. Um it also follows the developmental disabilities awareness week where um Littleton schools have implemented themed initiatives and educational experiences including read alouds, um essays, and

082different activities at our schools uh with reinforcing the ongoing commitment to acceptance and inclusive practices. And it has definitely grown in the last year, so we're looking forward to how it's going to continue to grow. Uh we discussed the special class programs planning proposals. That work is ongoing. Um the autism programs at this point are I don't want to say set in stone, but where they are scheduled to be. Uh K to 2 is going to be at Nut Swamp as well as uh Bay Shore Elementary. 3 to 5 will be at Nut Swamp as well as Bay Shore Elementary for uh the autism program. The program will continue through South for 6, 7, 8 and 9 through 12 at um South. So, Thompson and South and South High School. The LLD program um K

083to 2 at Bay Shore, K to 2 at Bay View, and K to 2 at Village. 3 to 5 at Bay Shore, 3 to 5 at Bay View, 3 to 5 at Village. 6 through 8 at Thompson as well as 6 through 8 at North at at Thorn, sorry. So, both um middle schools will have an LLD program and both high schools will have an LLD program. The planning is underway for extended school year at Harmony and Thorn. All the busing and everything is scheduled and is going out in the next week to continue the instruction beyond the regular school year to maintain the skills and continue the progress for IEP goals. As far as Ling Croft Annex, the ribbon cutting ceremony is set for August, Friday, August 28th. That is where the transition program

084will be. It's structured, supportive, and it's a pathway for young adults to transition to the community through hands-on training, community integration, and individualized support systems. The kitchen is ready and most of the furniture is there. It has to be put together, but it is there. And after that is done, then they will bring the students over to visit, but they don't want to do that until the space is set. We talked about the marking period progress reports for IEPs. Those are also through Genesis, so that it's one easy place to see all of these things. That will help the communication between families and school and really ensure that, you know, Genesis is where you can get all of the information for your child's update progress. The unified kickball game is set, but there are two

085tentative dates. It's either going to be May 13th or 14th. The letters have been distributed. The practice schedule is out and the game is going to be against Brick Memorial. So, that will be a really fun day if anybody can make it down to Brick Memorial. Once they have set the date, they will send those details for us to share as well. There was a settlement agreement we discussed and we talked about the guiding principles of special education. Um committee The committee is highlighting uh focus this year to include and continuing to strengthen our commitment to inclusive education, continuing to reinforce the culture of acceptance and belonging, maximizing the instructional benefits of co-teaching in our classrooms, focusing on specialized instruction, maintaining high expectations, and emphasizing the benefits of strong communication between home and school partners.

086Um we did talk about a number of programs and things that we're looking to expand on um to make sure that we can keep our students in district safe and in the learning environment that we that they deserve to get in our schools, and that they have been getting. So, it was a good meeting and a lot of good information ideas shared. >> I just have a question on the annex. I know a few months ago I asked to make sure that before the students went in there that we did air quality testing. Is that still on the schedule? >> Yes, we'll coordinate that with the students coming before the students come. >> Right. And we we have to get like the CEO in that building. >> Yes, I have actually need to get an

087update of where we stand with all of the township permitting and so forth, but um Okay. Just wanted to report back to facilities on that. That's my question. >> Yeah, I just want to make sure about the air quality. >> Okay, thank you. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Thank you. >> That's it, Ms. Torres? >> Yes, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh Dr. Cascone is not here. We'll talk about the board goals and the old business. So, review the draft voting agenda. Does anybody have any questions on it? >> Yeah, I just want to make uh Well, why don't we extend My thought is to extend the public comment and tell everybody speaks and just get it over with now rather than going back and forth with the meeting making motions about it. Just

088adjust it now and open up public comment. >> I believe there is legislation coming down the pipe that's probably going to uh enforce that. >> What was that? >> Oh, I I said I think that we should just adjust where it says 30 minutes for public comment on all these. Just take that off of there so that we don't have to spend another 10 minutes going through a motion and extend it at the next meeting. >> I I believe the 30 minutes is tied to community kind of policies. I don't know >> It is. >> It's tied to the policies so we have to make a motion. >> You have to make a motion. >> Yeah. >> I haven't heard anything about changing policies. >> We have to move on. We just have to make

089a motion. Okay, that's fine. All right, that's fine. >> to be done by motion. If the majority wants to extend it, we >> That's fine. >> I think the only thing that was in there was that it was 3 minutes. I don't think there's a 30 minute. Just 30 minutes per comment. Or 3 minutes per comment. I think the 3 minutes was something >> Okay. >> we put on there. >> All right, we'll check on that. We'll make sure we'll make sure it's adjusted. >> Yeah. >> It says it should be unlimited. >> It didn't look like there was any limit in the time on the budget public comment. That was Looked like it was open. >> No, I mean to public hearing just on the budget. >> Any old business? >> Well, I don't

090know if this is old business, but going back to the discussion the board's been having about the budget before we get to next week and we're presenting the final budget, if you do want to in have changes made to and as we've always talked about, you know, the board, you know, we're allowed to make changes between the time and then the final budget. If there's things that you want to add into the budget, it would be very helpful for me to know that, get a consensus from you now so I can reflect that in the final budget because that will also have to be part of the resolution that goes on the agenda for the budget. We would have to just iron out what we're changing between the time and then the final. So, if

091we were going to add anything that you've been discussing, it'd be a easier for me to do that or >> I don't know if we can because it's a non-action meeting. >> No, but I mean I I can get You're not going to vote on it, but if you give me a consensus that that's the direction that the board is going. >> I would like to add that on the agenda. >> I mean, I what the way it would work is I would adjust, you know, what we're presenting. The board still has to vote on the budget. So, you know, that's the final say, but it if that's where everybody's If that's what the majority of the board wants to see in the presentation, then it would be better for me to know that. >>

092So, is it Is it my way to go wish list? >> Sorry, is that my understanding? So, in the facilities meeting, I had written that we needed to bring up the bathrooms, the playgrounds for Bay Shore and New Monmouth and change the preliminary plan that was put in for Bay Shore. >> Well, we're not We're not doing any There's not going to be anything on the agenda for the floor plan of the building. >> No, what I'm saying is >> items to the budget. >> What? What we wanted to talk The committee recommendation that we were talking about that we were going to bring to the full board, right? Yes, was that they that we wanted to put in the budget that the kindergartens the kindergarten rooms had bathrooms. That the preliminary plan that was

093um presented with the layout of the spaces that we talked or that you could talk to the administration to change that to put all the kindergartens together. So that cuz it wasn't set in stone. This was just um Yeah, we were told this is just a piece of paper with the proposal and that the kid our request was that the kindergarten to be put together to make it more of a unified thing. So I guess that's what we're bringing up now plus the playgrounds that new mamas whatever needs to be finished and upgraded that you can have uh Mr. Nasser meet with them to figure out what they need as well as the new Bayshore playground that it's closer to the building, that it has all of the things that are needed, that it has

094capacity and I would actually recommend that we go beyond the capacity of what's going to be there because there's so much empty space in Bayshore that it seems like there's going to be more kids coming there in the future. >> The building is half full, not even as kids in there. So you can't tell me the plan is not to move another school into that. There's no way we're going to be sitting here telling this community we're running a school that's almost half empty. There's no way. >> And the other part >> I don't even know what the next school is. >> So that part with the playgrounds to make sure that all of that is in there, that it is large enough to not just house the kids that are scheduled to be there

095now but the kids that are probably going to be there in the future and money for the actual move, the painting, the redoing of the building to make it elementary Yeah, like and also to pay the staff to be able to come in in the summer and set up the schools. >> Well, Mrs. Torres, too, you also were talking about student services whether or not there was need for fencing to correct >> Correct. And for the playground currently, but what we were talking about in the budget meeting was that if we put this in the budget and that it is possible to get it done over the summer, so we wouldn't need that fencing to worry about kids eloping on their way to the playground that is 498 ft away. >> And we wouldn't need

096waivers either either, and that's one of the arguments I made. If we're going to call this the elementary school of the future, it shouldn't require a waiver. >> So, that's that's the recommendation for the committee. So, I guess I'm throwing it out there to the other board members to comment and see what you say to see if we're on the same page and what your thoughts are. >> I'm I was there at night and I agree with everything that Mrs. Torres just mentioned. >> Yeah, I mean, I know we're not voting on it, but if you're looking for direction, I would say that that should be included in the final budget. >> You have the list? >> What's that? >> You have the list with you? >> Yes, I do. >> Well, it I mean,

097the projects we would be adding would be kindergarten bathrooms and the playgrounds. >> I also think there should be money in there for the north baseball field. Because it's going to be a safety issue. And the money well >> I I I just would say, you know, again, if we don't you know, some of these things that we don't have a cost on we can certainly look at, but that is why we're re-establishing a maintenance reserve so we can utilize that money to do things that may not >> But but you're asking what's our concern. >> No, I am. So, we're just Yeah, I mean, at this point now we're just giving you like a wish a wish list, but you don't know all the buildings that we need to address too. So, >> My

098my my no wish would be that we put this whole plan off till next year until we have a real plan. >> [applause] >> And speaking on that, um I know that in the last meeting it was discussed that we can't put it off because that is, um, forcing a future board to carry out something that we decided. >> That's the idea. >> Yes. >> That's what the attorney said or somebody said. >> That's what someone said. I would like to make it known, um, I spoke with New Jersey School Boards as well as, uh, Mr. Burns, and that is not true. So, if we as a board did have a conversation about all of these things that we are concerned about not getting done, we can amend a resolution. And by amending, you would

099have to vote to get rid of it and redo the resolution with the new numbers of 26-27 instead of 26, no, 27-28 instead of 26-27, and at that resolution could go through and we could take the year to get all of these issues worked out. So, in this workshop, I am asking whomever would like to, please have this conversation because I don't see how uh, we are setting up the administrators for failure. >> Yeah. >> And by in turn the administrators, we're setting up our children for failure, we're setting up our teachers for failure, and I am really concerned that this long-term effect of this rash decision is going to put such detriment in this town, in this school system, it's going to take so long to recover in a time when we are barely

100able to hang on to what we have. And I really, I hope that we can have an open discussion and conversation because I don't know, and I have not yet heard from anyone about why this is so immediate and happening now. If we have a balanced budget and we have the time, we have a way that we can go forward with a new leader and a new superintendent and really do this the right way. >> [applause] >> So, in the workshop, I'm asking, can we talk about it? >> Yeah, we can talk about it, but if you're going to make a motion, then we >> I don't I'm not making a motion. >> So, no, I understand. But, the time to make the motion for a new resolution would be at the voting meeting next

101week. >> Okay, so this is what I tried to have discussion about. >> of the board already voted on that issue twice. So, and the full board's not here tonight. But, yes, we can discuss >> But, but I was cut off last time, so I didn't get to actually have that conversation. So, I'm asking if if you are or Miss Weinstien or Miss Molesti, anybody, because we don't have the full board here, but how can we have this conversation? We're all here. This is the workshop. This is the part we're supposed to talk. We've been giving our concerns, and I would love to hear why this resolution has to go through now. >> That was what the board decided. >> I think the board >> So, why did you vote that way then? That was

102my position. You stated it clearly. You may not agree with it, but that was my That was my position. >> Right. >> My opinion. I'm one of nine. Five people voted for it in favor of it. So, I don't >> So, I guess my question is, how can we then figure out with all of these concerns, how can we as a board come up with a consensus and figure out how we can be the leaders to direct this administration forward so that it can be successful? >> And we're asking >> I'm I'm not I'm I'm really like I'm legitimately asking here. I'm tired of hearing myself talk. I would love to hear more information cuz I'm not getting it. >> You got a thought in that head. >> Wow. I'm sorry. >> Wow. >> We're

103voting on a budget next week that we have so many unknowns in. How can we really vote on this budget? I mean, you're comfortable that the transportation isn't going to go up. You're comfortable that we have enough money to make the renovations. You're comfortable we have enough money for everything that we need to do. >> budget was approved by the county supervisor. >> No, it wasn't. >> We have two. >> The budget was kind of budget. Okay. But not not all these changes. I'm saying but our budget our budget was approved but a lot of the information isn't even included in there. It's not. We're sitting here talking about all these things. You're asking us do we want to put in the budget? You know, why isn't it in there already? >> Right. That's a

104question for the administration. >> Well, I don't know. I'm sorry. I have a hard time believing transportation is going to be a zero increase or even close to it even though I know that's not what you said but >> And you know, I will say at least on the facility side we had gone over the items that were in the facilities budget for each facilities meeting since January. So, if again, everybody was aware. We presented it. The pro- the projects and the equipment purchases that were in the budget were clearly presented. And we're having a discussion today whether you want to add anything specifically in those areas. And if you do, we can certainly amend the tentative budget but I would you know, that's going to have to be approved by the board next week.

105>> It's realistic that we put our time in. We met with Dr. Alfano because she said anybody would like to meet about the budget issues. And while we met, our ideas were great but not one of them is incorporated in this budget. All right, I guess we're great, helpful, very possible to be done, but not one of them is in this budget. >> I mean, I I had made a suggestion to Dr. Alfone, of which I think the other people in the room would say she agreed with me that with reduction of three schools, we should also look at reducing central administration. We should reduce one assistant superintendent. >> Well, personnel decisions are recommendation of the superintendent. >> But that's This is how I feel. >> We're just saying when we're shrinking the district, everything

106needs to shrink. >> I feel this is budget, that this budget is based highly on adults and not kids. >> [applause] >> We're free to make decisions about adults because we're changing leadership, but we're not afraid to make decisions about kids because we're changing leadership. >> I do I guess while we're on it, I have a question for I'm so sorry, I forget your name. Yes. >> DG. >> Hi DG, I'm sorry. So, the board's job is to set policy. Correct? >> [clears throat] >> The board's job is to That's part of our job is to set policy so that the administration can then enforce policy. Right? >> I >> Follow up. >> answer this step by step. So, you seem to have a question that you want to ask. >> Sure. So, if the

107board's job is to then set policy and the administration's job is to follow those policies and implement the day-to-day of the district. When the board then sets something that is against the policies, whose responsibility is it? Is it the administration, is it the lawyer, or is it the board to ensure that those policies are faithfully followed through? >> Lawyers don't like answering hypothetical questions. >> pass. It's not a hypothetical. >> Please use your microphone. >> What's that? >> You can't hear me? Use your microphone. >> I just said in response to uh Mr. Choice's question that lawyers in general don't like answering hypothetical questions and this seems like a hypothetical question. So, when you have all these conditions, I don't think I'm the best person to answer that question tonight. >> I appreciate that. I'll

108continue to ask. My problem is we continue to ask, we continue to bring things up, and it's radio silence. I'm not getting any information, I'm not getting any rationale, and it is incredibly frustrating to sit here and think that anyone trusts what we're doing on this board when I get no response. >> [applause] >> I don't know if I knew Aaron, but I know the letter that you and I wrote. I haven't gotten any responses. >> We're apparently supposed to have a meeting with uh Mr. Abita and Mr. Burns, you and me, at some point. >> And hopefully after the budget? >> No, I'm hoping before Tuesday. I asked for it before Tuesday. >> Joan, what was the letter in reference to? >> Joan and I wrote a memo to Mr. Abita and included it.

109>> May I >> Uh I can forward it to you if you like. Um we submitted a formal complaint regarding the policy violations and safety concerns of Middletown for the consolidation plan. Uh there are six different pieces and um it has to do with the long-range facilities plan, the school closure policy, the resolution, and how those things are very conflicting. I can forward it to you. >> Okay, thank you. >> And did we violate the >> That's not a hypothetical question, Aaron. You can pose it. >> Hopefully on Tuesday, if I don't get any answer, I will be reading it again. For the public. But I'm doing my part to try to follow through with policy and procedure as listed by the ethics and school board. school teachers. >> Any other old business? I have

110something for new business. Just I know a couple of people asked about the setting of what goals. I was able to have a conversation with TNTNL, our rep. So, he's going to send me a link for the board to do a self-evaluation because there was no board goals that I'm aware of last year. We'll be starting to meet there. >> have been board goals for 5 years. >> Okay. I'm here since January. >> They're quite part of strategic planning and going forward with the closure of the school. >> So, I'll send the link and then we'll have to come up with a deadline of when that'll be due for everybody to complete it. And then after that point, Mr. T will aggregate the results and he'll come in and we can schedule a um a

111board workshop to discuss the results and uh he would help us develop three to five goals and an action plan to achieve the goals and then a a timeline to you know report out to the public. So, if if everybody on the board is okay with that, I'll be happy to share the link with the board. Uh I'll put a date in. He did put out some tentative dates when he's available. Um to come in with the board and we can We would have to just notice another meeting to do this separately. But uh So, his June dates are 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 and 12. >> What time of day is this? >> Uh we would do it probably a similar time 7:00 meeting. Um yeah, I'll send out the dates. June

1122nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Those are the dates that Mr. T Anderson is available. And I'll send these dates to everybody in an email. Uh but if we come up with a date, we can schedule a meeting on that date, go over the results, and then set the goals, and then uh three to five goals, and then a timeline, and an action plan to achieve them, and then reporting out to the public. And then move forward with it from from that point. So, we'll get them set. It would be a good start. >> I have a new business item to go over with you. >> Yeah, unless anybody has any questions on that. >> Not on that, no. >> Okay. >> Um so, you might recall from I believe it was

113uh January or February, we started talking about a wellness committee to do uh community member outreach. Um we discovered that this wellness committee is something that we're supposed to be doing for quite some time now, but it kind of got dropped during COVID, so we're reinitiating that. Um just to give you an idea, it's not like a standard board committee. Um this is something that's set to engage parents I'm just reading this right off the document engage parents, students, and representatives of the school food authority, members of the school board, administrators, teachers, health professionals, and members of the public for purposes of developing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing, and as necessary revising the school nutrition and physical activity initiatives. Um a committee may be convened to annually review and when necessary recommend revisions to school policies related

114to wellness and nutrition. Um so this is something we're looking to revive. Uh it's a committee I'm looking to be a part of. I don't know, we wanted to kind of put it out to the board tonight if anyone was interested as well in joining and then Amy would take that back to the administration, get a few members from there. Okay. And then put it out to the community to see who else would like to be involved. We already have one um volunteer from an email earlier this year. Um so we could kind of work together. I know there's been a lot of changes obviously since pre-COVID as to, you know, healthy nutrition standards, um studies on activity that we should probably be taking into account when it comes to all of the guidelines for

115our schools. So >> Is this I mean is this something that would be during the day or in the evening? >> I I it's really honestly it's not like a regular committee. So I think it's if we can work it around the hours involved. We don't have any >> Yeah, I mean I'd be >> Anybody else? Yeah. >> I was going to say timing. >> Timing is a >> I I don't think it's something where you have to participate every single time, right? It's not a regular committee. It's just that it'll probably be a lot of different members there, but it's just something that we want to kind of make sure that we're keeping up to date with the >> We had Sarah, we had Sarah Jones, Eric, and myself, Catherine. >> Um one other

116thing I just wanted to acknowledge the change.org change.org petition to reduce at tech in Middletown petition that's been going around. Um it's just something I know that you know, as board members we're not really supposed to be signing petitions. I actually asked for legal counsel on that, but it is something that was brought back in our curriculum committee. Um our district is as uh we had mentioned earlier in the committee report really evaluating the role of technology in education and I think that we are all working to be forward thinking in that. So So appreciate that opinion and it is something that we wanted to know we have seen and heard and is always being discussed internally with the administration so that they can set policy moving forward. Um and I just want to Are

117you going to talk about the Witsen's? >> May I go ahead and talk about >> the Witsen survey? >> If you want to mention that >> I mean, so we just In case Okay, so really quickly, also another thing that will kind of rolls up to wellness, we put out a Witsen survey or Amy did earlier today this afternoon. Um so if it's something you're interested in participating about food service, if you could please fill that out just so we can get a better idea of what people are thinking as far as food service goes in the town, we'd appreciate it. Um and if you could kind of share that with anybody else that might be interested in case they might have missed the email, that would be great. >> And if And if you

118can't find the email, it's also on the website. >> I wanted to talk about that um email, that the survey. I think it's good they're doing the survey and they do it every year. But I also think that it's important that before we start jumping to make changes because we are all record rates, that we um hear what the parents have to say that utilize the food service because they might not have the same opinion as my friends or your friends or your friends. And they might not want to see all those changes in here. We're making changes because we have a few people that want to do it. I think change is good. I think it's important, but I also think we need to pay attention to the survey and make sure that the

119parents that are utilizing the food service program are being heard. And I do agree that we should find out from people what it would take to get them to join it, but I don't think we should be making our changes based on that because there's no guarantee they're going to join it. I think it's important that we listen to the parents because everybody has a right to what their kids are eating and what they're not. I think we're doing a good job providing the healthy foods, following the guidelines. And yes, there's always room for change, but I don't think we should be making it on our personal opinions. I think we should be collectively getting that information from all the parents in the district. >> Any other new business? >> I have no other new

120business. Um yes. Um can we discuss the superintendent search in public what we're allowed to discuss? >> Uh yes, just not the >> Yeah, whatever is >> Nothing that was discussed in executive. >> Yeah, anything that's legally available to discuss with the public knows where we stand right now cuz there's so many people asking. Who was going to do it? >> Oh, I thought you were going to do it. Oh, um >> [laughter] >> So so the update is yes, we we will be looking to retain the services of uh the search and school boards to do our search for us. So we we expect to get that kicked off. Vote to approve uh hiring them so we can get a PO issued to them uh at the next board meeting on the 28th and

121then we'll start that process. >> And we could say school boards takes pretty much full control. >> Yes. They're They're the candidates and the vetting. >> Mhm. >> And there's there's also the component in there that they'll help with the strategic planning that brought up. >> Yeah, if you go with that higher level, which I actually think we should. >> Yeah. >> And that was agreed upon so. >> Cuz it needs to be done. Other new business um on the the 30th and the 1st is Bay Shore's play. Everybody else's plays have pretty much been done. The elementary schools are doing them. I know Lee and Arnie are having one here next week. That's why we're moving over to Thompson. That's the only reason we're moving over to Thompson right now cuz there's so many

122rumors out there why. It's just because the kids booked this room and they have a right to have practice. Um prom season's coming up so um, that's exciting. I'm, you know, running into a lot of high school kids. They're all talking about it. I hope they have a really safe prom season. We have a lot of programs that we provide for our kids in the district on safe prom, so um, you know, we're really proud of what we do for that. And um, a lot of end of the year activities, so pay attention to your local schools and get involved because it's exciting to see what the kids do at the end of the year. That's all I have. >> Thank you. Anything else from any of the business? Okay, at this time I'd like

123to open up the microphone for public comment. If you remember to state your name. >> [clears throat] >> Hi, my name is London Delaski and I go to Baisch Middle School. I will go to Thorn Middle School. At Baisch, we have academic opportunity, so at Thorn and Thompson, will they have enough staff for these electives? At Thorn and Thompson, where will we eat lunch because my friends and family at these schools say there's no room right now. So, if more kids are coming, where will we eat lunch? I I suggest is for all the kids going to Thorn and Thompson should have an open house on the same day so the Board of Education can properly prepare for the huge increase of students at these schools. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hi, Jared Psyche,

124Ashworth Elementary um, the first point I want to get across is that this relates back to my prior profession, but I really think the board needs to direct the administration to have a dedicated project manager. This is a huge undertaking and to rely that everybody, you know, at each school is going to execute everything. Uh, I'm looking over at the team over there. Maybe Mr. Renella isn't here. He and his staff can take over uh, um, um, project management, but I think there needs to be somebody that holds everybody accountable and tracks the deliverables and make sure that everything is done. Um, also on uh, the conversations about Como and New Mama, I I can just surprised that we're going through this and we're not redistricting these wacky pockets that we have where we have

125students that can walk to certain schools that are being bussed across highways and around corners. I mean, I have people that have called me and said, "What do I do? I can see the school from my backyard, but they're making me go somewhere else." Um, and I believe the administration is then forced to reject them because there's a certain zoning. Um, so I I I just think particularly, I mean, even Village has we are redistricting. And speaking of Village, back in my day, 90% of Village used to go to South and we paid for no busing. Under this new deal, we paid for all the busing. So, you that's a significant change. Um, high school, I I might have missed it, but I haven't seen how the numbers fall out overall for high school. Do

126we have anything on that now that we're changing Fairview and other things like going to South. Um the MD, the multiply disabled program, are they still going to high school South or are they going to follow their peers from North to North? I don't know if any of that's been discussed. >> They follow them. >> I'm sorry? >> I think they follow them. >> What school are you referring to? I couldn't hear >> The multiply disabled classes now at South, but they they come out of North, so they don't follow with their neurotypical peers. >> Is that Did you want me to hear about this one? >> We talked about it, but it's not on the thing. Anyways, it's just that I don't know. Yeah. >> I think we talked about it in committee. Um

127they do and North and it could shift to the South side. So. TBD. They're still working on it, which is why I think it's not on the minutes. >> Okay. >> Um class three officers, I assume we're looking at what other districts are doing because it it It's all going to talk what we do. Um and I think the town needs to step up. Um we pay about $70,000 conservatively for each officer if I do basic math on what we pay. Um there's got to be a better way. Um Um buh buh buh Um disability awareness week, wonderful things happening in the district. I wish certain schools could be held to the same standard. I don't know why we allow certain schools to just ignore it. Um lunch lounge, after many months there's a lunch

128lounge set up at South. I appreciate the efforts. It's actually so popular that my daughter can't go to it because it's too loud for her, but I'm happy that other kids have it. So, it shouldn't have taken that long, but I really appreciate getting that done. Um also um young man, my son was at Thompson when they had the ancillary cafeteria. They called it Cafe B and they went on a rotation schedule and he said he actually enjoyed those times because he was with different friends. Um, and it was quieter and the teacher that was in there monitoring, you know, they had more fun. So, there there's a way to do that. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name's Amanda DeLucio. I'm from the Belford area and my children go to BHS and BHS are so

129directly impacted by the school closures. Um, I mean there's still so many unknowns and long-term, obviously, as towns change, schools need to change immediately to keep up with it. I think everyone in the town agrees with that. But there is no plan. You don't There's still so many unknowns and that's what's giving the concern. So, some of the people on this board were clearly voted with an intent. I think a lot of us thought that the intent was for our students, but obviously there's more taxes and financial things at play and political affiliations outside of this experience that have landed some of you in the seats that you're sitting in with massive donations that other people have not entertained. Why? So, you come into these seats and it's understandable that people have concerns as to

130why the trust you and where your loyalties actually lie. When that is being sold, the trust, where does that go to? Where are the details there? Are there side deals where people benefit and are utilizing positions for personal benefit? That's a concern. You have two schools where you won't stand to benefit financially to put money back into the budget when you close them where there's other schools in the district that require a lot more work and you would make money if you sold those those buildings. So, perhaps there's a reason why, but I think we want to know what that reason is. We just want to know what those answers are. >> [applause] >> Thank you for bringing up the replacement for Dr. Alfano. I think that that's a really big concern for a lot

131of people. Some people may also not have known the way that the procedure works with the Board of Ed and the superintendent. She's clearly the most high-paid individual within the Board of Ed, so it's understandable that she should earn her keep, and her position should be responsible for creating this transition. However, she's out the door. So, would it not make sense to first find the replacement and allow them to craft this transition and then execute on this transition? We're rushing into something that impacts students for their future in this town. And for what purpose? Because it doesn't seem like your P&L is balanced. I understand that you're actually going to come ahead in this in this transition. With so many unknowns in your budget, what happens when you still don't close the gap and you

132still don't have enough money? What is the plan then? You just continue mixing up schools until magically it happens? I I mean, there's AI programs. Like, put the numbers in, create the spreadsheets, create the reports. If you're not capable of doing this, then maybe people should step down and allow people to come into office that want to do this work for the students of this town. together right now for next Tuesday. Ultimately, I would hope that this is something every member of this board is working on and obviously the superintendent. So, good luck. Hopefully, you guys find out more information on the rehiring process and you guys can figure out a plan that actually shepherds in a good future for the town. This is just crazy that there is no plan. And you've allowed it

133to become this like more taxes, more money versus schools, when that's not the case. There's clearly mismanaged budgets across the board. >> There's figures about a $600 $600,000 pay day for putting a cafeteria up. Like this There's certain crazy numbers. Do you like Please do your job. >> [applause] >> Hey guys, it's Daniel Jewel from the Highlands. Um before I go into some sort of cynical rant, uh apologies in advance. Uh did I hear before that we actually have a balanced budget if schools remain open for this year? So we do. So there's no more like existing deficit that's really happening as a percentage of I guess we I'll just go on the assumption that we do still have a deficit of 440,000, I think it was, that we determined last time under the the

134increase in stated and uh the increase in tax levy that was unanimously approved for unknown reasons. Um [clears throat] so the class If I can then kind of say the quiet part that Mark was uh getting at out loud. The class three officers cost us, as far as I understand, a $1.8 million a year. The deficit as it remains is 440,000. Mayor Perry last April publicly stated that he would split that cost with us. So it's a little glaring that the shared services committee got pushed out until after we vote on this budget, when the solution to the budget deficit would probably be approved in that shared services. In the absence of any sort of arguments for the plan to go forward. I mean, we just are free to sort of make up these reasons,

135however cynical they may seem. The other thing I just wanted to ask is I I haven't seen a counterfactual, which is how much does closing the schools actually save? The presentation at the last meeting actually showed operating expenses increasing by 3.8 million from last year or from this current school year to next uh projected school year. So, I'm just curious what we're actually saving by closing the schools. I know it's not a Q&A, so I'll just let the questions go on into the >> [applause] >> Hello, I'm Brian Irwin from Middletown. Um I've been watching the board meeting last month and I was like dis- like disturbed of what's been going on. I do want to give credit to the people like on the left side of the board that at least are asking the

136tough questions. And >> [applause] >> I'm not speaking up for everybody. But this this this town is divided right now. And and I believe we we need we need a long-term plan because this plan is not going to cut it for everybody and um we're rushing this plan too quickly. If we were going to close schools, um this needs this should have been done like like a four-year plan or something. But um also, I mean you have to discuss this, but um with all due respect, I believe that we that board members, component of the faculty, need to resign for all the mess they've caused. >> [applause and cheering] >> I'M JUST GIVING I'M JUST GIVING YOU A CHANCE TO HEAR THIS, but they're not, but but anyways, this town needs needs to heal. We

137need we need to reunite. We need to work this out. I know we will eventually, but this is a big mess. And That's all I got to say. Thank you. Good night and good luck. >> [applause] >> Hi, Kristen Coates, Middletown. Um it's nice to see you all here tonight. Um I guess maybe not really. Uh I have a question cuz a lot of questions that I ask out into ether the ether don't get answered. So, um my son is currently at Bayshore, sixth grade, going into seventh grade. How many students per classroom are you expecting with this move? And if you can't answer that, okay, who's Who's the leader here? Let's talk about some leadership skills. Um I don't know. I My uh my father handed me a book when I graduated high school,

138Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Um part of it, I think it's pretty basic, was, you know, how to respect the people around you, how to get people involved, how to sort of sell your story, sell what what is meaningful to you. And I have yet to see a meaningful ploy of how closing schools is going to make this town better. Um I know. I've gotten involved in travel sports this year. Never what I thought I would do that, but I hear a lot of parents from other districts in New Jersey, and they look at Middletown, they're like, "What the hell is going on over there? I was thinking of moving to Middletown, but hey, guess what? There's a thousand other places with better schools. I'm not going there. Um This is

139This I moved here for the schools. This was once an amazing school district. Can you say it is anymore? I mean, let's talk about how the board functions. Are you here because you believe in kids and your values and you want to make a difference in school or are you here for political reasons? I just see politics being played, politics being pushed. Oh, I've got five I've got five people on my side to vote for this closures. Yet, I can't present a plan to you all. >> [clears throat] >> I can't even answer your questions. Like really reasonable simple questions. Bathrooms, schools, teachers, busing, playgrounds. This isn't rocket science, right? I mean, I I hear I hear some members of the board asking these questions. I also don't hear them being answered. Um So, you

140know, I'd like to see some campaign promises come true. Like let's let's get behind What was your campaign again? Um Parents, teachers, not teachers, students, taxpayers first, whatever. Nonsense like These are wishy-washy statements that are just not coming to fruition and you know, I I see integrity up here. I see people who care about kids. I see people who care about education, the future of society through education, but I don't see real leadership. I really don't and I think you should question like who are you voting for? Who are you voting for that has real leadership, that has integrity, who can back up what they believe in with um oh, I'm going to get data, facts, truth. I'm really disappointed in you all, really. I'm disappointed in this town. I'm disappointed in your behavior. I'm

141disappointed in your leadership. And I think you owe it to the residents of this town to treat us with a little bit more respect. And, you know, give us something real. >> [applause] >> And Mr. Mosler, good evening. Uh I don't think I can say it quite as well >> Sorry? >> Microphone. >> Can't hear you. >> I don't think I can say it quite as well as that, but uh I'll do my best. Um Some very real problems with the plan, or should I say the lack of a plan to close three schools have been raised by the students, parents, by educators, by board members, by board members of the board. And there is a general concern that this is a poorly thought out and underprepared plan. Uh and board members have rightly asked

142those members who voted to shutter the schools to explain their need to do this this year, rather than to properly prepare a well-ordered, thought-out plan. These requests have been met with absolute radio silence. Nothing. Nada. So, to me, uh this tells us This tells us two things. First of all, that the five members do not wish to share their true motives for the hasty and shambolic, rushed close to schools. And second of all, that these five members have absolute contempt for the community, that they don't even feel obligated to explain their votes when asked. >> [applause] >> This is nothing short of an insult. And let me add that for the two of five of these members who voted to shut down the schools, to blow off meeting at at a crucial time like this

143is is just disgusting. And I might add their pet superintendent, the very highly paid Dr. Alfone, she's not here either. Shocking. Shame on you all. That's it. >> [applause and cheering] >> Jen Bailey, Middletown. First I'm going to answer Kristen's questions since no one else could. I emailed the administration last week asking about class sizes at Thorne. Right now they have no idea because they don't have any staffing plan and courses are still being selected. So there's still no answer. We have no idea. I have countless things I could say up here about the negative impact to our students, to our teachers, and the absolute divide that you created in this town between north and south. We heard countless times today all of the things that will continue to be removed from the north side.

144Not once today did we hear about any negative impact, any reduction, anything happening on the south side. And I think that has been on display over and over. But the point I want to make clear is this is now my third time up here talking about IEPs. It may shock you that I have still not received an IEP meeting for my son that was requested seven weeks ago. There have been no IEP answers to my questions. I asked very specific questions. There have been no answers. There is he does have his annual IEP meeting coming up. That is not the time or place to be answering facilities questions, to be answering questions about what a new building may look for him. My understanding of an annual IEP is talk to talk about all of the

145goals he has met this year, all the goals he has not met this year, and all the goals we want him to continue to meet. It is astounding to me that everyone can sit in this room and fail a 7-year-old boy who is deaf and cannot meet their needs and expectations. My son, like I said last time, has an easy IEP. There are countless parents here, countless students in our district who are waiting on all of you, waiting on all of you to reach out about how the school closures will impact his IEP. If you cannot answer a simple question like, "Have the acoustics in every classroom my child will be in been tested?" That's That's a yes or no answer. If that can't be answered, how on earth are you meeting the expectation of

146every single IEP and 504 student in this district, and how will all of these IEPs be transitioned and executed properly? My guess, based on your answers tonight, [applause] is it will fall to our incredible educators, our incredible support staff, our incredible principals, who will have to figure out in their three PD days before school starts how how to magically execute an IEP without any assistance from the rest of you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> I'm Aurelia Atlantic Highlands. I have prepared comments, which were probably very similar to what those in the audience are going to say. what Aaron voiced uh the questions that still remain. So, I'm going to put that. Ms. Weinstein, I heard you mention that you are starting a new committee, the wellness committee, with input from the community. We're having a

147food service survey. We're having You've noticed the the increased discussion about limited screen time. These are all things that are near and dear to my heart and have been forever. And so, I hope you just take that same mindset and apply it to the overall discussion we're having about finance, the budget, the unanswered questions about IEPs, and the unanswered questions about capacity. I feel like you have the potential you're already seeking out community input on these new initiatives when we have open initiatives that still don't have answers. So, turning my questions to you, I hope we can work together and we can start digging in and we can start speaking up at these meetings because it would be nice to hear from others besides Erin Park and Joe Clark and supporting us today. Thank you.

148>> [applause] >> Uh Jennifer Johnson, Atlantic Highlands. Uh I have a daughter in sixth grade at Bayshore. Uh and I work in the mental health field and I see our students I I have clients who are in the middle and elementary and high schools and I just want to remind you that as the process is occurring and you're looking at the facilities and the sink heights and the stairs in the schools, when that happens during school time, these little kids are running around. You might think they're not paying attention, but the kids are hearing and seeing and it is stressing them out. They're worried, they're scared, they don't know what's going to happen. They hear about talk about charter schools. Is my best friend going to go to charter school? Am I going to have

149lunch in a different classroom than my friends that I have lunch with? And that's not even taking into account um kids that might have special needs or need a special place to eat and and and they are they have Kids have needs and they are receptive and responsive. And they might not be able to say, "I'm sad and uncertain and frustrated." They're going to be angry or yelling or or getting into fights at home with their parents or their siblings. They won't sleep well. They won't be able to to get their homework done. They won't do well on NJ ASK testing, for crying out loud. And because their their worlds are being shattered by adults that can't touch down with what it might feel like to be a kid whose school is being ripped out

150from under them. For for no apparent reason for it to be done so quickly. And like the elementary schools where kids can walk to school, that's the heart of a community. That's where a love of learning starts. Right when when the when the kids are walking their little kindergartner to school for the first time. And then they get older and and then they walk with their friends and and then they grow and develop the opportunity to now go to a middle school together with those same kids. Or they can walk their sibling now, their kindergarten sibling, and they're in fourth grade. And and like this is how people grow and evolve. This is how we develop human skills of interaction and thinking and support each other, not just in families, but in communities. Right? If

151if family values is an important thing, well, don't pull the rug out from under them. Or at least don't do it without a plan. It sounds like there's a goal, right? There's a goal. But the plan to get to that goal is nowhere to be found. We don't know how we're going to pay for it. And And until we have those answers, keep the goal as a goal. It's great to have goals. But let's figure out the right way to get there without ripping the heart out of our communities. >> [applause] >> Mr. Vita, is it >> Yes. >> Is it okay for me to say one thing really quick? I know it's public comment, but I wanted to jog my memory when you were saying something. The other thing that we really need to

152realize when we're talking about this particular group of kids, the current fifth grade, sixth grade, and seventh grade, the start of their school lives was COVID. >> Yeah. >> And those children didn't get to be in the classroom, and all of that was up in upheaval. And for the first time they had some consistency, and we need to remember that we are the adults that is pulling that consistency away from them. When we talk about And all >> [applause] >> of that. And I think that that I'm I'm very much of the we need to move past COVID, we need to do all of it, but I know that there's a lot of people on this board that became very involved as parents and community members because of what happened during COVID. And I think

153it's important to recognize that those are the very children that are being the most impacted by this decision. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you for allowing me to >> Yep, thank you. >> I I also think we have to remember that we are not addressing the issue in a school that is overcrowded at all. We're addressing this issue. We are not addressing May Talk where they have 100% capacity already. And with the new building going on, we'll probably have a lot more. >> Scott Pearson, Middletown resident. Best interests of the children. Let me say that again. Best interest of the children. That's what we should be thinking about here when we're making decisions as a board. Best interest of the children. It sounds like what was being discussed tonight, the things that are

154not being done, the things that haven't been discussed, are not in the best interest of our children. Then why are we doing it? It doesn't make sense. Mr. Leader, there was never a vote to amend the resolution, the February resolution implementation date from 26 27 to 27 28, to give you time to do what was in the best interest of the children. There was a couple of votes, but there was no simple vote simply stating that, simply stating amend the February resolution implementation date from 26 27 to 27 28. And it should be brought up next week, and it should be voted on. That simple couple of sentences, couple of words, was never actually voted on. Think of the actual children. Think of the best interest of the children. Leonora Grade School? It's a great

155community school. It's a school where next week they're going to be putting on a play. I don't know if you know this, but for many years, Leonora Grade School, the teachers come together and they dedicate a ton of time and effort, and the parents come together, and they dedicate a ton of time and effort, and they put on an actual play. And I'm here tonight to invite each and every board member to the play. And I think if you want to think about the best interest of the children, and think about why you're actually doing this, you actually take me up on the offer. So, these tickets are just for Thursday, but you come Wednesday night, come Thursday night, Wednesday and Thursday night right here in this auditorium, starting at 6:00. The children The children

156that you should be thinking of, their best interest, are going to be here putting on a play for for the community, for themselves. So, Mrs. Miniwie, I'm going to hand you these tickets if you could hand them out to each board member, and I also want to extend the invitation to Mr. Capone, who's not here, and Mr. Tobacco, who's not here. I haven't seen them at any community events outside of maybe their children's own school events, maybe the Thanksgiving they ate. But, they're invited, and I would I would hope that they would come. If you're all thinking about the best interest of the children, you should come to this event. >> [clears throat] [applause] >> Hi, Kristen Rooney, Middletown. Um I'm here tonight just to speak as a parent of a middle schooler. Um listening

157to Jen, another middle school parent, um I really, really would need to ask you again. You don't have approval to close schools yet. It's It's not come from anywhere. Um so, if you could stop putting Thorne Middle School on my child's um schedule for next year, so that when she goes into Genesis, while she's in school at Bayshore, she has a panic attack and texts me from school, "Why does it say I'm going to Thorn next year?" And I have to say to her, "Please don't worry about what that says." Because she's living in my house, she knows that she knows that a lot of things haven't been done so that you are not allowed to close school yet schools yet. But, not everyone's kids are in my house being told this all the time.

158A lot of people are assuming that this is a done deal because that's the message that you are very very irresponsibly giving to the students, the parents, and the teachers by the >> [applause and cheering] >> So, I know that there's another parent here who always says that Bayshore kids are kids, too. And we've heard no plan for them as far as, you know, anything. I mean, the fifth-grade students had the principals of Thorn go and visit them, which by the way, their parents were also caught off guard. So, their kids are also very confused. So, if you could just stop stop affecting our kids by a decision that five of you made that you have no approval to do. The vote that you all made started the process that five of you approved a

159school closure. The budget vote on Tuesday does not give you the approval to go close a school. You cannot close a school unless you get approval. So, please, please, I'm begging you to stop doing anything that is causing our middle schoolers, our fifth-graders, or our children more stress than they already have because middle school is already stressful. I can also tell you that groups of friends who were very close are fighting with each other. Why? Because some people are saying, "My child is not going to that school." Like, "I'm sorry." And others are like, "Well, I'm sorry. I can't afford to send my kid anywhere else. So, what are you trying to say? And that's just something that we shouldn't have to deal with with our friends. My daughter also shouldn't have to cry because

160her two friends are visiting another school because we have to make a plan for September, right? I understand everybody needs to plan for what they need to do. But, this is causing problems amongst friends who are 12 years old, their parents who are fully grown adults, and know how to deal with our kids. So, if you could stop doing things that are traumatizing our children unnecessarily, I would really, really beg for you to do that cuz you have people in this district with expertise in mental health, and our students' mental health is not okay, and you are causing it. The emails coming from the administration, you don't need to write four middle school on things. That change is not a big deal. Also, I just want to point out that the first speaker went over

161by 58 seconds of public comment, and her microphone did not turn off. So, it seems like when there's a comment that you don't like, you push the mute button. And we noticed. >> [applause] >> Ashley Stud, Middletown. Um, I want to echo the mental health aspect of this. My boys are in seventh grade and are not okay. The kids in middle school at Bayshore are not okay. The kids at Thompson and Thorne are probably also not okay, not knowing what's coming. The staff in this district are not okay. Who is doing Who's checking on them? Is anything being done to support that, or we're just playing out losing like half the staff because the morale is such crap because nobody here even cares about them. That's really disheartening. You guys aren't thinking this through. You're

162all it down our throats for political donations. It's horrific. Think about the mental health of these people. Think about the future of this district and whether you want it to be good, filled with staff that are going to work their butts off like they do. Port the Port guidance counselor Bay Shore today. Like the them trying to clean up all this mess that you guys are putting them through, it's horrific. And they respond to emails immediately. Like they're phenomenal. And more needs to be done for that. Please. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Kristen Mook from Middletown. Amy, this is a question for you. You had told Joan that bussing is not in facilities. Where is that fall? >> I can't I'm sorry. I didn't I I couldn't hear you. >> bussing was not in Joan's

163facilities. >> So it's in the finance? So who hears on the finance committee that can answer some questions about bussing? Nobody? >> I'm on finance. >> Um maybe I could just you could relay it back to the committee that's not here? When >> It's not question and answer. This is public comment. >> Okay. But he can relay it back to the committee. You can answer if he wants to. He just doesn't have to if he doesn't want to. The bussing for middle school for Bay Shore specifically for track. It's not just one team, it's two teams. It's the girls and the boys. Does any other middle school in Middletown have issues with bussing for their track program? We can't carry our whole team on one bus because the coach has to ask parents to help

164because they don't have enough bussing. It's a safety issue. For the meeting be on Wednesday. They don't have a bus. So parents have to rely on trying to get them there. Does this happen at the other middle schools? Is this to foreshadow what's coming? And then for busing for to and from school, who vets the bus drivers? They don't know their left from their right. Our children are instructing them where to turn and they get lost in a different town. Does that get pushed back to you? Our kids wound up in Rumson, New Jersey. The bus driver didn't know how to get back. Thank gosh our kids are intelligent enough to know left and right. Is anybody paying attention to busing? So when you say that you taking budget money or don't estimate it properly,

165you're already failing today. How is it going to be in the future? No one has any idea what's to come. But I can tell you based on today and what our children are going through right now in middle school and elementary school, it's horrific. I'm just echoing everybody else. You are not prepared. You have an opportunity to change your mind. Do it next week and do it before there's more fallout or lawsuits. >> [applause] >> Anyone else for public comment? We don't see anyone else at the mic. Any motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So moved. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> No show. >> No. >> What? >> Good job.