MTPS Board of Education Reorganization Meeting (01.06.26)

001provided by sending such notice to the Aspri Park Press, the Middletown Township patch, and the Middletown [snorts] Township Public Schools District website, and the posting of such notice at the August T minor administrative offices in each elementary, middle, and secondary school in the district. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We have the announcement of our new board members and our their terms of office. On November 4th, 2025, the following were elected to a three-year term beginning January 2026 and ending December 2020. Chris Avita, Aaron Torres, and Sarah Weinstein. Our first order of business is our oath of office for our new board members. So with

002our new board members, please come join me in front. [snorts] >> Raise your right hand and just repeat after me. I and state your name. I >> Sarah >> do solemnly swear >> soyly swear >> that I support the Constitution of the United States >> that I support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> to the governments established >> in the United States and this state >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> I and state your name again. >> I do solemnly

003swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of board of education >> for the office of member of board of education >> and that I am not disqualified as a voter and that [snorts] I am not disqualified as a voter. Pursuant to New Jersey revised statute 1941. pursuant to New Jersey >> nor disqualified due to conviction >> of a crime or offense >> listed in New Jersey statute >> 18 A21 >> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly >> and I will faithfully andartially and justly >> perform all of the duties of that office. >> Perform all of the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability. >> So

004help me God. >> Congratulations. [applause] [snorts] >> Congratulations. We will now take a roll call of our newly seated board. >> Mr. Avida >> here. >> Mr. Capone >> here. >> Mrs. Minuise >> here. >> Mrs. Scholaski >> here. >> Mr. Sapparowski >> here. >> Mrs. Tobacco >> here. >> Mrs. Torres >> here. >> Mrs. Weinstein here. Mrs. Wright >> here. Our next order of business is the nomination and election of president of the board for the 2026 year. >> I'd like to nominate Deb. >> Deb. >> Okay. We have a nomination. I'm sorry. Chris, >> sorry. Okay. All right. I think the nomination second. >> Oh, yeah. I mean, we need a second for both of the nominations. So, who seconded for? >> Second for some. >> Okay. And Mrs. Tobacco, you're seconding for

005>> Mr. Vita. Okay. I believe the nomination for Mrs. Wright came out first. So, we'll take a vote on that. And Mr. Avida, >> no. >> Mr. Capone, >> no. >> Mrs. Minuise, >> yes. >> Mrs. Scholasi, >> no. >> Mr. Sapparowski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Tobacco? >> No. >> Mrs. Torres? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Weinstein? >> No. >> Mrs. Wright? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion fails. Uh we'll take a vote on the second nomination for Chris Avida. Mr. Avida, >> yes. >> Mr. Capone, >> yes. >> Mrs. Minuise, >> no. >> Mrs. Scalasi, >> yes. >> Mr. Sappari, >> um, no. >> Mrs. Tobacco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Torres, >> no. >> Mrs. Weinstein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wright, >> no. >> Okay, we have five yeses and four nos. So, it appears Mr.

006Vita has been elected board president. You can move over. Yes. And you got to take your pleasure. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Congratulations. [clears throat] >> Good evening everybody and thank you. Appreciate everybody coming out tonight. First, I wanted to thank the board for their confidence in selecting me as the board president. look forward to working with all the board members uh and you know moving this district forward. >> I hope so. I really do hope so. >> You can count on it. >> Uh I also want to state because I I know that this board paid for a report uh of the district. So um I know we've been waiting on that for quite some time. [snorts] So I just I want to stay here let you know I'd like us to get a

007update on that as soon as possible and then when it's received that it'll be released immediately you know to the entire board and to the public simultaneously. [clears throat] >> No offense if I could say something that report should have been released to us a while back in the middle of uh beginning of December because apparently it was given to our administration. >> Okay. And when it was asked in public, we were told no. There was no communication. >> Okay. I'm not aware of that. But let's just please hold comments to >> cuz I don't know anything about it. >> Yeah. >> We just found out. >> Anyway, we have a lot of work to do. So, um, uh, at this time like to take nominations. >> I'd like to make a motion to nominate

008Frank Capone. Sorry to cut you off for vice president. >> Nomination for vice president. We have a nom. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion in the second. >> I nominate Debright. >> We have a nomination for Deb right. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Any other nominations for >> But can we have discussion? >> Sure. >> Okay. I would just like to say to Frank that I've really enjoyed working with you and your inclusion. The thing that's changing my vote this year is what happened during the budget process where our leadership left us high and dry, no communication, wouldn't meet with us, wouldn't be a part of the budget cuts meetings that the superintendent >> I'm just going to cut you off because everything you're saying is a fraudulent lie. >>

009Well, this is what we're we were told. Wait, wait, wait. Time out. I want to finish my conversation now. Okay. >> So, one personal talk at a time. >> Yeah. I'm not looking civil. >> I'm not looking to I'm not looking to put anybody down. I'm just saying why my vote is changing. I think you did a great job. The thing that turned me off was what happened at this last budget process where we had no leadership. We we had to meet in small groups. Um, nobody wanted to discuss other options. We went to a meeting where we >> was with all due respect and I don't mean to cut you off. >> No, it's it's my opinion. >> No, I I understand and and your opinion's welcome. >> Yeah. >> But the last budget's

010done and over. I want to move forward. >> But I'm trying to give I am trying to give my opinion to why? Because people are going to ask. >> Okay. So, let's take a vote. No, let No, I want to finish before I vote. I want to finish. I have a right to finish before I vote. So that really really bothered me because we didn't have leadership to get us through that budget and I don't want to go through that again. I I really think that we could have met. We could have had discussions. We didn't. We were just, you know, put at a meeting where numbers were thrown out and nobody knew what was behind those numbers. If we would have met and we would have had discussions, it might have um been different.

011>> Um I I just don't want leadership to walk away from us >> when we had the exact session when the whole board was privy to that conversation which I made sure that Dr. Alone said I want the entire board involved. You weren't here. You were on vacation >> but we had a private meeting. >> All right. Listen, >> but but I'm talking about after the 5.80. Mr. >> I'm talking about after that. Muise, I'll let you continue your comment on your vote. >> No, it's okay. Obviously, you don't want to hear it. >> No, I I do want to hear it. >> No, it's okay. Let's go vote. >> I'm not interested in We live in the past. >> Neither am I. Because this district needs to be different and it'll be a transparent

012with everyone. >> Thank you. >> So, let's move forward. Jo, >> I I hope we can, Frank. I really do. >> Mr. Arty. >> Okay. for taking a roll call on the nomination of Mr. Capone for vice president. Mr. Avida, >> yes. >> Mr. Capone, >> yes. >> Mrs. Minuise, >> no. >> Mrs. Scholaski, >> yes. >> Mr. Sapparowski, >> no. >> Mrs. Tobacco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Torres, >> no. >> Mrs. Weinstein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wright, >> no. >> We have five yeses and four nos. Motion carries. Mr. Capone is elected vice president. Thank you. >> Yes, they do. Congratulations, Mr. K. >> Thank you, Mr. Congratulations. >> Yeah. Next on the agenda, we have a designation of New Jersey School Boards Association delegate and alternate delegate. >> So, just to give the

013board some background, Mrs. Tobacco has served as the delegate and Mrs. Scholaskey has served as the alternate delegate for the past year. Uh, it's up to the board who they would want to appoint to be the delegate and alternate delegate for this year. So we we would need to name the board members and then take a vote. >> I'll make a motion to keep them as is. >> Second >> and Miss Gaski. >> It's second. >> All in favor? I >> I All right. I see next on the agenda is the calendar. And I I'm just looking at this. Uh, so I um I I don't I do not agree with some of this. What what I'd like to do proposed and maybe I'll be here when I just want to finish my thought. I'd

014like to um go to a um back to individual committees and I'd like to have a workshop meeting where the individual committees will meet once per month and we'll have a workshop meeting at least for January, February, March, April through the budget process [clears throat] for more transparency throughout that process as well as uh an action meeting or a voting meeting in those months. And then we have a May special meeting for the rehires and we'll have an action meeting June, July, August depending on the level of work they usually slow but I think it's important that the first four months uh for January, February, March we have at least two meetings a month uh a workshop and a action meeting. >> I'll second that motion. and individual committees as well. So I don't know

015if that can be wrapped into one. >> So the motion I guess the motion could just be when you come up with your calendar dates you'll vote on >> now but there's a whole lot >> because I didn't hear. >> So I think we're going to take it if I may if I can understand what what you were saying. The first is you want like a motion to go back to the committee system not the committee of the whole system that was approved. So there would be a motion to go back to the committee system and then you as president would set the chair, vice chairs and membership of those individual committees. >> That is correct. >> So you would need a motion to go back to the committee system >> and that's what I

016seconded that motion. >> Okay. >> So So Mr. By you're making the motion. >> Yes. >> Okay. So just to make sure we'll still have the workshop meetings. Yes. Where the where >> next? Okay. Next session. >> So next motion is motion back to individual. Okay. Mr. V, [clears throat] you just need to call for a vote on >> and just one more comment just so everybody knows this is the way it was done when I was originally on the board and it work very well. >> I thought it was very good for sharing information. Individual committees get to meet things out. They'll share what happens in those meetings and then report out of the workshop meeting and [snorts] then the following meeting will be an action meeting and we'll take action on those items.

017So that the the committee meetings will have to take place before the workshop meeting. >> Correct. Yes. >> So may I ask how the committees are set and when we'll find out about them and the equity with the committees? >> Yes. Good question. They will be equitable. So after this meeting, you'll email me on what committees you would want to be on. So I'll select the chair and then three other members of the committee and you'll coordinate with the liaison from administration who is assigned to coordinate the meeting with the other board members. If the if a board member can't make the meeting the committee meeting you can reach out to me and we can ask if someone else is available to join or or or if not then I will join. >> Thanks. So,

018if I'm understanding it correctly, we'll have our all the committees will meet by January 27th. >> Well, we have a tight month because we're going to have to meet before because we want I want to have a workshop meeting, correct? Which will be the next motion >> to have a meeting probably the week before on the 20th >> to discuss what's taking place in the committees. >> Okay. >> Right. It'll give the whole board the time that I guess was happening during the committee of the whole to discuss anything that come up that comes up in the committee and answer any questions. So this way everybody's u aware of what's happening in each individual committee. >> Okay. So because I have I know that there was another calendar that was out besides this one. So

019I was just looking at the dates but it says January 27th. So, we're going to add another one to January 20th. Is that what you're saying? >> Well, that would be the workshop. >> We There's already a meeting on the 20th scheduled for >> There is. So, I'm sorry. Before we get too far down the road, we we actually need a vote on whether we're going back to individual committees. We have a motion and a second, but we haven't had a vote on that. >> And Mr. Torres, I think we'll explain about the workshop meetings because we're going to have to come up with dates for the workshop meetings going forward. >> So, I just wanted to >> We're going to be adding meetings. >> Sure. Before I decide about yes or no about um

020regular individual committees, I just wanted the word that we would have those committee meetings before this next workshop meeting. >> Absolutely. >> Yes. Absolutely. [snorts] >> Isn't this public comment before vote or no? >> Public comments at the end. It's on the agenda before. No. >> It's on the agenda I'm looking at. So, >> so we have a motion and a vote and a second. So, you need to vote on whether you are Yes. >> on the individual committees. >> Roll call. >> Okay. Mr. Avita, >> yes. >> Mr. Capone, >> yes. >> Mrs. Minuise, >> no. >> Mrs. Scholasi, >> yes. >> Mr. Saparowski. >> Um, >> no. >> Mrs. Tobacco, >> yes. >> Mrs. Torres, >> yes. >> Mrs. Weinstein, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wright, >> no. >> Okay. Motion carries. >> [clears

021throat] >> So now we need a motion to I'm going to make a motion to revise the calendar to add the workshop meetings. >> So we'll need to coordinate whatever dets they're going to be in because the calendar wasn't approved. So we don't we don't really have to make a motion to revise it. You should revise it before you. >> So I make a motion to revise the calendar. >> You don't have to make a motion to revise because there's no motion yet. So [snorts] you can just >> just a draft. >> It's a draft. So you can just have open discussion on that. So discussion >> I'd like to hear from everybody um because I know not everybody has flexibility when it comes to scheduling. So I just I I want to be >>

022personally >> as considerate as possible when >> if we could keep it on Tuesdays for me. >> I can make any Tuesday work as long as it's on a >> Does Tuesdays work for everyone? >> Tuesdays don't work for me to add another meeting. I can do Mondays. >> Does Tuesday work for everybody else? >> Yes. >> I could do Monday or Tuesday. >> I can't do Mondays. >> Any other discussion? >> Wednesdays. [clears throat] >> I can't do Wednesdays. and Mondays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. >> Tuesdays and Thursdays are good for you. >> Yes. >> All right. So, >> you don't have to have the same date Tuesday only day or Wednesday or Thursday. >> Yeah. But then we're we're going to pick dates for Tuesday, right? For January, Monday. I I want to

023be where we can get everybody on board for this for the meeting. I think it's imperative especially for the first four months right now to see if those Tuesdays work for everyone because it was just >> about 30 days just Thursday for people that was on there. >> Yeah, because we need time to get the committee. >> Oh, yeah. I think don't we have a negotiation meeting? >> Yes, we do. >> Yeah. >> Well, >> we may not. >> They may not be. We do have one scheduled, but they may not be. >> Okay. Because that's what was on my calendar. >> All right. They may not. >> Can Can we do this? How about for January just to get this set? We go with [snorts] Thursday. January. Does Thursday work? >> January 22nd, >>

024I believe, for the workshop meeting. >> And then we can sort out what's going to work best for everybody. I think let's do it that way. >> If we can, we would have to later because we have the recognition program going. >> Well, we would have to start at 7 >> for the workshop on that day because we have the we have our midyear recognition program. >> Okay, that works for me. >> Is that okay? But we can do it that in an hour. It's a short one. Yes. >> What do we have here? >> What time? >> Student recognition. >> And what time is that? 6 o'clock. >> 6 o'clock. So, it would be January 22nd at 700 p.m. [clears throat] start and that'll be a workshop. [snorts] >> Okay. >> Is that open?

025Sorry. >> Is that public meetings? >> Workshops are >> all workshops are public meetings. Okay. >> As well as the action meetings too. We want to have two meetings per month. month. Yeah. >> Okay. So, all right. So, February, we're in the 24th. The 17th is a Tuesday. Do if it works for everybody, we can do the Thursday for the workshops. >> Yeah. >> And then the 19th >> Thursday and if we could >> keep more Tuesdays, it would really be helpful. Yeah. What we kind of th [snorts] [clears throat] >> Thursday and Tuesday? >> Yes. I I think the M to I think Thursdays are better only because it gives us more time to get the committee the individual committee meetings in and then share the the minutes with with the board so everybody

026can have a chance an opportunity to review them. >> Now you're proposing 219 and 2248. >> Yes. So the 19 out seven. >> Yeah. And we just keep it consistent, right? >> I think we're good. [snorts] >> If we could do Tuesdays, it would be a lot easier. >> Yeah. Thursday, you know. >> So going to March, you have one, I think. Did we agree on February? >> February 19th. >> Is there any way we could do a Tuesday? Thursdays are very difficult. >> We're doing a Tuesday and a Thursday. We're doing both of them each month, >> right? But we've been doing board meetings on Tuesdays in Middletown for Thursday night. >> For decades, it's been on a Tuesday night. >> 18. Is anybody available the 18th? >> I'm not Wednesday. >> I know.

027>> What month are we? We're in February still. >> Yeah, that's right. Gives at least a week to process the information after the workshop meeting. >> Okay. >> And not three days. >> It has to be published. >> Okay. So, let let's do this. We're going to let's lock down January the 22nd of January for the workshop. the 27th of January for the voting meeting, February 19th for the workshop in February, and then February 24th for the voting meeting. >> Can we do the 17th in February? >> It's already on the calendar. >> It's not on the calendar. We didn't vote. >> Where is it on the calendar? >> March workshop meeting sensitive budget. >> No, no, that's March. And March, we're going to leave as is. We'll we won't schedule workshop out. I could

028adjust it later in April until we >> But don't we need budget meetings in March? >> I thought we were going to go um open public with uh budget meetings, >> but they don't have to be >> I I don't want to speak for the president, but I think what he's saying is this will give everybody a chance to go look at their calendars, right? >> Provide dates so we can have more than one or two meetings in March because of the budget. >> Yeah, we're going to have two definitely have two meetings in March. So, you have a March workshop and a meeting in tenative budget. So we could do Tuesday, March 24th, but I don't want to commit to that right now because people have seems like a concern with Tuesday. So what

029I'm saying, >> but I still can we take a vote on who on Thursday? >> Thursdays are hard. >> Nobody's listening. >> Can we see who can do Tuesday and who can do Thursday and figure it out that way? >> Different days. So just I would if that's what you want to do call for a motion to accept the calendar as is with the addition of January 22nd at 7 p.m. and February 19th at 7 p.m. the workshop to be revised. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'd like to make a motion to accept the calendar with as is with the addition of June 22nd, January 22nd, I'm sorry, as a workshop >> and February 19th as a workshop >> and then the remainder will we'll adjust as necessary. >> I'll second that. [snorts] So, we can't

030take a a discussion on who can come on Tuesday and who can come on Thursday to see if >> we can take a discussion and then >> take a take a straw poll to see who's better on Tuesday or Thursday. >> Thursday's motion. >> Is the motion already on the table and the second? >> Right. >> I think what the confusion down this end that we're trying to figure out is we keep saying February 19th, but we're asking about February 17th. the in particular, not just Tuesdays, but February 17th, and nobody's really responding. So, I'm just hoping that we can have a little more discussion and see who can be here on the 17th versus the 19th. >> Is that possible? >> There's a motion that happened. >> We're stopping on Tuesdays because of one

031person. Now, we got Thursdays where three people can't make it and we're not compromising there. I mean, historically in Middletown, the board meetings are on Tuesdays for decades. >> So, that's not something new. >> Sorry. Roll call. >> Here we go. >> Um, Mrs. Minuies, >> I'm going to say no because I Thursdays are hard and there's three people that said no on a Thursday and one person that said no on a Tuesday. Mrs. Scolas on two dates calendar plus two dates, right? >> Is that what we're voting on, Chris? >> We're only adding two dates to the proposed calendar. >> Right. >> January 22. >> This calendar with two more dates on it >> and February 19th. >> That's what that's the motion that I right. >> Yes. This calendar plus two dates. January

032and February. Okay. >> So, Mrs. Man, Mrs. Scolasi, >> um January 22nd and >> February 19th. February 19th into choosing calendar. >> Yes. Okay. >> Mr. Sapparaski. >> No. >> Mrs. Tobacco. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Torres? >> No. >> Mrs. Weinstein? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wright? >> No. >> Mr. Capone? >> Yes. >> Mr. Avida? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion has five yeses. Motion carries. [snorts] The start time would be at 7:00 7:30 7 >> for the workshop. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> When is that? >> It's It's coming. It's coming. So, >> yes. >> Yeah. All right. At this time, I'd like to uh open it to public comment. A motion open to the public. Hi, Thea Ali River Plaza. Um, congrats to all the new board members. Um, Mr. A, you started off

033by saying you want new and all we've witnessed just now is just like ridiculousness. Um, when I plan a play date for my kids and I say, "Hey, can everybody do February 17th?" You go bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam. Majority rules. Great. We'll do play date on that date. Not difficult. But what you did instead was you just put a motion forward because you knew your five on the side of you were all going to vote yes. So every time there's a problem on this board, are we to expect that you'll just put forward a motion and five people will say yes and four will say no and that going to be that's going to be the year. >> Like I I get the math, but that's not like >> moving forward. >> Uh

034good faith governing, >> right? >> Like it's very easy to to figure out a date. Like I get it, not everyone's gonna be able to come. So, eight of nine of you, great. Okay, moving forward. Let's move on because none of us want to be here that long. Um, so like I was really hopeful today, you know, three new board members, a new president, like let's let's start positive and like already it's five vers four and oh, we'll just railroad what they were saying and vote five. Like, can we just can we just like not like let's just everyone take a deep breath and just like not do that. Um, it could be easier. It really can. Like, we're all people. We all want like this to work. Um, we got new peeps on the

035board. Like, yay. Um, let's just think about it for a second. It's not that hard. It doesn't have to be a motion to figure out a date just so that you don't have to listen to poor people on the other side. Um, that's all I have to say. Just really just please do better. Please. >> Thank you. [applause] Hi, Ashley Stud, Middletown resident. Um, I'm also disappointed. Um, one of the things I was hoping for with new leadership was um less or in creating more communication for the board members. So, one of the issues that of last year was that some board members had basically said that they weren't fully aware of what they were voting for when they voted for it. And that was because discussion wasn't encouraged. And I've often noticed that if

036someone disagrees with someone else, discussion is purposely discouraged. So there's an effort to silence, to talk over, to interrupt when you don't like what another person say. And that's not what the meth the purpose of this board is. The purpose of this board is for everybody to understand, to say their piece before voting happens. So, I think it's really important that this is hopefully the first and last time that that happens at a 2026 board event meeting because we deserve better. These people, you all need to hear each other's thoughts. That's how you come to the best decision. While you might be coming to the meeting with one idea, you should not be so strongheaded to think that there might be other wisdom out there. So please [clears throat] be kind to each other. Listen

037to each other. Let it take as long as it takes, especially if the discussion productive. Not whether you agree with it, but whe if it's productive. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Uh Jeff Warshaw, Middletown. Uh last year there was a lot of am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am am ambiguity with uh how this board coordinates with the town particular around shared services committee. Um it was an ad hoc committee uh in the past and I would recommend for transparency's sake for the board to make it a standing committee ahead of assigning committee roles uh for the rest of the year. So I think everyone should strongly consider that um in the sake of transparency and collaboration both amongst yourselves and

038with the town. >> YEAH. [applause] >> Hi uh Sarat from Middletown. I'm a relatively new parent in the district. I have a kindergartener. So, I'm really just looking for education on how are committees selected like as we're seeing this 54, you know, animosity here. How can we ensure that the committees that are actually going to be making key decisions on school closures, school openings are actually equitable across everyone's opinions and not steamrolled by one side or another. >> If there's like decisions, >> vote committees don't vote or make decisions, >> but they bring the decisions to this board to be voted on. So they do make decisions because then the five people that are going to vote everything together are going to vote on whatever that happens. >> Well, that's the purpose of having the

039workshop meeting. So we'll have the committees. By the way, it's it's the president's prerogative to choose the committees. >> And how are you going to make sure that the committees are selected? >> I'm going to get everybody's requested committees and I'm going to make them fair and equitable. >> Can you share with the public who is requested to be on what committee and then we can see who was not selected to be on them? >> It'll be shared when the committees are sent. Absolutely. the nominated people that requested to be on it, you're going to share those people's names also that were not selected to be on the committee. >> Meaning like let's say Erin and Mark decide they want to be on shared services this year, but they were not selected. How are we

040going to know who asked to be on >> Come over and ask them. >> I just want to make sure >> they requested what they got. No, I got it. I'm just >> Yeah. Well, we're not trying to hide anything. [laughter] >> We were trying to hide things. So this year in an effort of transparency, we would love it and love to know that the committees are equitable across all. >> Sure, I couldn't agree more. >> So the answer is yes. You guys are going to share information with us. >> The answer is what >> is the answer? Yes, you will share that information. >> I will share the committees with you once they're assigned. >> I'm not going to have a debate with you about who I'm putting on which committee. >> That was

041not the question. The question was, will you share? If you would like to speak, please step up to the microphone. >> But just because you're >> and here, excuse me one second. Excuse me one second. The last gentleman said something very important about respect and that's all I ask. I understand people want to be critical. Totally fine, but let's not be abusive. Let's not yell and shout from the audience. Everybody can have their chance to speak. Just just follow the guidelines. And I expect the same thing for myself and for the board members and the administrators that sit up here. That's all we ask. [snorts] >> So just to summarize, my initial question was how do people get selected to be on the committee? And it is a single point of decision on your behalf

042>> that chooses who is on each committee. >> Yes. >> Okay. Kristen Rooney, Middletown, New Jersey. So um we started the meeting. We have new leadership. We started the meeting by asking for discussion on something. agreeing on discussion. You had discussion from Mrs. Minues and you cut her off and you asked her to stop talking and then you said no more discussion and you voted. That's what happened. That's what we all watched. Then somebody came up here and just asked a question and you asked them not to be rude. So if you would like for us to not be rude in these meetings, then I would ask for you to set the example. You cannot [applause] talk out of both sides of your mouth and say, "I want to move forward. I want every let's

043forget the past." I really hope you don't forget the past because last year was formative and we learned a whole lot and I hope you don't want to repeat that and you've been on the board before so I know you're experienced. So I would hope and I'm glad for new leadership. But if you're going to ask for a certain decorum, then you are setting it. >> Yeah. You just silenced Mrs. Minues and shut down all the public all the comment from your board on the first comments that you wanted to make. Then you had a whole half of the table that was commenting on how they could not make the meetings that you're trying to schedule to move forward so we can all communicate. And you blatantly ignored them and made a motion and a

044vote and then said, "Oh, well, there's a motion and a vote. We're only talking about two dates." So, I would like to move forward and I am hoping for a light, a bright light, something new, fresh faces. The only light I don't want to see is a gas light. And that's what I'm seeing tonight. So, I would beg you to please set the tone with your leadership and don't try to make us feel like we're the ones that are at fault here when the tone is set up there and we're following. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Would anybody else like to speak Katie Little Page Middletown? I agree with everything that was just said. Um Mr. Ravita and everyone here on this board, the five of you that seem to be all one

045person it seems in this meeting. Um, I ask you to remember that what you're here for as an unpaid volunteer public servant. You're here to you're here on the board of education education. You're here for our children, for Middletown's children. I'm only here because I care about my two children's education in Middletown. And I know that everyone sitting here and everyone watching, that's the whole reason that they're here. So, I ask you to remember that and to not behave so childishly, especially you, Mr. Aveda. I agree. the tone that you just set here. I just found it very hypocritical the way that you said one person at a time and then in the middle of Miss Minui speaking start talking over her. Uh so this really concerns me and when I say to remember that

046you're here for our children, you're sitting on the board of education, your focus should be education and what we saw in your campaign, Mr. Mr. Eva and Miss Weinstein is that business deals seem to be more in favor than our children. How do I know this? Just one example that I can remember off of the top of my head because there were many that were alarming to me is Alliance Orthopedics secured a deal with this very board of education, a $10,000 deal to be on our scoreboards. And then the very next day after it was voted and approved on this board of education, Alliance Orthopedics donated $10,000 to your campaign, Mr. Avita and Miss Weinstein. So do not interrupt me because I am speaking right now. Do not This is my time. I see you

047about to interrupt me and to quote you one person at a time, Mr. Avita. >> Okay. Your guidelines are three minutes and you're approaching that. Please finish what you have to say. >> Well, go ahead and give me back those seconds that you just took from my three minutes. Remember that you're here for our kids and not your business deals. >> Mr. Dappy, excuse me, Mr. Apple. Sorry, little page. Just one thing. I did not like that you made me and these other individuals as one body. I am personally an individual. I make my own choices. I vote my way. I am not influenced by any board member here. And I vote with my heart and I vote by putting children first. Please, I ask you kindly to not group me as one. That's all.

048>> Well said. >> Show us. Please show us. I just like >> I'm only speaking on what I just saw. >> I understand that >> I've been coming to these meetings since March and I've seen you vote independently. >> I'm alarmed with what I just saw and I think if you were sitting in my shoes >> frankly Miss Classy I I was really expecting different from you today. >> I understand that and I respect that and again I'm my own person. I'm not persuaded by anyone. I am an individual >> and what matters to me are the children. It may seem like that I'm voting the same way, but I'm voting on my own. >> And I'm putting it out there, it's being recorded and in front of all these people here, I am my

049own person. >> And just because we both the same, it doesn't mean I'm being influenced. And that is important for everyone here to understand that my decisions, my choices, my votes are of my own now and always or for the remainder of my term on this board. >> I am an individual. That's that's all >> I understand that. I'm just speaking from what I just saw >> and I respect that and I respect that and it's it's it's upsetting that this is what you saw. >> My main concern is if we're here for the children, Mr. Mr. Va, you said when you were on the board, the way that you did it was you were in these smaller committees and that's what worked. Well, those smaller committees did not work because in March we found

050out that we were $10 million in debt under the small committee structure. So this board voted late late 2025 to shift to try something new because the small committee structure had failed and so they voted to go move to committee of a whole because in the small committee structure the board was not talking to each other and the communication was getting lost and board members didn't know what they were voting on and then Middletown found themselves $10 million in debt. Middletown Board of Ed. And this is my tax dollars. This is my husband's tax dollars. This is all of our tax dollars that this board has mismanaged over the last how many years. So, the board did the right thing by moving to committee of the whole because we need to try something new if

051we want a new result. And I was grateful for that. And then to see you come in here and say, "I'm in a motion to go back the way it was because it did because it worked." Explain to me how it worked when we were $10 million in debt. >> You just said that's how it worked. >> Nobody. >> It didn't work. >> I also find it very rich that you're sitting here as the president when I didn't see you at a single meeting. I'm sure you must have been at some. I'm not looking around. is up. Do you have anything else? >> I'm just saying I didn't >> I just want to make that comment that I didn't see you and all of a sudden here you are as president, not been here for

052the whole year. >> Meetings online that you could be with. Thank you. I appreciate your comments. >> Can I Can I just say something really quickly? I do just want to point out that we're trying to add additional meetings. Um, if you think about the fact that there are 10 individual committees, to think that their 30 to 75 minute meetings per month can fit into one night with the necessary communication is not necessarily realistic. So, the idea was to be able to have individual committees meet, hash things out, still then have public interaction on those individual committee conversations, and then have a separate voting meeting. So the idea is to add even more communication than just the committee of a whole so that we can try and work even more together and make sure that

053we're getting things done appropriately. To have 10 separate committees talk out everything that needs to be discussed and reviewed in one meeting with everyone in one night is just not realistic. You're talking about over 10 hours of conversation that's going to get shoved into one meeting. So to be able to have those individual meetings, hash out small details, work through the bigger topics, and then come to a meeting with the public, have the workshop meeting, review all of that information, and then have a separate voting meeting is adding additional communication. I've sat and watched some of those meetings, the committee of the whole, and it feels like there's a lot missing, like there's not enough being communicated because everything is just like a short overview topic for those individual committees. So, we're trying the idea

054is to add even more communication to make it better, not make it worse. We're not taking away any public meetings. We're just adding even more so that we can communicate even more with the administration and bring more information forward to the public to have you better informed and then go into a voting meeting. >> So, are you going to allow everyone in that they want to be in or you >> All right. If you want to speak, please step up to the microphone. It's not going to be any back and forth. I I would like to make a comment after Mrs. Weinstein just did. >> You can't deny us that. >> Well, can you let this gentleman speak, please? >> I also >> No, listen. Please. I'm asking. Let the public comment. All right. >>

055It's public comment. >> No, I understand. But I just WANTED >> You let them speak. You got >> because it's relevant to what we're just talking. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. Miss Feisty, I really do appreciate all of that information, but this is my first day and the first I'm hearing of any of this. So, how did you find this information out before today? >> I'm just stating that I think it makes sense to have more meetings than less. >> I hear what you're saying, but I this I literally got an email and had to say yesterday, what time should I be there tomorrow? This is my first conversation. I have not heard anything about these committees or these plans. No, I just know that we have committees and I always thought that that

056meeting was just based. It didn't have like if you think about it logically, there's 10 committees. How can you have 10 committee meetings in one meeting? That doesn't make sense. It's just not enough time. >> I understand what you're saying and I understand that. And I've been to every single meeting since March. Every single one. And I have not been to the exact sessions. I have not been to the backdoor meetings because I was not part of that group. I am here now. I am an elected member. And I would like to make sure that whatever decisions are made, it seems, it feels to me like this came in with these meetings set up, these dates set up, this plan set up >> with no I had zero information except show up here at 6:45

057on January 6th. >> No, I didn't have the dates were set by the administration. I didn't see the calendar either until they posted it. But the way that you're talking should be set by the board. >> But the the conversation that was just had [snorts] >> that about who was nominated and how we came to where we are right now and that you had January 22nd ready and February 19th and that you >> I just have no life. I honestly I just keep my week I have open week nights. That's I have I literally just have my kids sports. That's why I have >> about having this plan to ensure that we are going to have committees that we're going to have a workshop that has all of this information. I really enjoy this information

058coming out as a workshop separate from the public meetings. I think that's a great idea. What I'm worried about already is that it seems that end knew about it, came to the table with it, showed up with it, is now explaining it to the public and I had no clue. I we voted the same way and it was my thought process after hearing it that it makes more sense and it's something that I've personally been thinking about after seeing committee of the whole that it doesn't it didn't make sense to me. >> Then I'll take you on your word for it. I just didn't feel that way >> and I I need to comment on committee of the whole. I think I was next. >> Our committee of the Our Committee of the whole meeting

059was a complete joke. That was the first one you ever saw. It's not supposed to be run like that. Not every committee meets every month. So you're not talking 75 minutes a committee because not every every committee meets. Sometimes committee meets there's certain committees that meet maybe three times a year. But the way that committee was run was wrong. We had no administrators. Yet now we're going back to small committees where administrators are in charge. Why couldn't they have been here that night to explain? I asked I asked questions about things going on in the schools and I was told it didn't happen. The next day I get emails from people showing me I have to find out that there was a there was a a a group in a school looking at um damage.

060When I asked that, I was told there was none. If those administrators were here, we would have had that report. I wouldn't have had to look like a fool sitting in public telling people there is no problems in those schools when there was. And we finally got THE REPORT BECAUSE I asked for it. So if you do a proper committee of the whole, you have those administrators here. You pick what meetings each month you're going to have and the public can be a part of that until we can get trust back on this board. That's what I have to say. You don't know what [applause and cheering] you don't know what a workshop meeting looks like because you've never seen one. >> Okay. Thank you. >> We we also do need administration presence for these

061workshops. I I do want to say that because in in past individual committee meetings um administration was present. They created agendas for us to review and we went over the agenda. Now that we went back to these workshop meetings, there is no administration. It's just the board and then Amy reading off of the agenda. I do not feel that these workshop meetings are fully detailed because in the past when I was on the curriculum committee, we were it was more juicy the agenda where we would have to discuss trips, new programs, um any pending lawsuits, uh just new programs like for the children. It was more detailed. this workshop meeting that we recently had and and I apologize. I got nothing off of it. There was nothing. And if we are going to have these

062workshop meetings, I want administration present to continue. >> And I'm just going to clarify, we didn't have them present because we found out about this at the 11th hour. There was no decision made on whether or not there was going to be a workshop until the last minute. and you're asking people to create agendas and show up for things that they're finding out about days before. Um, in the future, if there is a set schedule with a set expectation, they of course will be here. But I'm going to be honest, this board left us scrambling because there was no consensus on what we were supposed to be doing. >> I have to respectfully disagree >> because especially for the December meeting. >> Thank you. because that was already in place and they should have been

063here for the December and we asked about it. >> So I respectfully disagree. >> Well, I you know what they shouldn't have to sit up here and be abused >> and it doesn't Well, I don't understand about abuse. Abuse is we're trying to to gain public trust back. I don't think it's abuse it and to put it's >> being put on the spot though thing because there's no clear communication channels. they're being put on the spot in public and that is not fair to them. So until there are clear communication channels, then they will be back at the meetings. >> And this is why I voted no for whatever this convoluted motion was about what we're now going to do for the first I don't know is it three months of this year where we're

064going to have these extra meetings which I am fine with. But let me be clear. What I expect is next week all committees are going to have to meet. That means everybody clear your schedule for next week and we better have full agendas for all those committee meetings. And everything that needs to be discussed for this month including budget which needs to start and should have started in December if not earlier must be done in those committee meetings and then has to be fully vetted in the workshop meeting. I don't want to get to a workshop meeting and then be told, "Well, we talked about that in committee and there's really nothing else to vote on for here, so we can just skip things." If we're going to actually do, and to me, this motion

065didn't really make a whole lot of sense because it's either we're committee of the whole or we're operating by committees, >> right? not this convoluted process where I fear that this is just going to be more of us sitting up here looking like we don't know what we're doing or one meeting we're going to actually talk to people trying to do public comment then the next meeting we're going to be told we shouldn't be doing that and we're not allowed to have back and forth anymore because honestly every month everything changes a >> so at some POINT I WOULD LIKE TO ACTUALLY BE able to focus on this district that would be great [clears throat] it's called putting middle [applause] town kids And every administrator that's on a committee, they don't need weeks to make

066an agenda. This is what they do every single day as their job. >> And I'm not saying weeks, Joan. I I'm saying we found out 48 hours before that there was going to be a workshop meeting because there was no, it was scheduled so tight because people weren't talking to one another. And that's not fair to us and it's not fair to them. >> It wasn't fair to us. >> That's more than willing to change. They spend they spend lots of times putting effort into their committee agendas and they spend a lot of time in committees as Mrs. Scholasty already said. So you know if we want to go back to that then we need a little bit of um consensus from the board on the direction and the expectation because finding out 48 hours

067before I am not going to put my administrators in that position. And I understand you're upset about that, but look at what we're finding out 48 hours before or actually 48 hours too late. We had no idea that there was a hab report. >> There is no habber report, guys. There is no he did a slide deck to give us a progress report. He called it an internal report. It's a matter of semantics. >> But when people asked was Habber spoken to >> I said I spoke to >> they said they said no. >> That is not a true statement. I sat right here and said, "I have spoken to Ross Habber." >> There are so many things we find out after the fact. The meetings are here. We had a we had a workshop

068meeting which was a disaster and we didn't find out what was really going on. We had to find out after the meeting. We are the board of education. All nine of us should be equal to information about >> Wait, excuse me. I'm not I'm not cutting anybody off. Listen, it's a new It's a new year. It's a new year and a new born. This isn't going to be productive going back and forth. >> Give it a chance. And if you want to come to the next meeting and it and there has been progress on a new process, then I'll then then you can then I'll hear you out. >> But give me a chance to put this together. >> Well, see Chris, there's a lot of things that you don't know that went on and

069I don't know what I don't know Joan. I don't >> we didn't have any any leadership. We need leadership that's going to include us all. >> We have people at the mic. >> It's a nice narrative. >> It's perfect. Emily Donaghhue, Middletown, Middletown resident. Um I actually leaned into this because um I was the one that Oprah the Habber report study. Um I did get an initial response. U but before I start there, I want to say there's been a lot of parts in this past year that I've been sad about and I've been disappointed about. Um, I was hopeful for today and um, I while I'm a little bit sad still and a little bit disappointed, I'm hopeful. Um, I do think that change can happen with the words that want the right things.

070So, I do look forward to that. Um, and I believe in this board to do the right thing. But, um, my questions really to you, Mrs. Alone, and sorry, Dr. Alphone, and you, Mrs. Dhy. I've sent some emails about the interim, not finalized, the interim hab report. It's not a report, guys. It is a It was a progress update on where they were in their process. >> Can I I didn't I didn't So, no >> confusing. >> No, I'm still talking though. >> In the Oprah, it was clearly stated the fact that an interim report was provided and paid for >> because that is what they refer to it on their billing. That is not what we're referring to. It is a progress on there. >> Have you received options from the paper? >> Options.

071No options. Options. >> No options. Zero. >> So they sent you an email saying we have options to present to you. >> They did not. They they don't have options to present to us. We have no options. And Amy, Mrs. Doerty can corroborate this. We have no options for anything moving forward. >> All right. So Mrs. Jordy, I did follow up to that Opra Oprah request where you denied some of my requests asking for a log of all the things that you are not providing. Um, I have not heard back from you, Mr. Burns. You're on that email as well. Um, I I'm trying to do what you guys have asked, right? You said if we can't talk about it in the meeting, write us emails. We do that. We don't get answers. I would

072love to believe there's not an interim report. It clearly states options were going to be provided. It clearly stated the fact that we've provided you I could I mean I could probably memorize and say it. An interimm report has been provided. Can we please receive payment? It's going to be quite some time until you present it to your new board in January. So we would like to receive payment. >> I'm not >> Can I Can I please respond? I did respond to your open request. You opened me on December 9th. I responded December 17th. You sent me an email asking for clarification. December 21st. >> Yeah, I I'm I'm speaking. >> I was first. >> Okay. All right. Well, then then don't hear from me. >> Dr. Right. You could always answer my email. Listen,

073but I have answer >> what you have to say. You >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Thank you. >> So, December 21st, I wrote back to you asking for clarification because under, as you know, underneath Oprah, you are required to give a log of anything that you're choosing not to provide. You have not done that. I thought >> what I wanted to clarify is that December 21st was a Sunday. My I was out of the office from the 20th until yesterday. Okay. >> I am working on your response, Mrs. Donahghue. It I was just back in the office yesterday. I'm not required to respond to you when the office is closed. >> I would never ask you to do that. I did not receive an out of office. >> I'm trying to clarify that

074it it's basically been one day. >> Understood. But the initial request was not. You have to understand the fact that it did say in that OPRA that a that an interim report was provided. They said because of that inter room report was provided and options have been presented, they wanted to be paid. You instantly answered back within an hour stating the fact yes, you paid that invoice. The public should then understand the fact that something has been discussed and something has been provided. That's it's not a conspiracy. >> No. And I'm telling you that what was discussed was their progress up until this point. >> But why aren't you sharing that with the public? >> Can I just clarify? I just want to >> they don't get they get paid for their time. there's been

075no report provided. >> That's common with attorneys, >> auditors, I get that everybody. It doesn't mean that there was a report provided. They get paid because they they spent their time >> and they've been working on this since the summer and have not received any payment at all >> as they shouldn't. They're late on a report that you paid them to do and they haven't provided you that. All I have to say is that you ask for us to put things in email. We do that. We respect the process. Then if you don't want to answer it, it goes unanswered. And everybody should be upset the fact that these things that really impact the community are being disregarded and pushed aside. While I would like to believe the fact that there's no interimm report that's

076been provided, let the log state that. But we're not going to stop asking the questions that need to be said. There's nothing else that's going to happen out of this conversation. I'm disappointed. I congratulate the board. I truly believe in you guys. I mean that. I'm upset with the fact that nothing has moved forward with this and there's still so much more to be learned and we're going to figure it out. So, thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Hi, Jeff Worsher again. Um, that was almost prior to uh the discussion about the hab report almost constructive what I saw up on the board. We're getting information from board members of what they need, your administrators of what they need. I hope you're taking notes, Mr. so that this board and the district can function

077better in the coming year. Uh Mr. Dhy, I just had a clarification on my prior request uh or inquiry on the shared services committee. So if that were to need to turn into a standing committee, would that have to go to vote at today's meeting? >> The shared services committee is a committee that's that's established by the board. Um it it's there's no >> it's an ad hoc committee. >> Well, it's it's established by the board and there's no set time frame of when it meets and when it doesn't meet. You know, our understanding has always been it's been the elected officials of the board and the elected officials of the municipality. It's their committee and right as administrators, we attend to provide information and answer questions, but it's up to them. >> Right. So,

078could someone please make a motion to turn shared services into a standing committee? I'd like to see how everyone votes on that tonight. Thank you. [applause] >> I I just have um I don't know who can clarify this, but I've been on shared sources. I thought that that committee was >> the township and we were invited. >> No, there's been times that the board has called has asked for meetings to agenda items. >> Okay. So, >> it's really up to the board on how this works. Right. We have to coordinate with the township. We don't call the meetings for that. We can request a meeting, but we we need them to coordinate with us. >> Can I can I ask a question? I don't know if I don't even know the answer. Who knows it?

079But we could [snorts] take a vote right now that okay, let's make shared services uh standing committee, whatever that would mean. But we it's shared. It has to be with the township. So, correct. We can't really >> We can't find them then >> on something, can we? >> No. But we can address it when we discuss with them because there used to be four members on shared service. And I know when I addressed it with Frank, he said, Mr. Merkanti said that it couldn't be that way anymore. It should be that way >> because our board is bigger. We have nine people. So, we can have four people attend. And that's what we used to do. We got a lot of great things done on shared services in the past. >> We did. >> And

080it shouldn't be limited to two people. But I I was under the impression that it was the township that limited it, not us. >> Well, they allowed us on there for I was on there for three or four years with four people and then all of a sudden Frank said, you know, Tony said, "No, >> Mr. Can you reach out to the council and ask them out about the committee and how they'd like to >> What do you want me to ask?" >> You know, just about Yeah. How many members they want from the board and then we can just follow. >> How many they want? How many can we have? >> How many do we want? There are legal guidelines about it. I think >> I don't >> there's not campaign majority. >> There

081can be no more than four. >> It should be like the rest. >> I think there only four members of the board on each committee. So if anything, we would probably have four members of this board attend a shared services committee. >> But that's not equal to them because four for them is their quorum, >> right? Right. >> And we cannot require them to attend a meeting. And I think the good thing to do would be to call them and say it is a new board. I know that there was bad feelings last year when our board voted no to their offer for shared services and the offer to buy the property and I think that it's a new board and ask >> nobody voted on that. >> Can I finish? I'm talking. And ask

082them if we can resume monthly meetings or bimonthly or whatever. Respectfully, I feel that that should really be coming from our board leadership and not from me. >> Well, I only said doing me because you were the one who always facilitated those meetings and sent the emails to us whether we were having or not. >> That's because they would they would create the calendar and give it to us, >> right? Then that's my impression that it has been their meeting and their calendar. So, I mean, Chris, feel free. I mean, you're the president. >> Yep. I will I could reach out to them and and find out. Ian Rooney, Middletown resident. Um, first, congratulations to all the newly elected uh, board members. Uh, I appreciate you volunteering your time to help make our community a

083better place. >> Sorry, can you just repeat your name? I didn't Middleton. >> Okay. >> Um, second, um, I do agree with Mr. Morau's comment earlier that um the interactions we've seen in the last few minutes as far public comment I think have been the most productive part of the session so far with board members expressing points of view clarifying things getting interact getting feedback from the administration administration clarifying its concerns at the way meetings were run before and I hope that this dialogue continues among the board in both the committee sessions and the workshop sessions that follow so that the voting sessions are organized and focused on our children and the issues issues that are most pertinent to the Miltown community, including its children and its residents and its taxpayers. Uh, and I and

084so I'd like to see this type of dialogue continue on the membership. Lastly, um, and not not to sing you out, Dr. Alone, but I do wish to express disappointment in the way that you've reacted to some of the feedback um, from the public regarding the u inclusion of administration members. And while I understand as someone who manages teams um that you are protective of your your colleagues and want to make sure that you're putting their best interest first, ultimately I think they're adults. They're capable of speaking for themselves. Um there are channels as was discussed Mr. Veta setting the the tone, managing the meetings properly u for productive dialogue and engagement with all members of the administration, not just it its uh its leaders. and I'd like to see them included in the future

085sessions as has been the practice so that they're available to answer questions publicly from the board and the public uh and that we get the information we need to move forward um in a productive 2026 uh planning year. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Scott McFersonson, Middletown resident. Congratulations to all the uh new board members. So, Dr. Alone, when can we expect the final hab report? >> They have not given us a target date. They said they would reconvene with us during the new year. So, I will follow them before the end of the week, but they did not give us a solid date yet. >> Has there been any communication with them about your or the board of educations or administration's disappointment in how long this is taking to get because I believe we

086were initially told we're going to have an answer in September. >> We thought September, October. they they that's what they had originally promised us um or had stated as their timeline. But I guess because of the complexity of our district, that is what they have cited as being um you know the reason why it's taken um more time. >> Well, are there any ramifications to delivering a lab report? [clears throat] >> So, are we going to put any pressure on them whatsoever in order to get this report? We've been following up with them weekly um you know via email and um to try and dial into and and they're they're they've been requesting information from us all along the way obviously from the operas. You can see that because Mrs. Doerty has provided that information

087to them upon their request. So um certainly we they know that we are waiting for this and certainly a lot of things for us moving forward hanging the balance. Um, but I can't do the work for them. >> No, that's understood. But are we making payments to them? Are we making quarterly payments, monthly payments? >> We made an inter we made a midway payment at their request because they have been working since the summer. Now, does that mean we give them their final payment? No, we would not give them their final payment until the job is done and they've come and presented that information to the public and the board. But was there any discussion about delaying the the midway payment because they haven't they said they would provide this by you know September and

088now we're into Jan we're into 2026 and we still don't have this report >> and and there as with any type of study like this it's tenative timelines um and like I said the complexity of the district um and a lot of the geocoding that they were doing has taken a significant amount of time and then they you know the building walkthroughs the using with the principles. So, you know, unfortunately they're beyond the timeline, which, you know, certainly we would hope to have had this in the fall, but, you know, perfect world. Um hopefully in the next week or so, we'll have some more um information as to the actual solid date and get a date on the calendar because they will be the ones that'll be coming in to present to the public and

089the board. >> Well, to use your your own words that you just said, you know, a lot hangs in the balance. Is this something that we're going to get and then we're going to have no time to digest it and then we're be voting on a budget and, you know, having a repeat of last year, which we obviously don't want. >> Well, we're going to be pushing. I'm I know I am. I'm going to I want to see the report just as much as everybody else. And I and I think one of the first things I said when I took this seat was that as soon as it comes in, it'll be released to the board and the public simultaneously. As soon as we get it, the public will have it and have a chance

090to review it. and we'll we'll make sure it's presented by Habber, you know, as soon as possible. >> And final comment for me, I just hope to see a lot more communication between all of the board members throughout the rest of this year. And we don't walk away from this meeting with the feeling that some board members had communicated [clears throat] before the meeting and not with everyone. We just want to know that the nine elected board members are working for the children and for the public. Thank you. >> Another Thank you. >> Can I can I add something to that? I just have a question just from like a business perspective. Is there um you know, given where we are with with the budget and planning where we can put some kind of ultimatum

091on them at this point? You know, I I understand it's more complicated than they thought it was going to be, but it I mean, >> I I think that I based on our conversation with them in December, they were very close to being ready to give us a report. Um, and they they felt that they would be able to do that in the first half of January. So, like I said, which is which is we're already right, but remember, we just got back into school yesterday. Um, everybody was pretty much shut down for the holiday break. um probably including their business as well. Um so I would assume that within the next week or so we will be getting that report for them and like I said I'm going to follow up with them um

092before the end of this week to see what that actual date will be but and I know Mrs. Doerty was in the same meeting that I was in. I was not unconfident that they weren't going to have that done in the new year right away for us. >> Okay. I just I don't know what the contract looks like, but it feels like it's getting to the point where we might want to look at threatening payment. I I don't know. It's just it's it's so far overdue from a business perspective that it from in the industry that I work in, that would be completely unacceptable. So, I just, you know, given where we are and where we need to go with the budget and planning for next year, this is a vital piece of information for

093us. So, I just feel like if it's not coming in the next week or so, we need to really kind of, you know, put our foot down and say like you're not getting paid for this. >> I I don't believe that that will happen though. That's my I mean, that's the feeling that I got from where they were in their process >> um and what they had promised us in our last call in December. >> Okay. >> Good evening. Uh Bernie Doss, Middletown resident. Um I think Sarah just picked up on a good point. That's why um Emily Opro the um you know like the RFP and the contract with with Habber to just try and glean if there was um you know a stated timeline for what they were going to provide. Um I

094do want to kind of backs stop something that Emily was pointing out is and I'll read an email here. This is from Ross Haver. Good afternoon. This is dated December 1st. Good afternoon. We would like to set up a virtual meeting with you. And this was to Jessica Alone, Amy Dowy, and Tim Annen who I'd like to know who that is. >> He's the um business partner of paper. He works for Ross Haber. >> So he so he's not hired separately by the district. He's a >> he's part of Ross Haber and Associates. >> Okay. And um but it it basically says and you know, Dr. your phone, you the content of the meeting might not have what been what Ross Haber was implying in this email, >> but what's driving Emily's, you know, fear

095that you're discussing options with Ross Haber is this email here. We'd like to set up a virtual meeting with you this Friday at your convenience to discuss several options we are considering. We should be able to complete the study within the next two weeks. So, this was contemporaneous with them saying, "We have an interimm report and we'd like to be paid, right?" Simultaneously, they're saying, "We have several options to present you and we're almost finished, like two weeks away." So, >> well, I can tell you there were no options presented to us. >> Okay. >> So, >> fair enough. >> Yeah. I And you know, all I can do is give you my word because I have no options that we've shared with the board that Amy and I have no options as of now.

096We are waiting just as much as the community is because we would like to get this show on the road. [laughter] >> Yeah. Okay. >> You know, we want to get moving forward with the next steps. I mean, strategic planning is hanging in the balance. We have subcommittees that are waiting to meet. We have a budget to plan for. So, you know, we need the report just as much as the community needs it. >> Very good. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Ashley St, Miltown resident. Can we get a copy of what was presented? No, that's a deliberative document. Um, and falls outside of Oprah. >> Okay. >> Kristen Rooney, Middletown, New Jersey. So, I guess just to piggyback off of the conversations that it's progressed and it's gotten healthier. Um, I guess

097I just want to point out that like not every interaction we're going to have is going to be positive. Not every question is going to be a feel-good kind of question. So to be businesslike, the answers that are given shouldn't be combative and shouldn't be accusatory. Just because somebody asks a question based on something they read that looks like fact, it doesn't mean anyone's accusing anyone. And to immediately be defensive is not useful in any communication, in any relationship. So whether it's something you say to us or whether it's something we ask you about, we're all working together, right? this is like, you know, we have to communicate and sometimes it's not pretty. But um if the reaction is going to be uh negative and accusing and saying, "Well, if this is how you're going

098to act, then we're not going to ask we're not going to answer your questions anymore or we're not going to have these meetings anymore." That's just not how communication works. So, I think as a group of adults, we should agree that sometimes it's not pleasant and that's kind of part of communication. So, I would hope that we all agree that that's, you know, everybody's respectful and civil, but when a question comes across, just because you don't like the question doesn't mean the question's disrespectful. So, an answer just like you just gave that said, "I'm sorry, that's not what happened." Okay? Like, I take your word, right? But initially, that's not what happened. And initially before when questioned like, "Why weren't they here?" It's like well like it was not it was not you know even

099killed and businesslike. So I would say that that's how it should remain and it should remain professional and I think that we would all agree to the same. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We have new business. >> No. >> Can I >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. Um just a quick clarifying question back on the whole committee workshop. >> I'm sorry. Could you repeat your >> sorry BAM Ali River Plaza? >> Um uh just clarifying for me so I understand because I feel like we all kind of got a little jumbled with all the committee small committee committee whole. So um Mr. Aveda you're going to help select you decide the four people on each of the standing committees and it's four because if it ever goes to five then it's the sunshine notice

100and you have to provide public you have to provide um public >> right? Okay. Um, so you keep it to four so that that doesn't have to happen. >> Correct. >> That also means that you don't have to by law provide like lengthy notes if it's under five people, right? >> What do you mean? >> No, like there are minutes for all the meetings. >> So you still will take minutes when you meet as four. Okay. So there still be minutes and then those minutes and those people everyone will come together at a workshop meeting which the public's allowed to come to. >> Yes. Okay. So the four people committees they have their notes. They bring them to the workshop meeting. there's conversation amongst everyone, sharing of what happened at our meetings, hopefully more than

101we've had in the past, you know, a lot more information and notes and things like that. And then there'll be a board of ed meeting like tonight. >> A voting meeting, sorry. Um, a voting meeting on like those discussions and >> Okay, >> cool. Great. Thank you. >> You're welcome. [snorts] >> Anyone else? So, you know what else to >> everybody? Hello. Uh Josh Young, Middletown. Um sorry, got a cold tonight, but uh it's nice to see the board has adjusted a little bit tonight and the interaction with everyone here. Um not all the problems are solved. Your success is our success. Um you know, that being said, the the board members here, you all have a uh burden in this position and the burden is to work together right through these issues. Each issue

102is going to be stronger in the end. It's going to be better for our children if the issue is passed around the table. Everyone has input instead of hidden in the back room. That which has happened in the past, which is what I think we're trying to avoid going forward. Um the [clears throat] one of the things that really bothered me about last year was to find out there's so many corporate donations to individual board members that are occurring, kickbacks. Um there's obviously been a history of at least mild corruption uh occasionally where contractor gives a kickback to a board member. um to avoid that going forward. It really would be helpful for us to know that when every single issue that comes up on the board gets passed around the board and you may

103not like what everyone says, but that's how we get the healthiest decision in uh making what's right for our kids. My concern is that a decision will be made about, oh, we need a renovation on a building that doesn't need a renovation because I'm going to get a kick back in my pocket from Joey, whatever. Right? That's my concern that we are focused on kids and not our pockets. I would like all decisions to be made here publicly with all board members knowing what's going on. And if we have an elderly board member that doesn't understand a question, [laughter] I think we and that's a compliment. >> And that's a compliment. >> Hey, look, >> you got more hair than me. All right. I I you know and but the beautiful part is too is

104that you can explain it to her and you take the extra time to just help her understand what it is because the more you explain it the more you understand and the more we we we all benefit. I my fear is is that um you know a contracting company that puts fake sod down on the ground is going to make a decision for our kids or you know in some nightclub called the Alpha Club. We're all going to find out what happens to our kids from a drinking game. Thank you very much. [applause] Heather Covert Middletown. I had a question hopefully you guys can answer. Is there rules or regulations on the board about um how many how many committees one person can be on? Like could the same four people be on every single

105committee or one person be on every single committee? Is there any structure or governing rules about that? Theoretically, they could be on more than one, two, three committee, but that's that's not going to be my intention. >> Okay. And I don't think we got clarification. Would you be willing to share the information about who asked to be on each committee? >> I don't see why that's relevant. >> Well, we can let it see how it plays out and see who is on each committee, but it would be relevant to know who was excluded from each committee as well. Five people will be excluded from every committee. >> Sure. I'd like to know who those five who asking to be on the committee and who chosen to be on the commission. >> Everything's going to be

106done through email so that you could operate. >> Okay. Why not just share? Why make us open it? Why be transparent? Why not be transparent and just share? >> AB and C has to be on this committee. B and C were chosen 15th. I'll take it under consideration. Okay. >> Thank you. Okay. All right. And then just real quick, because you wanted to talk to me about respect and how we should talk to each other respectfully. >> I think maybe we should go back and revisit how when you were choosing the dates for these meetings, you chose to say, "Can you come on this date?" Eight out of nine people said yes. Okay, that wasn't good enough. I guess you're going for nine out of nine. You said, "Can you come on this date?" And

107then six out of nine could come. three clearly said, "I cannot come. I have a big conflict on this date." You looked away from them. You didn't respond. You didn't give them the respect. You couldn't even take a second to pretend to say, "Oh, I'm sorry. This is the only date that works." But that's not true. If you cared that that one person couldn't come, shouldn't you have had the respect for the three people that said, "I have a serious serious problem with this date." Shouldn't you have given them that respect? Maybe we could have even gone for a third date or gone back to the date that eight out of nine people could have come ju just because you wanted to talk to be about respect. I thought maybe we could we could talk

108about respect a little bit more. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Hi Jeff Warhower again. Uh just a point of clarification regarding committees that the president is effectively on every committee so he doesn't need to be appointed to any committee. Mr. Evetta I just want to make clear that you are effectively on every committee. So you don't need to appoint yourself to any committee. >> I don't understand that. >> Yeah I don't understand. So the the the >> Robert's rules that >> the lawyer can explain it to you, but that doesn't apply here because he still can't attend a committee meeting. >> Doesn't have to because it be a forum, right? >> Correct. >> The superintendent and the president are both exist. Correct. >> But I don't I don't count towards the quorum. >> Right. No,

109no, but the >> I have no desire to serve on every committee. Is that your point? >> No. >> Yeah. Well, there was a concentration of leadership across committees, right, last year, so I have concern with that going forward. >> I once I see everybody's requested committees, >> I'll make a determination and we'll set up the committees accordingly. Until I see that, I I can't make a determination of who's going to be on what committee. >> Okay. I just remember at a prior meeting, Mr. Capone said someone nominated to be the chair of a committee and everyone voted on it because he didn't appoint himself as chair. >> So I just don't I would prefer not to see the president. >> I don't understand what that's about. >> We can go to the videotape but

110>> say maybe you didn't understand that your question but you can clarify if you'd like to. >> That's in the past. So I understand that you have the power to appoint committees. So I would prefer not to see you chair any committees because you are exeicial and can sit on all committees. >> He can't sit on all committees though because we have acquire them. That's the that's the issue. >> Can can can you just help explain what what the issue then is of the exeicio? >> There's two separate issues. So an exeicio position is by the color of your office. You're allowed to go to any committee. >> Yeah. But that that's under Robert Schw. Under the New Jersey Sunshine law, if there's four people of the committee, it doesn't matter if he's an exeicio

111member of that committee. If he's not a named member, he can't go to that committee because that would run violate the open public meetings act, right? >> So if there's four people on the committee and he's not one of them, right, >> and he wants to go to that meeting as an exofficial member of that committee, that would be a violation of the open public meetings. Well, we'd have to ask somebody not so that I can >> So, I I would request you not appoint yourself chair or assign yourself to too many committees. >> I was I was elected to help move this district forward and serve on certain committees. >> I understand. But >> you're you're ask I I No, the answer is no. >> Respectfully. Yeah. I I I just don't understand the

112ask. You're asking me not to be on any committee. I know. No, no, no, no. I under under the assumption that you were already on every committee, but if there are not, >> I have no desire to be on every committee. >> You are. >> We have nine board members here. >> That's great. I'm just concerned with what happened last year and don't want to see it repeated. >> With all due respect, this isn't last year. I think I said that. >> So, just let's give it some time, folks. It's it's one meeting, >> please. That's all I'm asking. >> Fair enough. Thank you. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Said it was 30 minutes >> in public comments though. Before you adjourn, I just have two items to fill the board in and the public

113as well if that's okay. >> Absolutely. >> I know we don't have new business or old business, but um one thing is pretty timely. I'll start with that one. Um, tomorrow the state board of ed is meeting uh to review the new state learning standards and there is a petition by the board in uh Bridgewater Raritin that I'm going to send to everyone as anformational email. It's a petition to add more STEM to the learning standards. Um, and they are considering that tomorrow. So, I know it's late. I just got this. Um, but I will send it to the entire board and I'll also put it out there on social media or maybe we can put it somewhere else because anybody can sign this petition to try to get more uh STEM learning in our

114school standard. >> If you send it to me, I'll put it through on our Instagram account too. >> Great. Unfortunately, I think the hearing is tomorrow, but that's not the final at least that's starting the conversation tomorrow. So, that's the first thing. Second thing is, uh, it's old business, but I guess it could be considered new business, but I just want to fill everyone in. Um over the break I uh in my delegate role on NJSBA I was given some information that regionalization was going to be a huge topic again this [snorts] year for schools which I don't know if everyone has seen the recent uh news reports but um I did send an email to Jess Amy and Frank and I copied Bill Burns our attorney just with some information about regionalization grant that

115is available for us to look into if regionalization is a possibility for And the reason that this has become more timely is that Atlantic Highlands is on the chopping block because of the size of their school. So I don't know whether or not, you know, I just wanted to [snorts] pass that on because I did that in my past capacity as vice president. So whoever wants to look into that or not look into that. >> Jackie, would you be able to actually share that email that you sent to Jess? >> Again, I can just send it to everyone as anformational guest. It's basically just like the press release about the regization grant, but I sent it to Amy so she could apply for it if we were interested. >> Thank you. Would anybody else say

116>> I just think it's important that we uh in a timely fashion come up with board goals for this year because last year we had no board goals or anything [cough and clears throat] look forward to achieve to um so that we could do an appropriate review like we're supposed to do in in June. But we also need the board goals to move forward with the strategic plan which we're supposed to be moving forward with >> and we don't have any. >> I would guess the strategic plan is going to be tied into this >> correct >> paper report. So >> yeah, the board should have goals that also get tied into that when [snorts] they're making those plans. We should have them before it starts. We're supposed to do a review every year and

117I think we've missed several years of it and it is a legal obligation. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> Okay. Before we close, >> sorry, one more thing just for the new board members. When I send when anyone sends informationational emails, please don't reply to all because that's a violation. So these are just the emails I'm about to send are justformational. They're not don't respond. That violates uh Open Public Meeting Act. All right, before we close, if everybody can just email me the committees, I'm looking at the the list uh that was on [snorts] the website. So, if you want to choose which committees you'd like to be on [clears throat] and get that to me as soon as possible so I can work on it and circulate it to the to the rest of

118the board. >> When do you expect to have that together? >> I'm I'm open if I get the emails by this Friday, the latest. >> Okay. I I want to just get it out so we can start scheduling meetings. >> Be ready for >> We do look at a committee meeting next week >> of some sort. Committee meeting. >> Start scheduling them next week because we're on a tight timeline this month. >> Yep. >> Anything else? If not, I'd like to ask for a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? Bye bye.