Sayreville Board of Education Meeting - 05/19/2026

001cation. Miss Hill, can you read the public notice? Okay. Let's Let's go to the to the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call, Miss Roll call. Uh Mrs. Bloom? Here. Mr. Callahan? Here. Mrs. Hernandez? Here. Mrs. Maldonado? Mrs. Napolitano? Mrs. Pabón? Oh, I'm here. Mr. Smith? Here. Mr. Walsh? Here. Mr. Fernandez? Here. Can you summarize executive session? The board discussed personnel, including but not limited to agenda items, grievances related to the Sayreville Education Association and 7, negotiations related to the Sayreville Education Association, student matters, and matters falling under attorney-client privilege. Is there any correspondence of note? No. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to approve the regular and executive session of the April 28th, 2026 meeting. So moved. Second. By Mrs. Pabón and Mr. Smith. We got a roll call? Yep. Mrs. Bloom? Mrs. Bloom? The

002minutes? Yes. Mr. Callahan? Yes. Mrs. Hernandez? Yes. Mrs. Pabón? Yes. Mr. Smith? Yes. Mr. Walsh? Yes. Mr. Fernandez? Yes. Now on to the one of the more exciting parts of the evening, Ms. Callahan. Good evening, Board of Education members and administrators. My name is Samantha Callahan, Serval Middle School Student Council Board of Education representative. Going into the ninth month of the 2025 to 2026 school year, we have many events going on throughout Serval Middle School. The PTO invited parents of fifth graders to the PTO meeting on May 12th. Tickets to the eighth grade semi-formal are on sale. The PTO is also planning a beautification day for the week of May 18th. The PTO is also looking forward to the upcoming field days for the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. The Student Council hosted Anything Goes

003assembly yesterday. Teachers went all three assemblies, however, both teachers and students had fun. Thank you to Mr. Overnites who ref'd. Additionally, they are excited to be attending the NJASC Spring Awards which will be held at Six Flags on June 1st. The Student Council will be selling eighth grade promotion signs for $20. Please look for the flyer via Parent Square on the school website. The club is starting an indoor plant room to be able to pollinate our garden in the spring. The club continues to work on initiatives to inform their peers and their community members about climate change. Such as a proposal for painting a climate change awareness mural at SMS. Starting a food waste program and presenting at the SMS Earth Day summit. The National Junior Honor Society hosted their induction on May 13th at

0046:30 p.m. at Serval Middle School. On Friday, May 29th, the SMS Music Department will host the biggest night of the year in the John P. Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. The highly successful and wildly popular SMS Talent Competition is going to be a night to remember. The teachers and students have been collaborating and rehearsing to create truly memorable performances. Make sure to put May 29th on your calendars now. This is a night you will not want to miss. The Class Act Committee is hosting the ABC countdown to summer. This consists of spirit days leading up to summer vacation. Now on to Serval Middle School athletics. The boys volleyball team finished their season with three wins and nine losses. They will soon celebrate the season they had with a pizza party on June 3rd. The

005girls across team's season has ended. The girls finished off with a record of two wins, one tie, and four losses. This Friday they will be having a pizza party to celebrate their hard work they've had all season. The track and field team has been working hard. Yesterday they had their last meet, which was the GMCs. The guys finished in third overall and the entire team has worked very hard. The softball team is having a good rest of their season. The blue team has a record of four wins and seven losses. This past weekend both the blue and gray team had a tournament in North Brunswick. The blue team's next upcoming game is on Thursday the 21st against Elizabeth. Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the students at Churchill Middle

006School. Yay! It's lovely. Sam, I always have questions. Yes. Um so, what happened at the anything goes? Did anything really go? Um it was very competitive. Surprisingly, like the eighth grade was very hyped up and usually it's like the sixth grade class. Oh, really? >> But it would got really competitive towards the end. >> What was some of the things that you did during the anything goes assembly? So, um one game was called drop the mic and you have to like so um Miss Alexander like picks a word out of like a fishbowl. And you have to like sing a song with that word in it. One was like a teacher or students on a raft and there's like three people below and you have to roll to get like across the court and you

007have to like keep going. Um another one was like Candy Land so you have to do rock, paper, scissors, shoot to like the other side. That one a lot of kids liked. Um and there was one that was called save the animals and like people had pool noodles and you couldn't get hit in the head with one. You had to like grab like the toy animals. There was a lot of fun other games. Yeah, I I don't like getting hit in the head with a noodle either. That sounds really cool. That's that it sounds like a fun time. Yeah. But the eighth graders had actually more energy than the sixth graders. >> Yeah, I think that was the most energetic class. Good luck, Mr. Glowaski. Um talk to me about you going to do it.

008I'm actually going to be a host for the SMS duet. >> Get out of town. That's amazing. Oh, I can't wait to see it. You're going to be a natural. And by the way, you had so much enthusiasm this evening. It was fantastic. I'm imagining the same enthusiasm at duets. Yeah. Great. And finally, I mean lacrosse, I mean the season's over, right? How did How did you personally do? I know the team did okay. How did you do? Um I think I did very good. I think I made a lot of progress from last year. So, I'm glad they added like a middle school teams. Better. I love that attitude. Making a little bit of progress every single day. Great job, Sam. Thank you. And I do want to say that our friend Morgan did

009contact me before the meeting. And uh she has a big birthday today. So, she's with her family. So, we uh we graciously gave her the night off because that is far more important than being with us. Um on a very special birthday for her today. So, um Morgan, if you're watching at home, first of all, why in the world would you be watching at home? Close the laptop, Morgan, and get out there and celebrate with your family. But also know that we miss you very much and we wish you a very, very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Morgan. Thank you, Sam. Great work as always. I'd like to give you an update from the Bombers Cafe, which continues to exemplify what community service, compassion, and opportunity truly look like. Recently, members of the cafe partnered with

010the American Legion to assist in placing flags at the graves of our veterans in preparation for Memorial Day. This meaningful act of respect and remembrance honors those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. The cafe also raised and donated over a thousand dollars to Mary's Place by the Sea. An incredible organization that provides support, healing, and services to women who are battling cancer. We're very proud of the students and the staff for using their talents, efforts, to make make a tangible difference in the lives of others. I also want to congratulate two members of the Brew Crew, Dante and Michael, who will begin their new roles in our school as a bus aid and a cafeteria aid at the Wilson School. Truly. Congratulations to you both as you begin this next exciting chapter.

011Recently, Ms. Bloom and I had the honor of attending the Air Force Junior ROTC Award Ceremony. It was a truly moving event. Recognizing those outstanding young men and women for their leadership, discipline, service, and accomplishments was deeply inspiring. These cadets represent the very best of Sayreville, and the pride that they have in their school and community was evident throughout the event. I also want to recognize Colonel Tomasi and Master Sergeant Sayang for the exceptional work they do with these young cadets. Their mentorship, structure, and encouragement are shaping confident, capable, service-minded future leaders. Our district is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals leading this organization. I also want to note that I had the privilege of participating and speaking at the turning of the time capsule at Kennedy Park. This cap- this capsule will be placed

012in the ground for well over 100 years, preserving a snapshot of our community for future generations. It was a powerful reminder of the legacy we're building together, and the importance of documenting our shared history for those who come long after us. I also want to congratulate one of our own incredibly talented students, Gabriel De Jesus. Gabriel's painting, Self-Lit, was selected from hundreds of submissions to be displayed this summer at the Bruce Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her work will be showcased along pieces from 19 other outstanding students across the tri-state region. This is an extraordinary achievement and we are extremely proud of her creativity, talent, and dedication. This past This past Saturday, the South Amboy Sayreville Rotary Club held its annual car show at the Veterans of Foreign Wars to benefit our local veterans. This

013event was a tremendous success and even featured two icons, the classic car from Christine and the legendary boss, John Walsh. I'd like to extend a special thank you to the VFW, Mayor O'Brien, Council President Zambrowski, Councilman Khalili, Councilman Sonarski, and Councilwoman Nowak, and South Amboy Councilman Conrad for their continued support of our veterans and our community. Their partnership and commitment are deeply appreciated. I also want to take a moment to congratulate the VFW Commander, Danny Vardalas, who was recently named the Grand Marshal of the Sayreville Memorial Day Parade. Commander Vardalas is a true American hero who bravely defended the Pentagon on September 11th during one of the darkest days in our nation's history. This recognition is richly deserved and we thank him for his service, sacrifice, and continued leadership in our community. I also like

014to remind everyone that the VFW will be hosting a second annual Memorial Day event on Journey Mill Road immediately following the parade on Memorial Day. I encourage every everyone to attend. It's a meaningful event that brings the community together to honor those who gave everything for our freedom. And now on to our Vice President comments, which will be presented this evening by Ms. Babone. Hello. Um the first thing I want to do is welcome back our very own, who we love, our superstar of money, who could stretch a penny into a $100 bill with a blink of an eye, Erin Hill. Thank you, Erin, for coming back. Sayreville might not know it, but they do need you, so thank you very much. All right, we want to congratulate the Sayreville War Memorial High School senior,

015Maya Sanford, for recently being awarded the 2025-2026 Middlesex County Secondary Principals Association Outstanding Student Award. Yay for Maya. Um, congratulations to Sam Marley from the Sayreville War Memorial High School girls lacrosse team for scoring her 100th career point. Very good. And I think that is pretty good because we really haven't had lacrosse around for a long time, so you've done quite well. Um, congratulations to Sayreville War Memorial High School art student, Christian Quinapo. Quiapo? Am I saying the name correctly? Quiapo, um, Gabriel De Jesus. Adriana Perriere, that's how he told me to say it, whose artwork placed in the top 15 at the 2026 Congressional Award Ceremony hosted by Congressman Pallone. Christian actually placed third, and Gabriel placed in the top 15 for the second year in a row. Yay! All right, congratulations to Sayreville

016War Memorial High School art students, Paige Cleary and Gabriella Yannuzzi, whose ceramic artwork placed in the juried ceramic competition during the Clay in the Mind Ceramic Competition at Sayreville War Memorial High School, and will have their ceramic work on display at the Noise Arts Garage in Atlantic City beginning on June 13th. Congratulations to our very talented and wonderful students. Thank you, Mr. Boone. And now we have our presentations. Did you read the notice? We don't have an OPRA violation. So, in accordance with chapter 231 public law 1975, this public meeting of the Sayreville Board of Education has been established by sending a copy of the public meeting notice to the Home News and Tribune and to the Star-Ledger. In addition, copies of the announcement of this meeting have been sent to the borough clerk and

017a copy of the notice of the meeting has also been posted on the bulletin board outside the office of the secretary to the board. Thank you very much. And now we're on to the best part of the evening. Best part of the evening by far and in fact, I would dare to say best part of the year. I mean, we all know as Board of Education members and administration that what goes on at these meetings are very, very important. So, every meeting in of itself is very important. However, I've always felt that the last two board meetings of the school year are the most important. And it's because we get to recognize the extraordinary people in our district. We'll recognize some extraordinary students in June, but tonight we have the honor to recognize some absolutely

018amazing and incredible educators that every day come to work and you know, Samantha said it earlier. She comes here and she tries to improve a little bit with what she does and these educators that are here tonight with their families, every day they come to work, they strive to get a little bit better. And they've been doing it for years and years and years cuz they know that the little bit better we become as educators or education support professionals, the more our students will learn. These are truly dedicated individuals who have committed their entire lives to one goal, and that's to promote the best outcomes for children. And I couldn't be prouder to be the superintendent in Sayreville where I get the privilege to work alongside of them each and every day. So, tonight we

019celebrate the absolute very best. Recognizing that that's a tough thing because we have many, many extraordinary educators in this district, but this year these are the educators that their colleagues have selected as being the best. So, to help me, each one of our Board of Education members is going to join a building administrator in recognizing and helping us all celebrate these amazing educators from the 2025-2026 school year. And let's begin with Mr. Sinigaglia from Transportation and Mr. Fernandez so that we can recognize our education support professional from our transportation department. And by the way, I let Mr. Sinigaglia go first because he complained that he has to get here the earliest in the morning. I knew you do. Good evening. You You got to pump that on. Check one, two. We're alive. Good evening. Tonight

020we are honored to recognize Janet Kennedy who has been selected by her peers as the SEA Educational Support Professional of the year for the student transportation department. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from those who work alongside her every day. Those who see firsthand the dedication, the professionalism, and care she brings to her role. Janet has been a school bus driver with the Saugus School District since 2001. For over two decades, she has played a crucial role in ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of our students. As a driver, Janet's responsibilities go far beyond simply getting students from point A to point B. She is responsible for maintaining a safe environment, managing student behavior, and following strict safety procedures. All while serving as one of the first and last school representatives our students

021see each day. But, what truly sets Janet apart is the way she connects with the people around her. I have personally come to expect her cheerful morning greeting of "Good morning, sunshine." which reflects the positivity and energy she brings to the start of each day. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about her character and how she brightens the workplace for those around her. In addition to her daily responsibilities, Janet constantly goes above and beyond. She voluntarily coordinates daily athletic trip assignments, ensuring that these opportunities for extra work are distributed fairly and equitably among her fellow drivers. This is not a required duty, yet she carries it out with integrity, fairness, and a genuine commitment to supporting her co-workers. Janet is always present and willing to help in any way she can. Her peers

022trust her, rely on her, and clearly appreciate her efforts as reflected in this well-deserved recognition. Janet's dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit make her an invaluable member of our transportation department at the Sayreville School District. District. Please join me in congratulating Janet Kennedy on being named the SEA Educational Support Professional Year. >> [applause] [applause] >> And Mr. Fernandez is going to stay up there and welcome Mr. Vanderbeek from the Bombers Beyond Cafe, as well as Mr. Sprague from our security department so that we can celebrate and recognize our next education support professional of the year. So we we would like to congratulate um for the SEA Educational Support Professional of the Year uh John Carusello um from the Bombers Beyond Cafe. John is a perfect personality fit at the Bombers Beyond Cafe. He comes every day.

023He's the first face the kids see coming off the bus. He's the last one to say goodbye to them. Um he totally embraces the meaning of the happiest place on in Sayreville and we couldn't be happier to have him at at the Bombers Beyond Cafe, so >> [applause] >> Um I just like to congratulate John. Um he's the type of guy where no matter what you ask him to do, he's right there to do it. Uh anything he ever needs, he's quick to uh let me know different things that goes on. And uh he's an asset. I really appreciate him. And uh thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> John couldn't be here John couldn't be here tonight. Let's give a HAND FOR JOHN. >> [applause] >> OKAY, SO THE NEXT GROUP THAT TOLD ME,

024"LABBIE, we have to get to school early tomorrow, so we better go next." Um I would like to ask Mrs. Bloom to join our high school administration, Mr. Gluhosky and his assistant principals, up at the podium so that we can recognize the extraordinary educators from the high school. Ready, Freddy? All right, we're going to start from the high school with the uh individual that couldn't make it tonight. Um but a very integral part of our school. Stephanie Morris, our educational support professional of the year, is our nurse, ex- exemplifies excellence, compassion, and dedication in every aspect of her role. As a highly skilled and thorough medical professional, she brings both expertise and exceptional organizational ability to the daily demands of our school. Her calm demeanor, patience, and poise make her a trusted presence for students

025and staff alike, especially in the moments when care and reassurance matter the most. Stephanie is a proud Bomber who consistently goes above and beyond, not only safeguarding the health and well-being of our students, but also supporting our entire staff with kindness and professionalism. Her commitment and heart make Searles War Memorial High School a better, stronger place each day. >> [applause] >> Next, our SEA Educational Support Professional of the Year, Dawn Kosobudzki, is truly an extraordinary member of our school community whose kindness, dedication, leadership shine through in everything she does. As the advisor of the Leo Club, she has helped foster a thriving organization that emphasizes service, leadership, and connection, guiding a large and active group of students who consistently give back to both the local and broader community. Under her guidance, the club has taken

026on countless initiatives, from community cleanups and food programs to toy drives to fundraisers, in partnership with the Lions Club, empowering students to make a meaningful difference while developing lifelong leadership skills. Dawn's tireless commitment, organization, and genuine care for others reflect the very best of what it means to be part of the Searles War Memorial High School. She is not only a leader, but an amazing person who makes a lasting impact on our students, our school, and the entire Searles community. And we will deeply miss you as you will be retiring shortly. >> [applause] >> You can stay. Just a minute. All right. And last but not least, Kelly Donnelly is a true cornerstone of Seabreeze Memorial High School and a shining example of what it means to be a bomber. I deeply mean that, by

027the As a dedicated member of the mathematics department, she consistently brings passion, expertise, and care to her classroom, helping students grow both academically and personally. Beyond teaching, Kelly's impact reaches every corner of our school. Whether she's leading the school store, guiding the class of 2029 as their advisor, or capturing memories all these years as the yearbook advisor, she gives her time and energy selflessly. She works tirelessly to support students and enhance the school community. Kelly wears the blue and gray with unmistakable pride and dignity. And her commitment, spirit, and heart make her truly deserving of this Teacher of the Year. Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> And because believe it or not, our preschools actually open at about the same time as our high schools. We're going to ask Mrs. Hernandez to please join Ms. Burns,

028Ms. Magistro, and Ms. Obrich at the podium so that we can honor and celebrate our preschool educators of the year. >> [applause] >> I'm sorry, Dr. Burns. Good evening, everyone. Anyone who has stepped foot into Christie Charvates' classroom can tell that she is a natural, someone who was meant to teach. Hers is a classroom where trust and love flourish, where behavioral challenges are met with patience and care, where every child feels valued and safe regardless of their background or ability level. She teaches like she does everything else, with absolute and unfiltered joy. Ms. Christie donates essential items like diapers and snacks to help students' families who are in need, and she actively identifies services that can support her students and their families. I received countless compliments from grateful parents about her positive influence on their

029children. She has also developed a quiet but strong leadership role at Solover, earning her the respect and admiration of our staff. She serves on multiple building committees and was a key contributor in writing our school's mission statement. She welcomes student teachers and has served as mentor for first-year teachers, but truly she's a willing resource for everyone. Ms. Christie organizes our annual Thanksgiving food drive in collaboration with the Bombers Beyond Cafe. She initiated what has become a traditional winter music and literacy assembly for students, and she She famous or infamous for her wholehearted participation in staff games and competitions. Where Christie goes, fun follows. For all of these reasons, it is with incredible pride that we recognize Ms. Christie Charvette as our Teacher of the Year. >> [cheering] >> Mrs. Dawn Civitello is in her second

030year as Soloverse instructional coach, and what a blessing she has been. Her extensive classroom experience has made her an early childhood expert, and her passion for sharing that expertise has made her an incredible resource for our school. Ms. Dawn's deep knowledge and passion for preschool are evident in everything she does. She models lessons, offers support, brainstorms ideas. She designs meaningful professional development sessions for teachers and power professionals tailored to specific individual needs. She is the suggester of small, easy-to-manage changes, which make a huge impact on our classrooms and in our teaching practice practices. She is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, reminding teachers of why they started and why their work is so important. She is the first to roll up her sleeves, helping to clean and organize classrooms, distribute supplies, prepare

031materials. She gives shout-outs to recognize teachers who took a risk and tried something new, to those who've been struggling to master school tools elements, to others who need a little encouragement or a good job. Ms. Dawn is ready to do whatever it takes, no matter what the challenge, and does so with genuine kindness and a beautiful smile. I'm grateful to know, grow, and learn with her. Congratulations to our Governor's ESP of the Year, Mrs. Dawn Civitello. >> [applause] >> Miss Kerry Ann Shrews is one of the original power professionals for Project Before Preschool. And I think what you need to understand about preschool power professionals is that they do everything. Preschool powers are co-teachers, assisting during whole group lessons and independently instructing small group learning. They are sounding boards for our teachers to bounce ideas

032around with. They act as caregivers, potty training, reinforcing manners, running around on the playground with our children. Preschool power power professionals are the backbone of Project Before, and Miss Kerry does all of it with skill, patience, and dedication. Miss Kerry has an innate way of making people feel special. During moody morning duty, for example, whether it's 7° outside, pouring rain, or so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk, Miss Kerry's genuine smile starts the day for students on a positive note. She greets all of our little learners by name, comment- commenting to each about something specific, a child's smile, her dress, his actions from the the day prior, to make them feel loved, seen, and valued. Miss Kerry is an exceptional resource for colleagues, always happy to share her knowledge and expertise. She's

033an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a treasure trove of strategies specific to any situation that arises. Ms. Carey will help where needed without complaint and participates in after school events and activities whenever possible. She offers honest feedback about our school community and is an active member of school-based committees. Project Before It's Cool Over is a better school because Ms. Carey is a part of it and I am a better better person for knowing her. Congratulations, Ms. Carey Andrews. Are you ready for me? Okay. Tonight we gather to celebrate an exceptional educator and a truly special member of our Cheesecake family. Our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Caitlin Lozito. Ms. Caitlin is someone who brings countless talents into our school each and every day, but what stands out most is her incredible

034ability to connect with every single student who walks into her classroom. There is something truly magical about the way she teaches. Her classroom is not just a place to learn. It's a place where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to be themselves. Although Ms. Caitlin has only been a part of Cheesecake for a few years now, she has already captured the very essence of what a preschool teacher should aspire to be. She embodies everything we hope to instill in our youngest learners. Just like we encourage our preschools preschoolers to do, Ms. Caitlin shares ideas openly and she does it enthusiastically. She collaborates, she lifts others up, and she brings creativity and joy into everything she touches. Her caring nature is evident in every interaction and her patience, no matter the situation, is nothing short of

035remarkable. What truly sets Ms. Caitlin apart are the meaningful, lasting bonds she creates. The connection she builds with her students will stay with them long after they leave her classroom. She doesn't just teach children, she nurtures them, believes in them, and helps them grow into confident learners. And her impact doesn't stop there. Ms. Caitlin has a unique and beautiful way of connecting with her families. Her classroom becomes a community, one where families feel welcomed, engaged, and valued. In fact, her events are so special that families never want to leave until I make the announcement over the intercom saying something like, "Your event is now over. Thank you for coming. Please make your way to door one." That seriously speaks volumes about the warmth and sense of belonging she creates. Ms. Caitlin, you are everything an

036educator should be and more. Your passion, your dedication, and your heart make an unforgettable difference in the lives of your students and their families. We are so proud to celebrate you tonight. Congratulations on your well-deserved honor. You truly shine as our teacher of the year. >> [applause] >> So, today tonight we have the privilege of honoring an extraordinary member of our Cheesecake family, our educational services professional of the year, Ms. Britney Bouaphanh. >> [cheering] >> At our school, Ms. Britney wears many hats, but at the heart of everything she does is her role as our social worker. And if you truly know Ms. Britney, you understand that this means she handles just about anything and everything that comes her way. No matter the situation, no matter the challenge, she steps in with compassion, professionalism, and

037an open heart. Ms. Britney is always there for our students, our staff, and for our families. She doesn't just offer, she gives herself the time time and time again, making everyone around her feel seen, heard, and supported. What makes her impact even more special is the way she connects with our youngest learners. Through school-wide themes that our preschoolers will remember for years to come, she creates meaningful experiences that shape who are they become who they are becoming. She doesn't just teach lessons, she builds character. Kindness, empathy, and respect come alive when Ms. Britney walks into the classroom. And perhaps one of the most remarkable things about her is this, she knows every preschooler by first and last name. And not only that, she can tell you something about each and every one of them. That

038level of care, attention, and connection is something you can't teach. It comes from the heart. It truly makes It truly takes a special person to make the kind of difference that Ms. Britney makes every single day. Well, I share her with Ms. Nina, but on the day she's in my school, okay? Beyond the classroom, she strengthens our community and through our parent workshops, she thoughtfully plans and executes them month after month. Her work reaches far beyond our walls and leaves a lasting impact on families. Miss Britney, we appreciate you more than words can express. We appreciate every connection you build, every lesson you teach, every moment you give, and every life that you touch. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. You inspire us and we are so lucky to have you. And finally, it is truly

039an honor to stand here tonight and celebrate someone who has made an incredible impact on our Cheesecake community. Our Educational Support Professional of the Year, Paul Sacola. >> [cheering] >> Many of them Many of us know him as Mr. Paul, but if you walk through our preschool halls, you'll hear a much more special name, Mr. Paul. And that says everything you need to know. To our youngest students, he's not just a campus monitor, he's a hero. A steady presence, a friendly face. Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> Someone Someone they look up to and trust completely. Every single day Paul is there, rain or shine, morning or afternoon, making sure our students arrive safely and leave safely. He is calm at the busiest times of day, the watchful eye both inside and outside our building, and

040the dependable constant that keeps everything running smoothly. But what makes Paul truly exceptional goes far beyond his role. He is the person you can count on, no matter what. Whether it is a big issue or a small one, whether you're a staff member in need of support or a student who just needs a moment of reassurance, Paul is there. No hesitation, no question, just genuine care and willingness to help. Now, if you don't know Paul well, you might notice his tough exterior at first, but those who don't do know him understand something much deeper. Beneath that exterior is someone with a heart as soft as every kitten he has ever rescued. And that kind of shows in everything he does, quietly, consistently, and without ever asking for recognition. Paul, what you bring to this to

041our school cannot be measured by a job description. You bring safety, compassion, humor, reliability, and heart. You make our school a better place just by being there. We are so grateful for you. We admire you, and today we celebrate you. Congratulations, Mr. Paul. You are incredibly deserving of this honor. And from all of us, especially your biggest fans, our preschoolers, we love you, Mr. Paul. No one running power cord. >> [applause] >> And now this time I'd like to ask Mr. Fernandez to go back up to the podium and join Mr. Nürnberger and our middle school administration so that we can recognize our extraordinary middle school educators of the year. Good evening everyone. Uh it is my distinct pleasure to recognize three incredible individuals at Starr Middle School. First, our educational services professional of the

042year, Cesarina Cook. >> [applause] >> If you don't know, Mrs. Cook is our ESL teacher. And many of her students are brand new to our our country, have just stepped foot in our school. They're in a new land surrounded by a new language and a new culture. And in this sea of uncertainty, there's Mrs. Cook. Warm, compassionate, and calm. She epitomizes what it means to teach the whole child. Academics, social, and emotional. You are the very best. Her family engagement, her parents are on a first name basis. She knows them well and it truly shows in the children's progress throughout the years. Well done, Mrs. Cook. You're an incredible TEACHER. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> OUR GOVERNOR'S EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR THIS year is Mr. Donagan. Yes. Mr. Donagan is truly an exceptional, exceptional individual

043and you know, somebody who stands out in the school not just for what he does in the classroom, but what he does for the entire school. His commitment to our kids and our school shows every single day. He goes above and beyond, not just for the kids in his classroom, but for the whole entire building. His basketball team, his classes, the kids in the hallway, he's making an effort with them from the start of the day to the end of the day. There is no downtime with Mr. Donagan. But the thing that really brings it all together is his passion for what he teaches. His passion comes through each and every day in the classroom. If you go in that classroom, you see it come through. And those kids that are sitting there are buying

044what he's selling every single day. Mr. Donagan, you are a phenomenal teacher and that's my honor to present this AWARD TO YOU. >> [applause] >> AND LAST, WELL THOUGH I'M A LITTLE UPSET WITH HER for retiring on me, our educational support professional of the Year, Margaret Ritter. >> [applause] >> Many of you know me and know that keeping me on task and organized is no burden anyone should have to bear. Truly. Margaret comes in every day with a smile on her face and does just that. And I couldn't even think about doing my job without her. So, thank you very much, Margaret. She is the glue that keeps the building together every day in that office. Poise, professionalism, and grace. Thank you so much for everything you do, MARGARET. >> [applause] [applause] >> AND LASTLY,

045CAN'T FORGET ABOUT MS. CONSALMANO. Our New Jersey Counseling Association Compassionate Counselor Award, Mrs. Consalmano. >> [applause and cheering] >> Compassion just starts it, right? When you think about a counselor, you think about warmth and compassion and caring and all of those amazing things that our counselors bring to the table. But what you might not see is a fierce advocate for our kids. Don't get between her and her students. Let me tell you something. She is an incredible, incredible asset to our building, to our administration, and to our district. She truly, truly shines and is is an example of one of the best SACS in our state. So, Doreen, Ms. Consalmano, congratulations and PLEASE COME UP. >> [applause] >> WE'RE OVER HERE. LET'S GET THIS PIC. WE GOT TO GET MR. DONIGAN home to >> the

046next game. >> [applause] >> And now to recognize and celebrate our amazing educators from the Samoset Upper Upper Elementary School, I'd like to ask Mr. Walsh to join Mr. Tola and Mrs. Cargill and niece at the podium. Good evening. I would like to recognize our SEA Educational Support Professional of the Year, Tammy Taylor. YAY! >> [applause] >> AND I'D LIKE TO SHARE UM SOME THOUGHTS OF THE NOMINATION, and I share in the same sentiments. Although Tammy works behind the scenes, she is always doing it with a great big smile. Tammy is a dedicated member who works from the for from the very early morning until the job is done. She works on a team that feeds over a thousand students and teachers. She is often called upon to prepare food for other schools and administrators

047in the district as well. Thank you, Tammy, for all that you do behind the scenes for our students, staff, and the Saugus community. Congratulations, Tammy, SEA ESP of the year. >> [applause] >> Next, I would like to recognize Cassandra Martin, the SUS Educational Services Professional OF THE YEAR. >> [applause] >> MS. MARTIN IS AN EXCEPTIONAL counselor who always goes above and beyond for her students. She has made an impact on the students she has worked with and built trusting relationships with both them and their families. She assists students in their emotions, social emotional well-being, and academics. She has worked with outside agencies to support students with transitions and changes in their lives. Ms. Martin displays leadership often by taking on initiatives such as week of kindness, school-wide banners with positive messages, holiday cheer, coffee sleeves,

048and testing coordinator. And she does a great job as testing coordinator. She shares her time and talent with others through the district culture and climate committee, district I&RS committee, SUES SEL committee, school safety team, and the threat assessment team. She provides students with a sense of community by attending school and community events, co-advising the Willoughbys Club, and leading clubs such as Minecraft, Calming Crafts, Wonderous Writers, and Page to Stage. Ms. Martin's positive attitude puts students and staff at ease. She is reflective in her practice and a problem-solver when issues arise. Staff know that they can go to Ms. Martin with a multiple with multitude of different situations, and she will support them in their needs. She is a compassionate and dedicated school counselor. We are fortunate to have Ms. Martin as part of the SUS

049community. Congratulations, Ms. Martin, SUES ESP OF THE YEAR. >> [applause] >> AND OUR SUS TEACHER OF THE YEAR, although she retired April 30th, Mrs. Betsy Cassman. >> [applause] >> Mrs. Cassman has shared her love of teaching with her students for the last 27 years. She has served as a special education and regular education teachers for students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Her classroom was colorful and student-centered, creating an inclusive setting where students were supported in their academic and social-emotional growth. Mrs. Cassman took on leadership roles in her time as an educator and served the Samsel community. Mrs. Cassman volunteered for character education, technology, and reading nights. She was an active member part of our Samsel Advisory Committee, Character Education Committee, and began the monthly breakfast committee with a colleague. Mrs. Cassman planned with her co-teacher

050often, and students benefited from their cross-curricular activities. She hosted families where they were able to see their children come alive in the wax museum or poetry slam. Mrs. Cassman made a lasting impression on her students and them on her. She has attended several high school graduation ceremonies to celebrate former students. She has received praise and gratitude from former fifth graders when they come back to Samsel for the Heroes and Cool Kids or senior parade of graduates. As someone who has witnessed the joy in both the teachers' eyes and the students' eyes, you know that this teacher has touched the lives of children. Congratulations, Mrs. Cassman, SUES Teacher OF THE YEAR. >> [applause] [laughter] >> OH MY GOD. LET'S GIVE A BIG HAND FOR OUR STAFF. >> [applause] >> AND NOW I'D LIKE TO ASK MRS.

051PABONE to join Mr. Byrne at the podium. We're switching it up. I knew I'd catch you off guard. Going Wilson first to celebrate our incredible educators of the year from the Wilson Elementary School. Mr. Byrne? How are you? >> [laughter] >> Well, it's a delight to be here tonight. I've been told by the audio visual department I need to stay in a box. So, if you think there's like the like a invisible fence here, I just want to do that. And there's no Vygotsky. No mentioning of Vygotsky. >> Actually, I was going to. Okay. I I think Mr. Eaglis might have money on it actually. I'm going to First of all, I'm going to do things a little differently. I'm going to ask Heather to come up, please, and Michelle to come up. Come on.

052I'd like you to be here while I am talking about you. Tina Kieran is the other person uh this evening and she is not able to do do be able to be here tonight cuz of family commitments. So, when I interview people, I commonly will ask them besides the salsa question, uh I will ask them for words to describe themselves. So, uh let's start with um Heather here, Heather Monahan, who is our governor's teacher of the year. So, with Heather, I actually went I went by the seat today. Uh and I said, "Heather, would you describe yourself as being adaptable and flexible and and perseverant?" And as you can see by her nodding of her head, she agreed with me in terms of those um adjectives that we are we are used for her. And

053the key thing about that is that Heather started at the high school, then went to the middle school, skipped the UES for some reason, I don't know why, um and then went to the elementary school. So, she has taught everything from kindergarten all the way up to high school. Now, in the interim of that, she also was the coach for the boys uh cross country and track team there at the high school. Um she's also in her free time has been able to gain a master's in reading with a reading specialist uh cert. So, as you can see, she brings all that dynamic to us at Wilson uh in terms of Oh, one more thing. Um because of all that experience as well, she's a great role model for all of our teachers because of

054the fact that she has had so many different experiences. And so, the values that she has really, unless time permits me to speak further, I will have to cut off a little bit simply because of the fact that there's another matter I want to talk about in terms of Heather's background. Now, respectfully, um sometimes you reach an age in life when you turn the pages of the calendar and one side becomes a little thicker than the other. Okay? So, Heather and I share a common quality as athletes in terms of loving to run and to swim. So, in time you start asking some questions like Do you ever have that injury? Um does this ache sometimes with you? Um and so, it becomes a situation where I'm using that as metaphorically to express how other

055teachers come, and they ask her different questions. And so, I know you can plainly see this is why she is the Governor Educator of the Year award. Heather, congratulations to you. Okay. >> [applause] >> I have I have my flowers in water, so I brought bags, so you don't get it doesn't drip on you, okay? Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Okay, so I'm going to do Tina next. You mind? Okay, I'll get to you next. So, Tina Kieran is our ESP of the year. Um Tina Kieran is a math ASI math specialist at Truman School. Pardon me, Truman. That's where I first met her, Truman. Um she's actually at Wilson now. Aren't you There we go. Because she's been to Eisenhower, she's been to Truman, and now she's at Wilson. And as was said before,

056you know, she she she she knows what it what's like here. So, Tru- Tina is a real example of having deep cerebral roots. So, Tina actually got her first job here in the district because the former high school principal remembered her from student council. And and he said, "You need to send me your resume." So, Tina did, and that's how it all started here for for Tina. Now, again, the theme here with all of our teachers, and I think for all of our district teachers as well, is the fact that teaching is a very personable experience. You do different things and you make an impression on people, families. And that's really one of the rewarding aspects of being a teacher. And Tina, I'll tell you a great story. Tina was in Old Navy a couple

057of weeks ago, and a parent walks up to her and says, "Mrs. Kieran." And so, Tina says, "Hi, how are you?" And the parent begins to explain to her about her daughter. Now, Tina was a bit perplexed because the mother began to share a story about the fact that her daughter now is 26 and is a scientist. And Tina said, "I'm only 29, so how did you get to be 26?" Um but that's Tina Kieran because of the fact that she's able to make those connections with children, and I think thematically you see that with all of our uh awardees tonight in terms of what happens in terms of the the dynamic nature of being a teacher. And so, our hands off and our claps for uh Tina Kieran, who is the ESP of the

058year. I'll bring that to her, thanks. And finally, we have as our SEA ESP of the year, um we have Michelle Sipri. Now, Michelle is a person who loves children. Would you agree with that? Yes. Um very very interested in people. Um in fact, she did such a job with us that they took her from us, okay? And she's now up at the high school. And we miss you. Um but we thank you very much for that dedication you gave us, a real care for people. Uh and I think that's one of the things we see in the people who come to Wilson. We really care about people, respectfully to everybody else, but we put a little special zip on the ball there for that. And that's something that we do, and I really want

059to thank you for Michelle for all of your service to us and we thank you very much for coming out and uh remember those flowers will drip. Um but we want you to have those and so we hope that you have a a great night and thank you Mr. Troy so much. So those are our Wilson people for the year. Thank you so very very much. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And Mrs. Babone is going to stay up there and she's going to welcome Mrs. Stuber up at the podium so that we can celebrate and honor our Truman educators of the year. >> [applause] >> Hi everyone. It is my honor to recognize this year's educational support professional of the year, Virginia Colley. >> [applause] >> VIRGINIA IS TRULY AN ESSENTIAL PART of our school

060community. Her knowledge, professionalism, and dedication are evident in everything that she does each day. From managing purchasing and budgeting responsibilities to overseeing attendance office duties, she handles every task with accuracy, efficiency, and care. Our school depends on her expertise, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly. What makes Virginia especially deserving of this recognition is not only her hard work, but the way she supports everyone around her. She works closely with administration, staff, students, and families, always making our school welcoming a welcoming environment built on kindness and respect. Whether assisting a student who needs encouragement, helping a staff member solve a problem, or supporting teachers who have questions or concerns, Virginia is always willing to help with patience and compassion. She makes the office and the school community a priority

061every single day. No matter how busy she may be, she approaches each situation with a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to assist anyone who needs support. Virginia is hardworking, dependable, kind, and caring. The type of person every school hopes to have as part of its team. Her dedication has made a meaningful impact on our students, staff, and school community. We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside her. Please join me in congratulating and thanking Virginia Cully for her outstanding service and for being named SEA's Educational Support Professional of the Year. Unfortunately, Virginia's >> [applause] >> unable to be here today. It's her daughter's birthday. Dina Brock is Truman School's Educational Services Professional. For the past 13 years, Dina has served as a Child Study Team Learning Consultant with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and compassion. Her commitment

062to students and her collaborative spirit have made her an invaluable member of our school community. Dina consistently demonstrates a hands-on approach in supporting students and families. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every child receives the individualized attention, guidance, and resources needed to succeed. Her ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues fosters trust and creates a positive environment where all learners can thri- Excuse me. Environment where all learners can thrive. As a vital member of the child study team, Dina brings expertise, insight, and thoughtful leadership to the important decisions that impact student success. Whether assisting with evaluations, collaborating on intervention plans, or supporting teachers in implementing effective strategies, she's always willing to lend a hand. She's not only a knowledgeable consultant, but also a mentor, advocate, and trusted colleague who ensures

063that every student's voice is heard and every child's needs are met. Her professionalism, reliability, and passion for education have had a lasting impact on Truman School. Dina exemplifies the very best qualities of an educational service professional. Dedicated, hard-working, compassionate, and student-centered in all that she does. It is with great pride that we recognize and honor Dina Brock for her outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. And unfortunately, Dina was not able to be here tonight as well. We'll give her A HAND ANYWAY. >> [applause] >> AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, IT IS MY pleasure to announce to announce Andrea Lopez as Truman School's recipient of the Governor's Educator of the Year Award for the 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. >> [applause] >> ANDREA IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE

064of what all educators should strive to be. Cervall has been fortunate to have her as part of our team for more than 15 years. During her career, she has taught kindergarten, kindergarten inclusion classes, and kindergarten first grade pull-out replacement classes. Andrea demonstrates dedication, creativity, kindness, and compassion in everything that she does. She is deeply connected to her students and is always willing to offer support, guidance, and expertise to both colleagues and families. Her upbeat personality, sense of humor, and caring nature create a classroom environment where students feel valued, engaged, and excited to learn. Andrea recognizes that every child learns differently and thoughtfully incorporates a variety of teaching modalities to ensure student success. She's been trained in multiple reading and phonics programs and implements them with fidel- fidelity in her classroom. Her creativity and thoughtful lesson

065planning is consistently shared with her team, reflecting her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. She takes the time to truly know each student and uses their individual interests to make learning meaningful and engaging. Andrea also maintains open communication with parents and encourages them to take an active role in their child's education, strengthening the partnership between home and school. Andrea continues to make a profound difference in the lives of her students and throughout the Truman school community. Congratulations, Andrea, on being named TRUMAN SCHOOL TEACHER. >> [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS. I'M THE ONLY ONE HERE. LET'S GIVE A BIG HAND FOR ANDREA. >> [applause] >> OKAY, SO NOW I'D LIKE TO ASK MR. SMITH to join Mr. Rubino at the podium so that we can honor, celebrate, and recognize our incredible Eisenhower educators OF THE YEAR. >> [applause]

066>> GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. TONIGHT, it's a privilege to recognize Miss Stephanie Gantanker, Eisenhower Elementary School's Governor Educator OF THE YEAR. >> [applause] >> MISS GANTANKER SERVES AS OUR ML teacher and is an integral part of our school community. She collaborates across all grade levels in our building, supporting both new and experienced teachers while strengthening instruction throughout our school. Within our building, Stephanie is a trusted colleague. She contributes thought thoughtfully professional discussions including the principal round table meetings and plays an active role in school initiatives. She also fosters a positive staff culture through organizing daily birthday recognitions. Her greatest impact, though, is seeing her dedication to our students. She ensures that multilingual learners feel supported, challenged, works closely with teachers, and provides additional opportunities through the morning ML Academy. She also collaborates

067with the RTI team to meet diverse student needs and advocate for each one of her children. Stephanie creates an inclusive environment that celebrates students' cultures and backgrounds, fostering a true sense of belonging. She builds strong family partnerships by providing accessible communication, translations, and ongoing supporting to parents. On a personal note, I'm grateful for not only her dependability and willingness to contribute in any way that benefits our school community. Stephanie exemplifies dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to students and families. She represents the very best of our profession. It is with great pride that we recognize Ms. Stephanie Gantt as Eisenhower Elementary School's Governor Educator of the Year. CONGRATULATIONS, STEPHANIE. >> [applause] >> IT'S NOW AN HONOR TO STAND BEFORE YOU tonight to recognize our Educational Service Professional of the Year from Eisenhower Elementary School, Ms. Kelly

068Murphy. >> [applause] >> For the past 15 years, Ms. Murphy has been an integral part of Eisenhower family, serving in various roles focused on supporting students with diverse learning needs. As our ASI math teacher, she continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on every student that she serves. What sets Ms. Murphy apart is her unwavering commitment to all learners. She skillfully differentiates instruction so every child can succeed, ensuring students feel supported, confident, and capable in their learning. Ms. Murphy's contributions extend beyond the classroom. As a dedicated member of the Sunshine Committee, she helps build staff morale through events that bring our school community together, always going above and beyond to support others around her. She also consistently brings thoughtful and impactful initiatives to our school that enhance both student learning and our staff culture.

069She also plays a vital role in our RTI team, collaborating with colleagues to develop targeted interventions that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. On a personal note, I can always count on Ms. Murphy's willingness to help, problem-solve, and support our school in any way needed. She consistently demonstrates a team-first mindset. Most importantly, Ms. Murphy's a truly great person who brings compassion, patience, and calm to everything that she does. She builds strong relationships with her students, becoming a trusted and dependable presence in their lives. Ms. Murphy truly represents the qualities we value most at Eisenhower: dedication, kindness, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in all students. It is with great pride that we recognize Ms. Kelly Murphy as our Educator Service Professional of the Year. CONGRATULATIONS, MS. MURPHY. >> [applause] >> AND NOW, OUR SEA

070ESP of the Year. It's a pleasure to recognize Ms. Lauren Strano as Eisenhower Elementary School's SEA Educational Service Professional of the Year. Ms. Strano exemplifies professionalism, her dedication, and genuine commitment to her students' success. From the moment she joined Eisenhower, she quickly built strong, positive relationships with students and established a structured, supportive learning environment where children feel confident and valued. In her role as power professional, Ms. Strano consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a strong understanding of her students' needs. She works collaboratively with teachers, staff, and helping to ensure that instruction is meaningful, consistent, and supportive for all learners. Ms. Strano is always prepared, she's proactive and willing to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed. She has ultimately that calm demeanor. Ms. Strano, always willing to step in, support others, and contribute positively to

071our school community. Ms. Strano's compassion, professionalism, and commitment to her actions make her truly deserving of this recognition. It is great pride that I we recognize Ms. Lauren Strano as our Educational Service Professional of the Year from the SEA. CONGRATULATIONS, MS. STRANO. >> [applause] [applause] >> AND OF COURSE, MR. PRESTON, WE'RE SAVING the best for the last. Mr. Kallian, can you please join Mr. Preston at the podium so that we can celebrate and honor our truly amazing educators of the year from the Arleth Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Absolutely. So, it's my pleasure to recognize this year's Educational Service Professional of the Year, Megan Grove. Megan Megan consistently goes above and beyond to support the students of our school community. She's always ready and willing to help step in and help students in need while

072also working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. And what makes Megan truly exceptional in her compassion is her compassion and unwavering focus on doing what is best for children, whether it's supporting the students directly or contributing thoughtful insight during meetings and discussions. She approaches every situation with professionalism, empathy, and care. Megan is an invaluable part of our school community, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. We are incredibly proud to have her in our on our team and to recognize her for the positive impact that she makes each and every day. So, join me in congratulating Megan Grove as our Educational Service Professional of the Year. >> [applause] [applause] >> And now, it is truly my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Arleth's Teacher of the Year,

073Nicole Jacoby. >> [applause] >> Nicole represents everything we value in education from the minute she walked in the door for her interview. We knew we needed to have her as a member of our family here at Arleth. She is an outstanding teacher who makes learning engaging and meaningful for her students while also serving as a dedicated and valued member of our community. Nicole consistently has gone above and beyond to help our students, staff, and families. Her classroom is a reflection of her organization, her creativity, and thoughtful planning. Beyond the classroom, she's deeply involved in our school community, leading the Willobees program, serving on district professional development committee, supporting technology, and helping lead our Golden Awards program. Many of our school-wide events also carry Nicole's creative touch. And her husband will see the Amazon account go

074from all the things that she does and and support the our community. From the unforgettable cereal box domino display to this year's food drive which featured decorated monster boxes that students can feed with their donations. And I think we had over 1,200 lb collected and that's just what we turned into one we split it through different donors. So, what really makes Nicole special, however, is her the relationships that she builds and the way she generally cares for the people around her. She's always willing to help, always positive, and always focused on doing what's best for students. So, her dedication, creativity, compassion make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition. So, please join me congratulating Nicole Giacobbe. >> [applause] [applause] >> And Mr. Fernandez, before we conclude uh the report section, I do want to commend everybody

075that that that that stayed to to congratulate and welcome and you know, celebrate everyone. I appreciate it. Everybody that stayed to to do that. [applause] I appreciate that. Thank you. And we're deeply grateful to each and every one of you. You truly represent the best of the best. And moreover, you you represent all the great teachers and support professionals in our school. Thank you for what you do for our students, for our district, and for our community. THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> [applause] >> I WOULD LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING. UM I JUST WANT TO let you know that my daughter is a product of the Sayville school district. She got her degree she gets tomorrow. She graduates, but she just got her first job as a teacher. And it's because of the great teachers that

076she had in Sayville that inspired her and made her want to be a teacher. So, thank you very much. You don't know how much you have done affected children in a positive way and my daughter's 22, so it's gone a long way. She hasn't forgotten any of her teachers. So, thank you VERY MUCH. >> YAY. >> [applause] >> WELL SAID, MR. CAPONE. AND THAT DOES CONCLUDE my report. I mean my presentation. I was hoping you were also going to include the My report's coming. I know you're getting out of here early. All right. And now for a far less exciting part of the evening, the board discussions. Starting us off, finance and infrastructure. I believe we have Mr. Smith filling in for Ms. Perone today. Yep. So, last Tuesday evening, the Board of Ed Finance

077and Infrastructure Committee met. During the meeting, Ms. Hill reviewed the committee the proposed medical prescription and premium percentage increases for next year. The committee agreed to increase the medical premiums by 25%, prescriptions by 20%, and keeping dental premiums flat. This will allow us to pay off the $2.65 million debt that we have in the insurance fund. Um Next, Ms. Hill informed the committee the um auditor of record has increased their fee by 4% to 37,500 for next year's annual compensation comprehensive fiscal report and auditor's management report. She concluded the finance portion of the meeting by reviewing the project surpluses from this year's operating budget and estimated capital reserve amounts for next school year. When Ms. Hill finished, Mr. Colemansberger provided an update on the referendum projects. He reported that while punch lists at each building

078are still being addressed, work has been completed. That was absolutely so valuable this week. Might I have My daughter definitely was very appreciative of the air conditioning at the high school. Um >> Did it work? It worked fantastically. Uh he then provided an update on other projects such as the solar panel carport completion uh project at the high school. He informed the committee that next week Shoreline, the contractor, will be digging up some sections of the parking lot so that they can connect the carports to the electrical infrastructure. Um he also reported that all electronic signs around the district have been installed and are running. Lastly, believe it or not, he reported that the greenhouse that I think he's been reporting on for my four years on the Board of Education, should be finished by

079the end of next week as long as the missing parts come in. I concluded the meeting uh he concluded the meeting providing an update on the purchase of um the bus depot at 4 Crossman Road. And that is the finance report. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Now, Mr. Callahan. Good evening. The personnel commit committee met earlier this evening to review staffing and personnel matters. We reviewed the open positions for the 2026-2027 school year. We also looked at the substitute attendance reports, which are decreasing and the fill percentage is probably the best it's ever been since pre-COVID. So, fantastic. The committee also reviewed the two pending job descriptions that will be on the next board agenda in June. Uh they'll be up for approval then. And in addition, we discussed the new hires, the two retirements that

080are on the agenda for tonight, and the res- uh the resignations, all the stuff that's on the agenda later on. And uh that's it. I think the next committee meeting is June 16th. Thank you, Mr. Callahan. And, we save the best for last, Ms. Bloom. I think I just grew old sitting here. Um Middlesex County School Board Association. >> [snorts] >> Our next meeting is tomorrow night, and it is the special end-of-the-year meeting where we honor teachers of the year and people who have reached goals, um not goals. Milestones. Thank you. See, when you get old, you forget things. But, anyway. Uh 10 years, 5 years awards, so those will be given. But, the most special award that will be given tomorrow night for us here is Kate Burns will be honored for the film

081that she did on the Bombers Beyond. So, that's going to happen tomorrow night, 6:00 p.m. at the Pines Manor in Edison. And, uh after that, we won't have a meeting until September. But, I also wanted to mention I told Jimmy that I would give him a shout-out tonight. At the last meeting, if you all remember, I mentioned that tree on the property that was split in half and strewn all about. That was Tuesday night. Thursday night, only 2 days later, as I was driving out of town, everything was cleared. Not only was the debris gone, the entire tree was gone, the stump. And, it wasn't a little tree. So, Jimmy, I want to thank you and your team for taking care of that because, you know, to me, it looked really dangerous. But, you guys

082took care of it, and that's fabulous. And, I'm very excited that you did that. I also want to uh piggyback on what Mr. Hernandez said, the ROTC awards, we attended that. Spring concert, absolutely fabulous. And, the junior prom the other night. And, I got to see Morgan all dressed up, and everyone had a wonderful evening. So, it's busy, a lot of things going on, but I'm happy to do it as long as I can stay awake. And that's it for me. Thank you, Ms. Bloom. Now, open the floor to public participation on agenda items only. Don't all run up at one time. Okay. Seeing no one, we close. Dr. Levy. Dare you ask? Okay, if I can bring your attention to finance and infrastructure number 14, which is on page three. I'm very proud to

083let you know that we did receive and were awarded the New Jersey learning acceleration high impact tutoring grant once again this year. So, thank you to Dr. Burns, Ms. Grossman, and Ms. Burt for all your efforts in getting that grant back again for us. And I I just heard earlier today from Ms. Burt that we also received another grant that we'll put on the next agenda. The focus high focus grant. So, we're we're we're getting a lot of grants and that's due to the hard work of our administrative team across from me. So, thank you. >> Number 16, which you can find on page three, we do have a change order for you, but it's a good change order. We're actually going to be taking unused portions of that project for the windows at replacement

084at Truman, Wilson, this school, and the high school. We're going to put that back into the referendum account. So, that's good news. Numbers 27 through 32, I won't go ahead and reiterate what was already said earlier. Those are the motions to approve not only our stop-loss insurance, but the premium increases that Mr. Smith referenced earlier in his report. And you can find that on pages five through seven. Number 33, which you can find on page seven, we are asking you to approve once again the virtual Sayreville Middle School credit Recovery Program. Um and the the fees are noted there as well as the fact that our students that have reduced lunch have also reduced fees and of course if you if are eligible for free lunch you uh it's free, too. Numbers 34 through 35,

085which you can find on page seven in the addendum. We are asking you to purchase four and we remember we budgeted this four minivans uh at mini buses or minivans, however you want to say them, for 486,929 as well as one wheelchair access minivan uh for 128,842. Number 38, which you can find on page eight. Um we're asking you to approve and this is a very exciting thing Dr. Burns has been working on um to assist our preschoolers as they transition to kindergarten which we know has been something that we've been working on. We are going We are asking you to allow us to purchase materials so that we can pilot the Tools of the Mind Literacy Program in kindergarten two kindergarten classrooms at each one of our elementary schools next year. And again, that's

086number 38 and you can find that on page eight. Any questions on those or any of the other items in finance and infrastructure? All right, seeing none. Um moving to student achievement. Um unfortunately, we we are asking you to approve some long-term suspensions. Numbers one and three, which you can find on page 14 in the addendum. Moving on to governance. A very important resolution that we're asking you to approve. It's a resolution that's going to go to um the governor as well as other state legislators um such as a speaker of the uh assembly, Craig Coughlin, Senate President Nicholas Scutari um and Senator Owen Henry as well as Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez asking them to address, to do something with into legislator to address the incredibly high cost of health care premiums. Something that many of

087our board members notably Mr. Smith and Mrs. Bubon have mentioned during our meetings is a problem, is an issue. Um and and I'm glad to say that we're going to be a part of hopefully with school boards as well as I believe the borough Yes, sir. getting our legislators involved in addressing this problem um which has become greater and greater as time has gone on. So, uh that is you can find that on page 19. Number three, which you can find in the addendum, we're asking you to approve for a second reading the revisions to policy 5514 and that's student use of vehicles on school grounds. If you don't recall, we had to revise that because of the new law regarding a late e-bikes, electric bikes. Um there is an age requirement now. I believe

088you have to be at least 15 years of age. You have to have a license. Your your has to be licensed. You have to wear a helmet and tell me and did I miss anything, Mr. Duckworth? And insurance, yes. Great. And here's the kicker. If they get caught riding They get caught riding without all of that, they do not get their licenses until they are 21 years old. So, it's a huge huge penalty. Ouch. Okay. And number uh four, which you can also find in the addendum, um we are asking you to deny Cerebral Education Association grievances 2025-2026 five, six, and seven. Any questions on anything on student achievement or governance? I have a question. On number 14 >> Page 14 on the regular agenda? Yes, in the regular agenda. Okay. Um, which trip are

089we we talking about? In the in the regular agenda. Okay, number 14? 54. Oh, okay. Let's send it, yeah. That's the extended school year trips. Uh, Camp Excel, they go on trips. Yes. And then it's it's only going to cost us fuel? With the other trips, you you know. Um There's no admission fees. It it it probably will also include the cost of uh the the to pay the drivers, too. Okay. But it it's not listed so that's just those field trips, but there are no admissions fees. Okay. For those places. Okay. Yeah, and that's for the transition program, for our extended school year program. Any other questions? Okay, so moving along to personnel. We do have some retirements, as you mentioned earlier, that I'll talk about in a moment. Um, but numbers 9 through

09011, as well as 35 to 36, which you can find on page 22 and 23 in the addendum, as we always do, we're asking you to hire new certificated staff. But not only for this year, but for the 2026-2027 school year. So, Dr. Arguelles, Ms. Flanagan, and our human resources department is hard at work with our other administrators in hiring um the this the staff that we need for the next school year. Numbers 12 through 15, as well as number 37 through 38, which you can find on pages 23 through 25 in the addendum, we're asking you to approve the transfer of non-certificated staff for this school year, as well as certificated and non-certificated staff for the 2026-2027 school year. And among those names, I would like to introduce to you and strongly recommend the

091transfer of Donald Hill, who has been an incredible groundskeeper for us. Um as you all know, Mr. Sadowski is retiring and we can't thank him enough for all that he's done for us. But Mr. Hill, um we are asking you we are recommending to you to replace Mr. Sadowski, um as our new supervisor of buildings and grounds in the evening. So, Donnie, if you don't mind standing, and we can ALL RECOGNIZE YOU. >> [applause] >> WE INTERVIEWED A NUMBER OF VERY, VERY qualified applicants, um but by far, Donnie stood out to us, not only in the interviewing process, but his entire resume, particularly what he's done here in Sayreville for us. Um he it stood him out from a very strong pool of candidates, and we couldn't be prouder to recommend to you that he

092be transferred from his grounds position to that supervisor position. Congratulations. As long as it's Donnie, I'll be okay with Kenny leaving. So, welcome, Donnie. Bye-bye, Kenny. No No more basement visits. No. Numbers 18 and 39, which you can find on 26 and 27 in the addendum, we are asking you to approve some coaches for next year with their stipends, as well as some advisors for next year with their stipends. And finally, moving back up to numbers 1 and 30, we are asking you to graciously accept the retirement of two beloved staff members in the district. So, let's begin with Manal Metry. Um after 20 years of dedicated service in our district cafeteria, we celebrate Manal Metry. Whether behind the register, manning the ever-popular taco station, or serving up our famous bomber burgers, Manal has made

093a lasting impact on everyone around her. Her presence will truly be missed, but her contributions will never be forgotten. We wish Manal a retirement filled with happiness and well-deserved relaxation. So, we thank Manal for all that she's done for the students that she served at the high school in our cafeterias. Um and what she's done for our district over the many years that she has served us so impeccably. So, um congratulations, Manal Metry, one of our cafeteria workers, on her retirement. Ralph Errico, teacher, math teacher at the middle school. Ralph Ralph Errico has served the district in Sayreville community as both the campus security monitor and a mathematics teacher at the Sayreville Middle School. No matter what his role has been, Ralph has exhibited a commitment to his students and the families he has worked

094with. As a dedicated educator, Ralph consistently made real-world connections to the curriculum that allowed the authentic learning experiences for all of his students. The connection he developed with his students created a learning environment where students exhibited the very best of themselves. Ralph's compassion, hard work, and dedication will be sorely missed. And on a personal level, and you know, I'm going to miss Mr. Errico. Um many people don't know this, but he is also a serving board member for the Edison Township Public Schools. I believe he's been a board member for well over 10 years on and off. Um but a a very integral part of the Edison Township community while serving on the Board of Education there. I had the privilege of being the principal for both of his children's elementary school. So, I've I've

095known Mr. Ericole for quite a bit of time and we were actually colleagues as teachers in the Sayreville Public Schools. So, I'm going to miss him dearly and we can't thank him enough for all that he has done for the students in Sayreville, but I'll go beyond that to the students in Edison Township as well. So, we congratulate him on his retirement and we wish him all the best. And that concludes my report. >> [snorts] >> That was a quick one. Any other comments from our board on agenda items? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Second. I think I got either Mr. Callahan or Mr. Walsh on that one. Mr. Callahan? Okay. Roll call, Ms. Abel. Mrs. Bloom. On the addendum, uh number 32 on page two, I'm going

096to abstain. Also on page six on the addendum, the third assistant advisor, I will abstain on that for grade 10. And >> Four on governance, I think you have to abstain. I'm sorry. Okay, wait. Wait. I got one more. Uh on the attachment B2 on page 10, the first name, I will abstain on that. And I'm sorry. Um Rick, which one? Number four on the addendum governance. Okay, number four on governance. I have to abstain on that as well. Okay, was that yes on all other items? Yes. Mr. Callahan? Yes on all items. Mrs. Hernandez? Yes. Mrs. Pabón? Yes for all items. Mr. Smith? Yes. Mr. Walsh? Yes. Mr. Fernandez? Yes. All right. Now I open the floor to public participation on any item. Seeing none, I close public. Does any other member of the

097board have any other questions on any items or comments they'd like to make? No questions. I just want to congratulate all our teachers and it was a uh a great event and uh there's not enough superlatives to talk about how great our staff is. But that being said, maybe next year we can invite the band and like when Mr. Burns is talking, we can kind of do like like the Oscars, like play him off. No, it was a congratulations to all of the staff. >> There there is something to be said about having a prepared speech. >> [laughter] >> I I'd like to make a comment if you don't mind, Mr. Fernandez. Um I just want to thank this Board of Education and past Boards of Education as well as the entire Cerebral community um

098for the referendum. It was mentioned earlier today. Today was probably the warmest day since probably last August. And our staff and our students were at a very comfortable climate level in each one of our buildings. And that couldn't be possible unless our board and our community didn't support the Cool to Schools referendum. This is the fruit of our labor that we're sitting in this room right now and our students and our staff were sitting in their classrooms all day in 90-plus degrees and learning comfortably. So, we thank you very much for that. And Dr. Lavin, correct me if I'm wrong. Um Today, I think it was 98, 99 is the high. You would have had a early dismiss or close the schools on a day like that. >> And our parents would have been scrambling

099to pick up their kids for an early dismissal. It would have been we would have lost a half of a of a school day. So, again, thank you to our boards. Thank you to our community. I I just want to add that I think maybe as um you should as the superintendent make like an official announcement to everybody saying, "Hey, the referendum is completed." Because I don't think people understand that it's actually done. And not that it was done, it was done on time, on the budget, you know, with nothing What's his name? Um Jimmy did a great job being the project manager. So, I think maybe if you said that to everybody in the town, like make some kind of big announcement, >> [snorts] >> because they'll realize how, you know, it was worth

100it. And it and it was managed very well. So, I think they'd be surprised to learn how good it was done. Yeah, absolutely. And And you make a great point as well. Congratulations to Jimmy on his project management. Not only did he do a great job, he saved our district several hundred thousand dollars by by taking on the project. >> Yeah. No, it was it it was well managed. It was well executed. It was Yes. on time, under budget. He did a great job and he saved our district by taking on that additional work as opposed to hiring an outside management. So, thank you, Jimmy. Thank you, Dr. Lavin and entire administration putting this together. Thank you to the board. And most importantly, thank you to the community for supporting that. Not only did we

101have a safe environment for our kids to be in, it was conducive to to to a learning. So, thank you. Absolutely. So, one other thing, um Mr. Fernandez, just um a quick note. I mentioned in our report today all the electronic are now up and they do they look fantastic driving by them at the schools. I'm wondering if we could on them advertise our board meetings. Cuz you can see the fantastic I know we have people watching online but you can see the fantastic participation we have here. If it could if make the public more aware of what we're doing it couldn't hurt. Duly noted. Okay. Any other comments? Maybe just one more. It's been said earlier but I would like to say it too. It's such a pleasure having you back my friend. >>

102[applause] >> IT IS. YEAH, YOU LOOK GREAT. YOU LOOK GOOD. It is I mean our interim BAs did a great job but there is nothing like having Miss Hill back. Yeah, no disrespect to the woman who replaced you temporarily. She really did a good job. She was right with us. She was just you know. >> Yeah, they were great. They were great but >> But we did miss you and uh There's only one Aaron. There's only one Aaron and you know, like I always say the public may not know your value but you bring a lot of value to this um district and you know, I appreciate you a lot. So thank you so much. Absolutely. Welcome back. All right, our next meeting Our next meeting is June 16th, 2026 and Tuesday, July 21st, 2026.

103Motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Second. All the eyes? Eyes. Eyes.