001Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 business meeting of the Wall Township Public School District. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley and justice for all >> Mr. Smith sunshine announcement and roll call please. Yes, this is the Wall Township Board of Education meeting for which adequate notice under the open public meeting act was provided by a notice to the co-star Asbury Park Press, all Wall Township schools, town administration office, and the business office on Janu on December 11, 2025. Take a roll call. Miss Adams >> here, >> Mr. Adnesio >> here, >> Miss Barier >> here, >> Mr. Buffa >> here, >> Miss Dioani >> here, >> Mr. Smith >>
002here. >> Mr. Wandra, >> Mr. Mal >> here. At this time, I'm going to ask for a motion to go into executive session for those items indicated on the agenda. >> Mr. Buffer, >> Mr. Smith. >> Oh, who was that? Mr. Adenezio. I'm sorry, Mr. Adenezio. Second. All in favor? >> I uh we are going to executive session. We will return at uh 700 p.m. for the public meeting. performing. [applause] [music] 1 2 3 [music] >> [singing] >> The eyes [singing] behind the [singing] eye [music] [singing] of tie around [music] [singing] the snow. Then I turn around and you go. [music] Will you at home? [singing] [music] >> [music and singing] >> their boats around the snow. Then I turn [singing] around and [music] There you go. And you turn [singing] [music] I was swallowed
003[music and singing] around [singing] [music] [singing] and >> [music] >> Turnber. [applause] [music] >> [singing] [music] >> I [music] don't [singing] get to know you better [music] [singing] [music] together. [music and singing] And we're [music and singing] not this Christmas a very special Christmas [music] [singing] for La [singing] [music] [music and singing] this Christmas [singing] you do. [music] this Christmas [music] and we're [singing] caring through the [music] night and Christmas [singing] [music] for me. And this Christmas [singing] will be [music] a very special Christmas for [singing] me. [music] [singing] >> [applause] [applause] >> Good evening and welcome. Welcome to the Eva Applegate Theater for tonight's December 16th, 2025 uh business meeting of the Wall Township Board of Education. At this time, I invite the color guard of the DD of the uh NNDCC to come
004and present the colors. >> Color Oh, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> March off the colors, >> right? How far are you? I thank the thank the color garden. I thank also the Wall Township ac cappella group for that uh great performance. Put us all in the holiday spirit. At this time, I'd like to ask Mr. Smite to do a roll call. >> Miss Adams >> here. >> Mr. Anio >> here. >> Miss Barbieier >> here. >> Mr. Buffa >> here. >> Miss Dioani >> here. Mr. Smith >> here. >> Mr. Wandra >> here. >> Miss Hazel Gar >> here. >> Mr. M >> here. >> Okay. At this
005time, I'm going to ask Hazel to give us our student representative report. Hazel, you're on. >> Thank you. Good evening. Sophia and I are very excited to give our monthly update for December. I'll be giving the student representative report for Wall High School tonight. We are now a little bit more than halfway through the second marking period and students are settling into midyear rhythm. Recently the results of the biiteracy exam were released and I'm excited to share that many students among myself earned the seal of bi literacy in languages such as Spanish, French and Latin among others. This is a huge accomplishment and we're and something we're very proud of. Last week the junior class submitted their applications for the National Honor Society. The review process was finished last week and students just received their
006decisions. We also had another successful WBFA lunch and learn featuring the owners of Callie's crearyy and OMG frozen yogurt. Students had the chance to learn about entrepreneurship, work life balance, and what it takes to run a business in the real world. In athletics, Wall football defeated Manisquan on Thanksgiving in a great rivalry matchup. and winter sports are now officially underway with teams beginning with their seasons and competitions. This year's fall spirit week was incredibly successful and brought a lot of energy to the building. Our theme was night at the arcade with each grade representing a different game. Seniors Mario Party, juniors Sonic, sophomores Minecraft, and freshman The Legend of Zelda. The seniors took home the titles of best hallway decorating and best mural. Our annual 12 days of dress up fun is in full swing.
007Students and staff are encouraged to participate in each day's themed attire and winners are selected randomly to receive prizes from the student council. We're also looking forward to the holiday pep rally which is a big event for our school community. Lastly, I want to highlight a few students in the performing arts. Hobie Peterson and Joe Walker, both members of the senior class of 2026, have been performing in Scrooge this winter season. They continue to purs in pursuing their passion in theater in college. That concludes my report for this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Hazel. Sounds like a lot of good things going on in the school year. We appreciate it. You're certainly welcome to stay with us, but at any time if you feel the need that you have other things to
008do, you can please excuse yourself. Thank you very much. At this time, we're going to open up uh for our first uh public comment session on any item uh having to do with the schools. [clears throat] The board requests those individuals speaking will be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals and making comments, specifically comments regarding individual students and school personnel are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of New Jersey. The Wall Township or Board of Education bears no responsibility, nor will it be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Speakers should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or uh identified in their comments and recognize they are legally
009responsible for and liable for their comments. And at this we also ask you to please uh observe our three minute uh limit for comments, individual comments. >> Hello Betsy Cross. I live in Wall Township. Have to say the choir was great. Um, we should have that every December. I know last December we did not have that. Um, it would be a nice little touch to have it. Uh, let's see. I was looking at the policy committee minutes and I see the committee held a hearing regarding a complaint from the member of the public. U it was a pretty short meeting but that's on the personnel committee minutes that wondering what's going on there. Looking at the FNF minutes I see you talked about a health benefits analysis but we haven't seen anything in a number
010of years from Mr. Smith. So maybe if you could share your health benefits analysis it would be appreciated. Um I have I for one have not been happy with Brown and Brown. Uh, I see you're renewing the stop loss and it's an uh a deductible per person of 125,000 and it's a cap of 2 million. So, uh, the taxpayers have to pay the first 125,000 and then you got to pay. So, if somebody has a claim of 3 million, then we got to pay anything above 2 million. Um, so if you could go over that, I'd appreciate it. I see Mr. Smith is taking notes. I see Miss Cornell is not here tonight. Um, what else? I literally just started printing this off at six o'clock. Um, it looks like referendum. We've got bills of
011$820,000. And then it looks like there was some type of adjustment, a referendum adjustment. So, if you could go over that before you vote on it, Mr. Mal, if you could tell us why you needed that referendum adjustment, I'd appreciate it. Superintendent Search. I mean, I was just shocked at how poorly written that questionnaire was. That was just awful. I'm glad to see there are members of the public in it. But when you talk about members of the community, I mean, you have Christine Shanklin. I mean, she's a teacher. I mean, you should kind of put that, you know, falling into who's a teacher versus who's just a parent. Um, so that to me, I don't know who those other people are. Wilderman and there was some other name on there. Um that if you
012could go over that, but I'm glad to see you have members of the public in those meetings. Um oh, Mr. Nardino, I thought Mr. Mardino is a teacher. So, uh that's I'm not kind of following that. Survey results are so tiny you can't read them when you print them off. I'm sure that's by design. Uh my my most important thing is hiring somebody that um has superintendent experience. Uh I was I was hoping to see Brian Smith was retiring. He's not on the list. Be nice to start out with a new super and a new business administrator at July. And I'm glad to see Mr. Adeneio is finally leaving the board. We just have to hope he doesn't try to get on a committee or assembly or senate or anything else. Thank you. My three
013minutes are up. Thank you, Miss Cross. Is there anyone else for public comment? Good evening. Uh Bob Leech, president, WTA. Uh first of all, this is absolutely amazing the way this auditorium came out. I'm very, very happy with it. As president of the Wall Township Education Association, I stand before you tonight humbled and profoundly moved not just by an act of extraordinary generosity, but what it a re reveals about the heart of our community. The WTA has always believed that our commitment extends beyond members, beyond the classroom walls, beyond contracts and negotiations. We are bound to every student, every family, every soul in this community. Tonight, we witness that commitment transformed into something tangible, something beautiful. What we're celebrating here didn't begin with a meeting or a memo. It began with a vision. It began
014with compassion. It began with deeply rooted family's unwavering belief that we have a sacred responsibility to lift up those among us who need it most. The Paricone Family Charitable Trust led by Wall Township class of 1988 89 alumnist Rob and his cherished lifelong friend and classmate Jeff Janone has demonstrated a level of generosity that takes my breath away. By contributing $25,000 in grant funding, they have more than doubled their already remarkable commitment they shared with our students last year, reaching nearly 150 students and their families this holiday season. 150 of our children, 150 reasons for hope. But let me tell you what moves me the most. This isn't charity from strangers. This is family taking care of family. Phil and Marilyn Pericone Caldwell Township home for over 40 years. Though they left us both in
01519 uh 2024, their legacy burns brighter than ever. When I see Rob here tonight and the commitment that he and his daughter Maddie have to this cause, when I see the way they honor Phil and Marilyn's memory through action rather than words alone, I am reminded that the greatest inheritance we can leave is not measured in dollars, but in the lives we touch. Rob, you could have directed this generosity anywhere. that you chose our students, our community speaks volumes about your character, your values, and your high regard in which you hold our schools. Throughout this partnership, the WTA through this partnership, the WTA purchase gift cards for students identified by our community centered organizations and the dedicated counselors who know these families, who see their struggles, who understand their needs. I would like to thank
016our district wellness team, including the director of wellness, Tiffany Steiner, K12 school counselors, school nurses, and members of the child study team. Because of you, these resources will reach the right hands at exactly the right time. This is collaboration at its finest. This is what happens when educators, administrators, community leaders, and philanthropists unite around a single sacred purpose, ensuring that no child in our community goes without during the holidays. This is the best of who we are. On behalf of all 530 members of the Wall Township Education Association, teachers, educational support professionals, every single one of whom shows up each day believing in the potential of our students. I express our I express our deepest gratitude. Thank you for allowing us to be part of something greater than ourselves. Thank you for trusting to help
017care for our most vulnerable and precious students. Thank you for reminding us that when we work together, there's no limit on what we could do. To the Paracone Family Charitable Trust, we are honored. We are grateful. We are committed to a lasting partnership that will continue to continue to transform lives and strengthen our community for years to come. To our students and their families who will benefit from our your this kindness, you are seen. You are valued. You are cared for beyond words. This gift is not about meeting a need. It's about sending a message that you matter, that you belong, and that this community stands with you. As we enter this holiday season, may we carry forward the spirit embodied here tonight. May we remember that our greatest strength lies not in what bes
018what we possess, but in what we give. May peace, joy, and the warmth of the community embrace every family in Wall Township. Thank you, and may the light of this generosity continue to shine bright in our schools, in our hearts. Happy holidays, and God bless. Thank you, Rob. [applause] Good evening. Thanks very much. Can everybody hear me? Okay. I'm Robin Prada, class of 89. I've not been in this in this building since 1991 and 82 visit my old teachers. I have not been in this room since 1988. I think where I had where I had study hall. I think I fell asleep in that row back there. I have nothing but praise and great memories of Wall Township. My my parents moved here when I was 11 um like in grade six central school and
019I advanced all the way through high school. My younger brother Chris um was all all all years from kindergarten through through high school grad class of 98. So as Bob mentioned my parents sold our house in Wall and 2023 and moved to Florida um very sadly. It was very bittersweet when we left the community. And so when they passed away last year, I'm the last one standing on my my mom's side of the family and my mom and stepdad. And so I have the honor, privilege, and duty of taking over their foundation. Um we focus on a number of number of areas. It's focused on poverty alleviation, um education, um cancer research, mental health, animal welfare, else other areas with a particular focus on Mamas in Ocean County nonprofits and beyond. Um this is my
020second year doing this um being here working with the WTA. Um I had the honor of working with Gail last year. I heard she retired. So I'm glad to work with Bob now. Thank you. I want to thank Bob and Tiffany and all those who are involved in helping us make this happen. Um it's obviously a well-known fact that when a child um doesn't have nourishment, doesn't have the basic needs we take for granted, they cannot really proper really function well in the classroom and beyond. So, I know that what we gave today is a small amount compared to what's really needed, but I'm really hoping that goes a long way in in making someone's Christmas brighter and helping them fulfill themselves, be their greatest. Um, I wish you all very best of the season.
021Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Thank you very much for having my time. Thank you for having me today. And we'll see you next year. [applause] Thank you very much to the Periccom Family Trust and to the W uh TEA for for all your efforts on behalf of our students. Greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. >> Hi, good evening uh Leah Bby Wall Township. Um I just wanted to bring to your attention that there are still issues at Central School with heating especially uh this week with the temperatures being as cold as they are. Um I I would like uh if somebody could uh reach out to me about the status of those issues at Central School. Uh my son's classroom in particular on the second floor as like a ice box. Um and that was two
022months ago. So I can just imagine what it is this week. [clears throat and cough] Excuse me. Um, another thing I'd like to mention, um, just because I've seen with my own eyes, um, while volunteering at the holiday shop at Central School in the library, uh, the janitorial staff were, uh, draining water out of the ceiling. Um, I, one of the staff members in the in the library let me know at the time that this is not the first time that this has happened, that's continual. I don't really know what's going on there, but it is definitely a concern. The fact that they had a hose dumping gosh knows what into a bucket. Uh, not even a bucket, like a giant trash can while children are walking in and out past this garbage can into
023the library. So, um, I don't know what's going on there, but um, I wanted to bring that to your attention to see if we can get that sorted out as well. That's all I have for today. Thank you and happy holidays. >> Thank you. Do we have anyone else for public comment? Okay, seeing no one else for public comment, we're going to close the public comment at this time and I'm going to hand this over to Dr. Handerhan for a special presentation. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Maliff. I still can't believe this is my sixth year as superintendent of Wall Township Public Schools. Since the beginning of my time here, I worked very, very closely with a member of this board of education. So, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I formally
024bid farewell to Mr. Ralph Adeneio. One thing is for sure, Mr. Ralph Adeneio loves Wall Township. Through his actions, his love for his hometown and school district is very apparent. Since being sworn in at the reorganization meeting in January 2014, Mr. Adenezio has dutifully served this school community. Not only did Mr. Adeneio fulfill his obligations as a board member, he doubled down and served as board of education president for roughly three and a half years. Many of you are well aware that this school district has faced considerable challenges during this particular time period. As I thought about what I was going to say about Mr. Adeneio, a quote from ancient Latin writer Pablus Cirrus kept popping into my mind. Here it is. Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. To serve as
025president during a time where few were even willing to run for the board of education is the mark of a true leader. Despite navigating rough waters during Mr. Adnesio's board presidency, there was a focus towards the future. the successful 2022 referendum, which propelled our long range facilities plan, providing for exciting and very, very much needed capital projects, and the development of an exciting three-year strategic plan, which spearheaded many initiatives spanning areas such as curriculum and instruction, student wellness, and facilities. I would be remiss if I did not stress Mr. Adnesio's desire to prioritize the needs of all students. He continually reminded me and others that WTPS is a comprehensive school district and we must we must invest in each and every student. Whether a student is interested in working with diesel engines, finding a cure
026for cancer, serving as a first responder, or serving our country. How are we, Wall Township Public Schools, going to support our students goals moving forward? I am confident this priority, his priority of supporting all students goals will endure and its pursuit has become part of this district's DNA. Tonight, we we wish Mr. Adinesio the very best with his future endeavors. And on behalf of our school community, I wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for his service and for his steadfast dedication to Wall Township Public Schools. You will be missed. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Hanahan. I'd just like to add a few additional uh comments regarding Mr. Adenezio, if I may. uh he was board president when I joined the board in 2022 and he welcomed me and was very gracious in giving me
027his time to provide guidance as to what a a board member should be and and uh you know was served as a great example u as mentioned Ralph was elected to four terms on the board he is our longest tenur member uh did you serve with Mrs. applicate >> right after her. So that's but that's a long that's a long time. All right. Um and you served as Dr. Hannerhan said as president during times that were both rewarding and challenging. He has always been very concerned with providing the needs of all our students and his experiences has helped guide the board in all of our decisions. Ralph is a proud graduate of all schools and has been a community volunteer far beyond his service to the board. He is or has been a member of
028the planning board and the board of adjustment. Wall helped its people, a captain of the wall community first aid and a wall first aid and rescue member. We are grateful to Ralph for his many contributions to the school district and to the citizens of Wall Township. We wish him the best of everything as he makes his departure from the board. Thank you, Ralph. [applause] And uh I'm just going to now go right into the president's report. Right. Uh we are delighted to hold tonight's meeting in the completely refurbished Eva Eva Applegate Theater, aptly named for a longtime board member and great supporter of the arts, which can now be showcased in this tremendous venue. Much thanks to Dr. Handerhan, Brian Smi, Scott Croanda, our architect, Speasel, uh our contractors, and perhaps most importantly to our
029residents who had the confidence in the board and the district to bring this uh project to uh to its end. Uh the first event was held here with the holiday choir and orchestra concert last week. There was a large and enthusiastic crowd. The student performances were outstanding. I would like to congratulate all of them as well as their uh adviserss Mr. Bryant and Mr. Montalavo. Uh I attended the drama club production of Uritysy last month at the intermediate school. It was a fine performance by our talented students, some of them here tonight who performed a little while ago. They were also in that performance. Uh and I'm very much looking forward to the spring production of Into the Woods. Is that correct? Into the Woods. Is that going to be looking very much forward to
030that? It's going to be fantastic. Uh, I would like to thank uh Kemp Flags for their contribution for a new 25- foot uh flag pole and flag for the Allenwood School. Very much appreciated and very generous of them. Uh, at this time, I'm going to read off some of our student uh achievements and certificate uh students for the month of November. For grade nine uh student of the month, Sophia Cisneros. Grade 10, Daniela D. Barco, grade 11, Juliana Newman. Uh, grade 12, Brendan Grober. Nights of the week, grade uh in 11, Lily Rafferty. For the week of the 3rd of uh November. For the week of the 10th, we have Karan Styles, 11th grader. For the uh week of the 17th, we have uh Ella Tanachi, 12th grader. Ellie Olsen, 10th grader. Uh and for
031the week of the 24th, Joseph Pylon, a 10th grader. And we also now have our student students of the first marking period in the various disciplines. Uh for art we have grade 12 student Mallerie Fitzpatrick. For business grade 11 student Emily McClean grade 12 English uh Abigail Bller family life grade 12 Isabelle Isabelle Dwire grade 12 for math Michael Barcelona. Grade 12 for media, Yokum Limperopoulos. Uh, grade 12 music, Aean Nelson. Grade 10 PE and health, Andrew Koko. Grade 12 science, Ella Sha Shyel. Uh, grade nine for technology, Christian Jolly. And grade 11, world language, Porsche Castellano. I also want to thank our uh tremendous Wall Township public school staff from uh right from from central office all the way down to everybody. Uh I think they do a tremendous job here and hopefully they're
032looking forward to a little bit of time off and can enjoy some time uh with their families. At this time I'm going to hand it back to Dr. Henryan. >> Thank you Mr. Maliff. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Wall High School color guard, Colonel Jax, and our student representative to the board of education, Hazel Gro, for joining us this evening. It's pretty chilly out there, so I appreciate the extra effort. Tonight's student vocal performance was nothing short of amazing. To say I moved by their performance is a tremendous understatement. I cannot thank their teacher, Mr. Steven Bryant enough for being here and for all of his creative in inspiration in executing such a special performance. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the amazing high school holiday concert
033that took place last week. Congratulations to the musicians vocalists Mr. Montalto and Mr. Bryant. I would also like to thank the Office of Special Services and Volunteers for arranging the fourth annual Polar Express Evening for Families. This annual event is an amazing example of the care and commitment of our special services team. I am happy to share that this year we had the greatest number of attendees. I would like to publicly recognize our operations staff for an amazing snow removal during this past Sunday's storm. This was not an easy job, but through their teamwork, they surpassed this challenge set forth by Mother Nature. a great job and my hat is off to them. This month I had the privilege of joining our district principles in announcing the teachers and educational service professionals of the year.
034The board of education will formally recognize these educators at the January business meeting. But to hold us over till then, a great big congratulations to Miss Mandy Rory and Miss Kathleen Rivera from Wall High School, Miss Mandy Aranio and Miss Jessica Niskosh from Wall Intermediate School, Miss Peggy Anne Redell and Miss Kristen Aorio from Old Mill School, Miss Jacqueline Zarazza and Miss Kelsey Magliaro from Allenwood School, Miss Claire McGregor and Miss Kelly Eastmont from West Belmar School, Miss Kristen Lardo and Miss Stephanie Kupo from Central School and Miss Ashley Jordan from primary school. The pace of the school year is picking up. We are already actively planning for next year. I am happy to announce that kindergarten registration for the two for the 2026 2027 school year will open on February 2nd, 2026 and preschool
035registration will open on February 17, 2026. The holidays often evoke a spirit of giving, and I too would like to recognize the work of the WTEA in supporting WTPS families in need through the $25,000 grant from the Paricone Family Charitable Trust. So many of our families have directed benefit had directly benefited from the generosity of the Paricone Foundation. Thank you, WTEA, Mr. Janaron, Miss Steiner for their efforts in accomplishing this goal. And thank you to the Paricone family. Um, thank you just just doesn't seem enough. Um, the work you do is um, it's exceptional and it changes lives and I cannot thank you enough. Um it's just so important and to see the support um the community supporting its own its community. It really um it's special to witness. So I thank you. And with
036that, I would like to express a happy holidays to our entire WTPS community. And um Mr. Mouth, I'm going to turn this back over to you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Dr. Handrehan. At this time, a board of education update. Any board members wish to make any comments at this time? >> Mr. Maliff, I'd like to make a comment. >> Mr. Ber, >> well, a few of them actually. Um, I'm going to uh kind of echo what everybody else who has spoken about Ralph up here had said tonight. Um, taking a seat on the board, you walk into an executive session, you sit there, and you have absolutely no clue what is going on in that room. Um, I did that my first meeting. I did that my second meeting. But, uh, in
037between, um, Ralph was there to answer any question I had, uh, as the board president. I think one day I had written down a list of questions on how different parts of the meeting operate and what am I supposed to do here? Am I am I just supposed to raise my hand? and and Ralph sat on the phone for close to two hours with me um just going through each question I had and explaining uh the way that certain things function and the way that certain things are done. Um and it's just something that's that's stuck with me and I've I've appreciated in my time on the board. Uh, additionally, uh, being on many committees with Ralph over the years, um, he was always the one that had a a a different perspective on things.
038When a lot of us were kind of sitting there and we were we had it figured out, Ralph would always kind of throw something in at the end, but wait, let's and then kind of kept that discussion going and and I think most of the time it really just brought an even better end product out for the committee and for the board. Um, so Ralph, I mean, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for the time you spent with me, um, for the time that you've spent on this board, for this community. Um, I very very much appreciate it. And we are sitting in uh, possibly the the nicest auditorium in I'd venture to say at least Central Jersey, if you think Central Jersey exists. um we're sitting in the nicest space
039in central Jersey and and that happened under your leadership. Uh and I thank you for that. Um so that's that that's the first part. Um the second part is I just want to quickly comment um on the on a couple of things um regarding the superintendent search. Uh I want to thank all of the stakeholders that came out to our uh forums. um the students that took the time to speak with um SEC, our superintendent search firm. Um the people that logged in virtually to take part. There were a lot of great discussions. Um, and it was just it was great to see the community input and I feel like the board of education took that uh input and we really put it to work um with um the information that we posted on our
040job postings and and we know what we're looking for in in your next superintendent. Uh two other points to the superintendent search. Um, I'd like to um if if there was a trophy for community member who attended most meetings, uh, Mr. General would probably win that win that trophy. So, I appreciate you for coming out to all those meetings and offering your insight. Uh, and I would be remiss to not thank um, Mr. Scrano, who has a very full plate to begin with in his day-to-day duties, really helping um be the liaison between the board and the superintendent search firm. Um staying for meetings, putting in that extra time, answering my questions, answering the board's questions, and um just really really being a a a an asset to us through the beginning part of this
041search. So, thank you, Mr. Scorano, for that. Um, and then the choir that was up here before, I could have swore that it was the Pentatonics or whoever sings one of those songs singing up there because it was phenomenal. Um, thank you very much. That was really, really needed uh this week. So, thank you for doing that. Um, everybody, happy holidays and um that's all I have for you. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Buffet. Any other board members? Okay. Uh committee reports are uh available on the agenda. Any uh committee chairman wish to? We had a uh comments on the superintendent search committee. The committee reports uh are on the agenda. Uh at this time, we're going to open up the floor for our uh second round of uh public comment. This will be
042on agenda items. So anyone who wishes to speak please come to the microphone cross I live in mall township. [clears throat] Um I see we have a gentleman sitting up here Pedro Gardo and at the last meeting he was never even introduced. Um, I understand that Jennifer McCann is out, but I'm wondering, did we look to hire somebody in-house? We have so many supervisors here. Um, I remember when James Hel went out, we paid um Sandra Brower 625 a day to do both jobs. Um, so I'm shocked. I don't know Mr. Pedro Gerardo. But I'm shocked that nobody introduced him because that to me says a lot. You were trying to hide it and um people I I didn't find out about till last week. Um I wasn't here at the October meeting. Um and
043now we have uh James Burton resigned. Um, I just happened to look online and saw a name was missing and I couldn't even figure out who it was. I had to compare it and saw it was him. I wrote Tracy Handhan and she wrote me back uh the next day and I guess she quickly got over to Brian Smith. Boy, you better get something out because I copied the Department of Education and uh Lester Richens. Um, so just the lack of transparency on the most basic things is is horrible. Horrible. And maybe that's from training from Ralph Adeneio to Thomas Buffer. It's it's been a it's been a mess. So good writtens, Mr. Adeneio, because uh you have not done a lot to pull up the uh school. Um, and you were the president when
044the trailer situation went on and you did your best and you covered everything up and helped Mr. Smith cover all that up. Um, so it's just awful. >> You want to address anything? >> Um, yeah. It says regarding the superintendent search. Several community stakeholders emailed school administration and if you could go over I know Jeff Janarone is a community stakeholder and not a teacher but the other people I have no idea you know is it just Jeff Janarone from the community that's on it that's not working here. Um if you could give us an update I I really think that we're do that. Um, and then I'll read what this says about the aggregate contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield with an aggregate annual specific deductible per person of $125,000 and an aggregate reimbursement
045of $2 million at a composite rate of 24561. That has gone way up. So, if you could ask Mr. Smith, Mr. Maliff to go over this, I think it would be helpful. and you should post online uh some health insurance um numbers and I don't like to see the preferred under qualifications that you want someone prior superintendent assistant superintendent K to2 principal or a director/ central office administrator preferred like god we >> thank you m >> we need to keep we need to get the word preferred out of there you need to have somebody that has at least this experience experience, not preferred. Otherwise, it looks like you're you're trying to fit somebody in a box that we probably don't want. >> Thank you, Mr. Cross. Do we have anyone else for public comment? >>
046Okay, seeing nothing at this time, >> Mr. Mal, if I could just address uh one thing that was made during public comment. Um, I would just like to, um, let the community know that if there are any questions or concerns about the superintendent search, we have a very robust link on the website that has all of the information pertaining to the superintendent search. Thank you. >> Thank you. At this time, I'm going to uh ask for uh a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda. >> Mr. W. A second. >> Mr. DGI. Roll call. Mr. Mr. Smite. >> Miss Adams. >> Yes. >> Mr. Adnesia. >> Yes. >> Miss Barbieier. >> Yes. >> Mr. Buffer. >> Yes. >> Miss Diovani. >> Yes. with the exception of 16C1. That's a no. >> It's noted. Mr. Smith, >>
047yes. >> Mr. Wandra, >> yes. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. With the exception of uh the sidebars, which I believe are 16E, the WTEA side bars. >> Noted. >> Thank you, Mr. Smite. I as well abstain from that. I apologize. missed my note. >> Okay, at this time I'm going to call on uh Mr. Adeneio has some comments you would like to make. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh and thank you to the board for all your kind words. Uh good evening members of the board, superintendent, administrator, staff, members of the Wall Township community, my family and friends. Uh, as I sit here tonight, I'm filled with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. Serving on the Wall Township Board of Education for the past 12 years has been one of my greatest honors in
048life. Not running this year turned out to be something that I did deeply regret regret. [clears throat] Serving has been one of the most humbling responsibilities I've ever accepted because when you're entrusted with the responsibilities of education, safety, and the well-being of children, you quickly realize that the work is never about you. It's about doing what is right, what is sustainable, and what best serves the students. Just not today, but for the years to come. You quickly realize the incredible importance of what we do when you get an unfortunate phone call from the superintendent telling you of a tragedy that will certainly affect the students and staff of the district. Thank God those phone calls don't happen often, but it makes the policies and support we give our staff and students all so important. I
049don't want that to be lost by anyone. 12 years is a long time. In that span, I've served with over 30 30 residents who have volunteered their time. Every person I've served with, while we might not have agreed on everything we've discussed, every one of them had the best interest of our school always in their sight. We've seen a lot of change a lot of We've seen changing academic expectations involving student needs, shifting state and federal requirements, and the realities of budgets that never seem to stretch quite as far. We've navigated moments of pride and moments of challenge. We've celebrated milestones and work through difficult decisions. And throughout it all, what has remained constant is the commitment of our staff in this district. People who show up every day and do the work that keeps
050our school strong. So tonight, I want to take this time to say thank you as not closing the door, but as a moment to recognize people who have made the last 12 years meaningful and worthwhile. First, to our teachers, power professionals, administrators. Thank you for your dedication to our students. Some are here tonight. Thank you. You are the heart of this district. Your work goes far beyond lesson plans and classroom instruction. You build confidence. You recognize potential in students before they see it in themselves. You provide structure, encouragement, stability. You adapt, you innovate, and you keep learning because you want what's best for the children in your care. Serving on the board gave me a front row seat to how demanding and how essential your work is. It also helps that I have a wife
051that's been a teacher for almost 30 years. Thank you for choosing this profession and choosing each day to give our students your best. To our bus drivers, you keep Thank you for keeping our students safe on their way to school and for always showing up. It might sound simple when it's said out loud, but anyone who understands school operation knows how important it is. You are often the first school employee to see a student in the morning and the last one at the end of the day. You set a tone. You provide provide consistency and you're responsible for the safety of what is the most precious to every family. Thank you for your re reliability, your patience, and your commitment. To our custodial staff, thank you go for going the extra mile to keep our
052schools clean, welcoming, and safe. Clean buildings don't happen by accident. Safe and wellmaintained spaces don't happen by chance. You do the difficult work, often at hours when few people are watching, and you do it with pride. You do difficult work, especially over I'm sorry. You You do difficult work with few people watching and you do it with pride. Especially over the past several years, the importance of clean and healthy schools has been more clearer than ever. Our community benefits every day from what you do and I want you to know it's noticed and appreciated. To our buildings and ground staff, thank you for all your repairs and upkeep and the work you do to keep everything going. When a system breaks, when the weather hits, when something unexpected happens, you're the people who respond. You
053solve problems quickly. You do the work that prevents bigger problems. And you help ensure our school district remains where a place where learning can happen without interruption. Your skills, responsiveness, and your commitment to the district matter more than the people realize. And I'm grateful for all you do. I also want to give a sincere thank you to Don Choma and Kim Keer for all their hard work [cough and clears throat] you do behind the scenes. Excuse me. So much of what keeps the district running smoothly is the work that most people never see. Emails, scheduling, documents, deadlines, follow-up, calls, and the countless details that have to be right for everything to go right. Your organization, your patience, and your professionalism have helped this board functions function the way it should. Many people will never fully
054understand how much you do, but I do, and this board does, and I thank you. I also want to thank Superintendent Dr. Handerhan who during this who started during the absolute worst time in the history of education co thank you for your vision outstanding leadership true leadership isn't measured by the big decisions or the public moments it's measured by the consistency integrity and ability to keep moving forward even when the path is complicated I've watched you lead with purpose professionalism and with the focus on matters most our students thank you for the hours the energy and the steady hand you've brought brought to this district. Your leadership has made a difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with you during my tenure. And finally, I want to offer a special thank you
055to one of the hardest working people I've had the privilege to work with in my last 12 years, Mr. Smi. Mr. Smi, your work ethic and attention to detail have saved this district enormous amounts of money during my time on the board. This is not an exaggeration. It is fact. your approach to the role your role with serious discipline and a level of care that reflects how deeply you understand the responsibility to this community. I also want to say something that matters to me personally and un in any public facing role. There can be noise, there can be criticism, some fair, some not. And there are times when people who truly don't know someone make assumptions, take cheap shots, or spread stories that simply aren't true. Over 12 years, I've seen your professionalism up close.
056I've seen the long hours. I've seen the careful planning, the follow-through, the commitment to doing things the right way. In my experience, you run one of the most efficient and well-managed business administration offices anywhere. Not just in education, but comparable to any municipal operation as well. What I respect as much as your competence is how you treat people. You will always take the time needed to explain something, no matter how big or small, if someone has a question. You're never too busy to walk someone through an issue, to show back up, to explain why the why behind a decision that matters. It builds trust. It improves decision-making and it strengthens the district. Your dedication to Wall Township Schools is second to none. And I thank you for your hard work each and every day. As
057I step away from this role, I want to acknowledge that no board member accomplishes anything alone. What we've done over the past 12 years has been a result of teamwork between board members members, administration, staff, and community that cares deeply about our schools. Serving on the board has taught me that progress often happens quietly. A policy improved, a facility upgraded, a program strengthened, a budget stabilized, a student supported. These things may not always be headlines, but they shape the daily experiences of our students, and that's what matters. To the community, thank you for your trust and your engagement. Public education works best when community supports it. When families, staff, and residents recognize that schools are not just buildings, but investments in the future. This room is proof to that. Thank you for the privilege of
058serving the last 12 years. It's o it's I will always be proud of this district and proud of the people who make it run and grateful for the opportunity that I've played a small role in its history. Finally, to my wife, Hillary, thank you for all your support. You have been my rock for over 30 years. I'd never be able to achieve any success without your support and your guidance. Thank you for your understanding for all the long hours away, meetings, and events. Saying thank you simply doesn't seem like enough for all of you put up with, but I love you and thank you for that. I'd like to wish everybody continued success, continued growth, and a bright future for Wall Schools. I want to wish everybody a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, and a happy
059and safe 2026. Thank you. [applause] Thank you very much, Mr. Anio. Heartfelt and much your comments are much appreciated by all of us. Thank you very much. Right. Uh, and I'd just like to uh recognize Miss Bby. We'll be happy to uh see you on January 6 for the reorganization meeting. We look forward to you uh joining the board of education at that time. >> Uh, and at this time I'm going to ask for unless there any other comments. At this time, I'm going to ask for uh a uh motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make that motion. >> Mr. Adenezio makes the motion. and Miss Barier will uh second. Uh all in favor. >> We are ajourned.