001a regular meeting of the Wong Burough Board of Education. It's March 24th, 7 p.m. Um, let's uh say the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. >> Welcome to a meeting of the board of education of the bureau of Wong. Please be advised that this and all meetings of the board are open to the public and media consistent with the open public meetings act chapter 231 laws of 1975 and that the advanced notice required therein has been provided. This is a regular meeting of the board of education of the bureau of watching at which formal action may be taken. This meeting is being livereamed on the district website
002where a recording of the meeting also will be posted. The public will have an opportunity to be heard as shown in the agenda at points in the meeting provided for the public to address the board. Recording or photographing other than for private personal use requires the consent of parents or guardians whose children may be included in the image. Can we have a roll call? Karen. >> Yes. Mrs. Aglaro >> here. >> Mrs. Amado >> here. >> Mr. Desaniano >> here. >> Mrs. Marcellis >> here. >> Mrs. Santos here. >> And Mr. Okay. Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Craft, and Mrs. Maddox are absent. >> Okay. Um, let's start with Thanks for so much for coming tonight, everybody. Why don't we start with our science and action presentation, Miss Miller? Um, maybe you come up with um your
003students. Just make sure you guys speak into the microphone when it's your turn, too. >> Um, hi, our names are Peter Kmire and Sky Richardson, and we're in the sixth grade. We're excited to tell you about some of the cool things we've been learning in science class. At the start of the year, we studied ecosystems, symbiotic relationships, and a lot more. One fun experiment we did was burning a cheese ball to see how many calories it contained. >> And yep, we actually burned it. Uh, proving that the food we eat has chemical energy stored inside just waiting to be transferred. We also explored ecology and made food chain diagrams based on animated movies or their real life biomes. I made one about the desert. Two other activities that stood out to us this year were
004the food ten game where we acted as shrimps, seagulls or coyotes to see how energy moves through an ecosystem or how changes to one population can affect the whole system. For a photo for our photosynthesis experiment, we got to plant wheat grass and made predictions about how sunlight would affect its growth. Then we tested our ideas by placing the plants in different areas and observing what happened over time. Did you know that sound waves can't travel through a vacuum? >> Um, that means that when you're in space, nobody can hear you scream about homework. >> Right now, we are finishing up our unit on sound waves. We even tried to figure out the science behind a FaceTime call. So, yes, your phone ringing is act is basically science in action. We learned that radio waves
005can travel long distances and even pass through objects, helping those calls go through. One fun experiment we did was shining red lasers through gummy bears to see how light travels. We used clear red and green gummy bears. All of them lit up when the laser hit them, except when it came to the green one. We recorded our observations and used them as evidence to explain what was happening to the light. That helped us figure out that light doesn't just reflect. It can also be absorbed, transmitted, or refracted. When light is absorbed or reflected differently, it actually creates the colors that we see every day. It was really cool to see that happen right in front of us. It's just too bad we couldn't eat the gummy bears afterwards. Here's a fun fact. Red light bends
006the least. And as the wavelength of a of a laser increases, the beam bends less. Science is everywhere and experiments like these help us understand the world around us. >> Something that made our all our classes super fun recently was getting our responses to our letters to the national park. We felt very happy and excited to get them. Some got maps, coloring books, diagrams, papers, or magazines. Some of us got little fun things like bookmarks, postcards, or pictures. After winter break, after spring break, we're starting our unit on geology, the study of rocks. The information we received will help us with our end of unit project about how do we understand and protect places on Earth from natural hazards. It was cool to see real information coming from actual parks. One thing we like about
007science class is that we don't just read about science. We actually investigate questions and figure out thing things out ourselves. >> I think um I think science class is really important because we have fun while learning lessons that prepare us for the future. After all, many jobs today use science in some way. >> Thank you for listening and supporting Wong Science Education. Hi, I'm Lauren Miller. I just wanted to give you a taste of what we do in our class and I figured it'd be more exciting to hear from the students than from me. But, um, I love to take pictures of them and like, you know, I really wanted people to know how much fun we're having in science while we're learning about things like FaceTime calls or the energy in our food. So,
008>> no, it's wonderful. And thank you. I know we rescheduled you. Thank you for getting your kids here. Thank you for being excited about science and coming and talking about it and sharing. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. It was so great. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Next up, we have a tentative budget presentation with Dr. Glazer and Karen Bishop Johnson. >> Woohoo. >> Are we reading off your computer? You taking your computer? >> I am. Then I will No, I'll just read off yours. >> Oh, better take glasses just in case. >> Pretty long. >> I'm sorry. Yes. Um, yes, but Aaron will put it there. You You have to tell him to turn the screen. >> I will, but I need this. Yeah, >> that's I was gonna say. >> Yeah, I right.
009That's No, no, I'm asking. So, he can just Oops. >> You you go from the right when you go to screen number. >> Right. I just That's what I couldn't see. It's the bottom. I couldn't see. >> Okay. We'll let them know. Well, thank you everybody for being here tonight, joining us um as we present the tenative budget for 2026 2027. I'm Julie Glazer, the superintendent. If you haven't met me, this is Karen Bishop Johnson, our business administrator and our board secretary. Um we are going to be walking you through um the different aspects of the tenative school budget and the timeline for how it moves forward to a final budget. Um I think you all know that the governor's budget address was delayed this year which changed tonight's board meeting. Um, but I'm going
010to say that delay is actually um a fortunate silver lining for us that this is not refreshed. This is not my notes. All right, doesn't matter. I'll go back to just what I am going to say. So even though the governor delayed, even though we had um only our own projections of state aid and that for us it's really a silver lining because we're fortunate this year to have a lot more time in between. Sorry I keep turning to the audience and leaving the microphone. We have uh more time this year to be able to really talk through the budget to be able to between tonight's presentation and the final presentation and approval. Um have additional conversations to get our actual health insurance costs, not just projections. And and the same for some of our
011other expenses. So even though what you're going to hear tonight, the revenue stays the same, the board and all of us have the opportunity to continue to discuss, to ask questions, um to refine those numbers so that we can make the most informed decisions and recommendations to the community um with that final budget. The final budget presentation is May 5th, 7 o'clock, same place. Um, and that is where we will detail all of the um final decisions and expenditures. The budget deficits that came to light almost three years ago began building with decisions made even before that, right? Um, previous to Karen being here two years, me about two and a half years, um, we have really worked diligently since that time with the board to overcome and resolve a lot of those issues we
012inherited. And even though tonight we're talking about the 2027 budget, we don't just build a one-year budget. We spend the time um to really strategically plan, make intentional decisions, we all of us are thoughtful and proactive and realistic while we're considering our current strengths, but also the needs of the district and planning for the future. Um, we're continuing to prioritize the funds that are available based on the fixed cost projections, our projected student enrollment, special education requirements, as well as um our stated educational goals. Right. Additionally, we have ongoing infrastructure and maintenance upgrades all included um as part of the tenative budget. And even though you're going to hear tonight a lot about our fixed cost drivers, um those aren't within our control, right? It may have changed several of our strategic projections, but for
013the board, for the district, for Karen and I, as we're making our recommendations, we're still committed to fiscal efficiency and sustainability. We want to inspire that academic success and continue to grow our educational program. Erin, could you go to the next slide, please? Our vision um this is our vision which got updated when we did our strategic plan um very specifically now make sure that academic success is a part of what we do. Additionally, Erin, you can go to the next one. Our strategic plan goals, which are a reflection of that vision, are an umbrella for our district goals. And as you're going to hear tonight, also our budget goals align with the strategic plan and district goals. The strategic plan goals you got to hear at our last board meeting with some detail. Obviously
014the first student learning and achievement, the second professional learning development and capacity building. Aaron next communication and community engagement. And the fourth goal, school culture and climate. You're going to see those goals again reflected um in the budget that we develop. Additionally, next slide, Erin. The district goals for this year include implementing new initiatives enhancing that same student achievement, making sure our systems are in place to identify, help our students who are facing academic challenges, making sure we're being equitable in the decisions. um not just between students but between buildings, between resources, making sure that there is that access to learning and always fostering that student and staff engagement um and positive culture. While we're building the budget, thanks. Um we do have a budget timeline. We start all the way back in November working
015with our leadership team with the goal of having a draft by February. It's usually in February when we get the governor's state aid numbers. So, our timeline um again has gotten to expand a little bit. Um the tenative budget after tonight's presentation um and board vote is submitted to the executive county superintendent by this Friday, March 27th for approval. And after that approval, we're able to move forward with um working towards our final budget. The board um also continues to refine this budget all the way up until that May presentation. We already, as you can see on the timeline, there's um an April 30th committee for operations, but there's also um additional committee meetings already scheduled the week of April 13th. So, our conversation continues. And again, as I always say, thank you because for
016your volunteer position of 10 hours a month, sometimes it's 10 hours a night. Um, and I think April is going to be an example of one of those months. And we appreciate that effort, that um, real commitment to making sure that what's presented is also representative of the board, representative of the community. Erin, um the budget overview, our proposed budget um does prioritize that student success that um we have set as a goal. It focuses on resources for that enhanced learning, our technology. We are prioritizing that environment for students. We are prioritizing students and staff. And you're going to hear um throughout not just tonight, but throughout this budget process and the final budget, where we put those goals and where those priorities are reflected in the expenditures. An important thing Karen wanted me to
017make sure I said all of these budget estimates, right? Well, not the revenues so much, but the expenditures, the revenues and expenditures have to balance. What we bring to you tonight, this tenative budget is balanced. The revenues equal the expenditures. Again, that could change by May. Just just saying so you're prepared. Aaron, next. So, the budget objectives um are listed here. We want to make sure that we're sustaining what we've already restored, what we've been able to build over the past couple years, and continue to support new initiatives, grow new programs, right? Continue progress. Again, the budget um highlights maintaining current class size. That's been a priority in the district before me. Um certainly from the past three budgets that we've developed, you have heard us talk about um the regionalization feasibility study, you've heard
018us talk about um projections for increased enrollment over the coming years. You have heard us talk about the working group we established with our um burough council, many of who I know you can't see them, but they're here with us listening tonight. and the demographic study um that we commissioned. The tenative budget considers and includes our most current data based on the birth rate. We're also going to consider the impact of new development and single family housing turnover as that demographic study um is completed and as part of our April conversations. We have to again we're never doing just a one-year budget, right? We're always projecting. We're always looking to the future. Um and and that's going to be a critical impact especially talking about maintaining class sizes if some of this um changes in
019the future. Um obviously we manage the budget efficiently and look for those reduced expenditures, but a really critical thing um coming up and you'll hear it more um directly from Karen is the need to generate revenue. This is an area um not just of study but while we're looking to yes build surplus or build reserves, we are very limited in ways to generate revenue. We get our state aid, we have our taxes, right? We get federal funding. We get um some grant funding, youth services grants, local grants. Without um the revenue that's available to us from the state, the waiverss um using our bank capped, it is going to be impossible if we don't find ways if we don't explore ways in the future to generate revenue to keep up. We have that 2% cap
020that that we all have, but I think you know already and Karen will detail even more with fixed costs rising exponentially, 2% is is not really going to be able to support us. So looking at ways to generate revenue is also part of our um budget objectives. Erin, thanks. So while we're having these conversations, right, while we're trying to decide what even goes into the tenative budget, um I talked about the information in the demographic study that determines for us how many sections, right? When our enrollment last year in kindergarten was low, you reduce a section in kindergarten, but we needed to add a section elsewhere. depending on the um accuracy of our birth rates, that kindergarten section is coming back, right? So, all of those things have to be considered as part of our
021objectives. Um over the past three years, you've also heard us talk about bank cap. Bank cap um is what's generated when you don't use all of the funds that are available to you. We very intentionally planned over these three years to use our bank cap. We broke it up into three different amounts. This is that final year. After this year, the funds are not available to us. Um people always say, you know, is that built into the budget? Is it added to the budget? It is not. Thank you for shaking your head no out there. Um it is not. It does help us as we grow our 2% going forward, but bank cap is usually spent on one-time expenditures. Um once it's gone, it's gone, right? So, one of the um big areas that you'll
022see expanding professional learning, collaboration initiatives, prioritizing curriculum, instruction, and assessment, those one-time costs. What research tells us is that um the greatest return on investment in that area is professional learning. And those benefits that are provided to staff in a whole variety of ways because they're brought back into the classroom because of that investment in teachers. That is a long-term improvement and that is part of our sustainability plan and part of how we grow and enhance our student achievement. Um that could be any number of instructional strategies, mentoring, subject specific curriculum, curriculum writing resources improvement, all of that um works together to transform instructional practices. and it obviously impacts student learning, student achievement. Um other one-time expenditures um that we are um including tonight in the tenative budget from sixth to 8th grade this year.
023They've been piloting a science program. Science was one of the areas identified through our um performance data and in the strategic plan at the middle level. um that textbook adoption again a one-time expenditure. Um we um did our textbook adoption at Bayberry K to4 last year in math and English language arts. We are continuing um in this year while we're teaching it to revise our curriculum to bring in professional learning Friday and we'll talk about this more um when Denise talks and in the report we add a full day of professional learning at Bayerry's right around those literacy pieces. Um additionally we have a um very pronounced identified felt need for um sound systems. You might have heard them called FM systems. They are um in the past I would say have been introduced for
024very specific needs, specific students. They can be introduced as part of a 504 plan, a health plan, can be introduced as part of an IEP or a special education program. Um this year we have partnered with the summit speech school with aiologists who have actually come into the space who have worked with the teachers who have students with hearing needs or students with sensory needs, students with um other identified needs to look at how we can maximize those FM systems. Um originally we had hoped to to make that a capital expenditure. the recommendations did not support that honestly. So, um through this bank cap, those one-time expenditures, that's another area where we're targeting funds um to be able to put them in the targeted rooms, the identified rooms first. And then here at the middle
025school as our students change rooms, change classes to be able to over time um expand those systems to to meet again a very pronounced need. Um that's kind of a high level right overview of those decisions and again um on May 5th we will go into quite a bit more detail um about those expenditures and those decisions. just go to you. There you go. So, Aaron, >> we went to your next >> Yeah, >> let me I'm taking this back from you. >> And I don't Erin, if you can make anything bigger, um that'd be great. I don't know if you can, but okay. Okay. Now, the fun part. >> It is the fun part. >> All right. So this chart shows us how the um district is funded. The majority of the revenue, about
02683% comes from the local tax levy. State aid makes up just over 6% with the remaining revenue coming from fund balance and other sources. Because such a large portion of the budget is funded locally, increases in cost largely are supported through the tax levy. You could see, I'm not going to read the numbers, but you can see how how little state aid we have. We did carry over some money from the end of fiscal year 25, and that was a lot of that was interest. You may remember from those presentations. We get a little bit of extraordinary aid and some local revenue in the form of grants. Okay, let's see. Okay, next screen. Um here we go. This slide shows the the uh state o state aid over the past three years. While there have
027been some fluctuations by category, overall state aid has decreased since the 2425 year. At the same time, state aid is covering a smaller portion of the budget. So, it's decreasing from what used to be 7.7% just a few years ago to now only 6.3. Again, reflecting why so much of the budget is supported through local funding. Okay, next slide. Hold on one second here. Okay. pi graph showing you the same thing. Um just the you know a visual of how much that local tax levy is supporting you can see that the state aid piece very very small and everything else very small. So just to to um quickly u point out that these are the expenses and I don't if you um I didn't actually say the total out loud but the total of the
028revenues is also the same 2172539. So like uh Dr. Glazer mentioned we have to balance we have to go in uh with the amount of revenues we would like to bring in and that has to match exactly the amount of expenses we think we were going to have. These are the expenses in the categories that we are predicting we're going to need for next year. It shows the full breakdown of everything. And I really want to just highlight the major areas that make up the largest portion of the budget. That's instruction at the top followed by employee benefits and special education. We do see significant costs in operations and transportation as well. Many of these costs are not discretionary and they're driven by contractual obligations, student needs, and other operational requirements. When we look at
029a pi graph for this slide, it's showing basically the same type, you know, the same where the regular education and instructional programs are the largest portion followed by the special ed and employee benefits. In the regular programs, you have items such as all instructional salaries, including supervisory positions, teaching materials, books, software, subscriptions, guidance, Chromebooks, iPads, and Smartboards to name a few of the items that are in that category. In special education, you have salaries. You have purchase professionals. So that's when we have to go outside of the district to bring in um aids and paris generally teaching materials out of district tuition and support child study team and plant and child study team that's it there in the benefits medical dental our PERS pension retirement social security workers comp and tuition reimbursement for staff in
030our plant operation you have salaries utilities, cleaning, repair, insurance, supplies, and security. And then finally, your admin costs, salaries, legal, audit, architecture, communications, telephone in admin, strange place for it. Memberships to all of our societies that we belong to, and technical services. And transportation is both your regular and special education routes, drivers, and all the aid and loop uh payments that we make to um families whose students don't attend the public school. Okay, next slide. So this slide is showing you our most significant fixed cost increase from last year to this year. the you can see that salaries and benefits increased by approximately $980,000 and out of district services including transportation for out of district has increased by $483,000. These are both fixed or non-discretionary costs, meaning we can't easily reduce them without impacting staffing,
031student services, or the required programs. The majority of our budget increase is driven by these fixed costs which limits our flexibility in reducing expenses. Next slide please. These are again the primary drivers. I just broke this down a little bit more so you could see it in a different way. You can you can tell that the health care and the out of district placements and the contractual salaries are making up the largest impact. The percentage increases are averages in each category, but myself along with every other district that you will see in the paper are all talking right now about the medical and the and medical really and prescription. It's combined in there. Um the costs have risen astronomically and we are all really struggling with how to uh cover these costs this year. They're
032outside of our control and we can't do anything about them, but they represent the necessary expenditures to support the students and the operations here. I don't think there's anything else to really point out there. Okay. Screen doesn't go as There we go. Okay. This is a this is a slide and it's a little bit hard to see the small numbers. Make it bigger. >> So, oh yeah, there's a there's a little bigger. So, what this is showing is that healthc care has gone from about $2.4 million to now $3.7 since 2223, which is a huge jump. But the red shows you the employee contribution. So our health care has our premiums that the district has to cover have far outpaced the contributions that are um brought in. That's this is the trend. They you know
033the healthc care's significant increase as I um pointed out as a result of this the district has to absorb the majority of the cost and that's all of the white bars. This a lot of this is largely because of chapter 44. Chapter 44 was a law that was put in place um about five five years ago or so that requires that employee health benefit contributions are calculated as a percentage of salary rather than a percentage of the premium. So as the premiums went up, it didn't really matter. The calculation is salary times a percentage. you know, in a it's in a formula, but it is not keeping pace. As you saw from that prior screen, the premiums are increasing much faster than the salaries, and therefore the district is absorbing those pieces that all of
034the rest of that. Okay. So, what this leads us to is um and I think maybe um maybe Aaron, you can make it a little bigger, but um >> I'm sorry. >> You can see it. Okay, good. Um, what this is showing is is the estimated tax impact for the upcoming school year and it includes the referendum. So when we back into the amount we need and when we try to you know um reduce expenses as much as possible given the those cost fixed costs that I just explained, we have arrived at a revenue number and the impact to that is um basically $245 increase in the tax amount on a a home that's assessed at $998,000. That is the new um average home assessment in Wong this year, very close to a million. And
035the estimated school tax this year would then be 6,613 on that milliondoll home. That is, like I said, $245 more than last year. Individual impacts vary based on your assessed value, but this is a general estimate. You can multiply your own home value by this number 0.0000.25 and you can get your exact tax increase. So for example, if you had a $600,000 home, your tax increase this year would be $147. This is school tax only. And again, that million-doll home sees $245. Okay, this slide just a picture of what's been happening um here in Wang. The property values have been increasing and they're up actually 24% since 23 24. The tax rate that's driven by the school is declining. But even though the ratables well when the ratables increase the tax base grows which helps
036to keep the school tax rate lower and that also keeps the municipal taxes lower. So that increase in value does help all of us. But as we've discussed, these rising the rising costs still impact the overall tax bill. It's not negating that, but it's helping. This this slide, the next slide here is just showing that um if you looked at that tax rate per $100 of assessed house value, you can see it is declining slightly. So to me, that looks like we're more, you know, holding steady. So as those ratables are going up, we're you know trying to hold steady declining a bit. Um but you know doing budgeting carefully and I think this is our you know the impact for us that you you know you see rising costs though and again that limited
037state aid continues to place pressure. So it's not um not a rosy picture. Okay, let's see. Okay, coming over here. This is just um showing you how our school taxes are comparing to surrounding communities. This information comes from the Department of Community Affairs in the property tax section. Um there is a variation among communities based on factors such as student population services and cost drivers but it does show you that that is what in 2025 that was the average according to that you New Jersey's site. The next slide sim similar this shows you how you can let's see if you can see that the blue or the purple there is the school share of the taxes and then you have the municipal share and then you have the county share. It shows how the total
038tax bill is distributed in New Jersey. Schools are typically 50 to 60% of total taxes. That's pretty typical. And you can see that there's variation among the surrounding communities are districts falling within that range and it reflects local factors such as enrollment, student needs, and cost drivers. This comparison is providing context, but each district's costs are driven by its own needs and obligations. Next, okay, man. Um, while we've worked to control the costs, we are still facing increasing expenses in key areas. Those are the ones we've been talking about tonight. We we continue to pursue cost containment through vendor comparisons, competitive quotes, operational efficiencies. For example, we've recently engaged with the state of New Jersey to conduct an energy audit to identify potential cost savings. These cost pressures require additional revenue to maintain our programs
039and services. Managing the tax rate alone does not offset the impact of these rising costs. As a result, additional revenue is necessary to maintain our programs and services. That all being said, based on the cost increases that we've been discussing tonight, the district is proposing an additional levy of approximately $820,000. This represents an increase of 5.4% above the 2% cap. This additional levy supports rising fixed costs such as the health care, salaries, and utilities while allowing us to maintain our current programs and services and avoids reductions that would impact the students. The proposed additional levy is necessary to maintain the level of education our community expects while continuing to manage the costs responsibly. Okay. And this this slide is showing you how the total levy is calculated. The 2% adds an additional $34,000 to the
040budget. I know you already saw from the past slides that $34,000 um didn't even cover uh the cost of utilities plus you know the um salaries and the all those you know different adjustments that we made. It doesn't cover it. We also have the 2% um we have the bank cap which is expiring and that's actually 1.69% that's $257,000. that's expiring. As Dr. Glazer pointed out, we've been talking for this last three years that we wanted to use the bank cap that we had, you know, left on the table from not using um adjustments in the past. So, this is our third year. This does end our bank cap. And then and then finally, we have the healthcare adjustment. This is an allowable adjustment. It's in the state budget software and it's pursuant to New
041Jersey's statute NJSA18A7F. It's made available simply to pay for additional increases in healthcare premiums. The state is recognizing that we are not able to cover the increases as you know as they've been um given out to us this year. It's necessary for us to take this healthc care adjustment because we can't come up with $563,000 any other way to pay for it. If you take last year's tax levy, which is 15,190, and you add the 1,124 to it, this year's tax levy would then be 16,314,545, which is an increase of 7.4%. In summary, we we are showing you a budget that reflects these rising costs, the limited state aid, and continued efforts to manage the tax rate. But on at the same time, we're trying to maintain our programs and services simultaneously while remaining fiscally
042responsible. We are looking forward to detailing the expenditures that will support our goals in the final presentation on May 5th. The final presentation is on May 5th and it is at 7 o'clock. We thank you for supporting us and if you have any questions, my email is there and feel free to uh contact me. >> Thank you. Are there any questions from the board? >> I Okay, just a math question for a second because I think I heard something that I didn't realize. So, >> slide. >> Uh, >> One slide back, Aaron. >> So, the the total percent increase is seven. >> Sorry, two slides. >> It's okay. That one. >> There it is. Yeah. >> Oh, there you go. Okay. >> Is 7.4%. >> Yes. What I'm seeing is that's an increase over just
043last year's tax levy. So, not the tax levy plus the bank cap plus the healthcare uh waiver or adjustment, whatever. If I understand what you're saying, it's everything because the 15,19345 was the tax levy and by adding that million124 to it, it's now 16314, which is 7.4% more than last year's. >> Right. So if so, theoretically, >> I did that right. >> Next year, if we just do 2%, is that a 2% increase on the 7.4 increase this year or is that a two Okay. Yes, it's 2% on the 16314545 where and we would have not had we taken the bank had we taken the adjustments at the time they were incurred it would have been more than 2% that year but we wouldn't be taking it this year. we left money on the table
044>> and right and when when you get these adjustments from this you know when you're allowed these adjustments there's a reason either your enrollment went up and the software says and the state says hey you guys have extra you know students you need more resources or in this case healthcare or some other you know there are some other reasons but they give it to you for a reason and you choose not to take it sits there for a few years this is why we're using it we didn't want we don't want to lose it this is the end >> and so of that num sorry of that number half of it is the healthcare uh what is it called again adjustment >> $563,000 >> I didn't read the fine print previously but so the chapter
04544 that's going to expire in a year and a half >> is going to expire in December of 2027 >> but that's so okay that was going to be my question is is nothing changes really until the contract is over >> correct correct we have a fiveyear >> so this isn't going to just out of nowhere just increase premiums for the teachers >> correct >> okay What other questions do we have? >> Anybody else? >> This presentation, we'll put it on the website. Um, you can have it. You can ask me questions tomorrow if you read it tonight again. And >> and again, Karen's email there. >> And my email. Yep. And that goes for everybody. If you have any questions, you know, we have we have numbers to back it up. >> They still
046have time to ask you on public. >> Yes. Right. We'll be doing this again. We'll be doing this again. >> So, so for everyone, thank you so much for this >> and for everyone on the board. Um, in our next committee meetings, we're going to have an in-depth Q&A. Karen will be present so that any questions that are brewing over time, we can bring those in and talk about them in detail. Um, um, and uh, please please don't hesitate to email or reach out. Would you like to review enrollment? Do you need a moment? >> No. I just I have to just get to the screen. I'm good. >> Thanks, Aaron. Did we move something wrong? We did something wrong again. Sorry. Um once again um here with enrollment it is um same static we
047um have no current changes to um out of district. We have no current changes right to our um students. We actually have been notified that we have several students who will be enrolling in the next couple weeks. So that that will um have an impact. I think um Miss Fner and Hurport will talk about the preK lottery coming up and kindergart No, you're not. And kindergarten registration that's open. So we'll have those registrations we hope which all help us again with our projections. All right, moving on to uh the principal's reports. >> Principal reporting. >> All right, good evening. Denise Vickner, principal at Bayberry. Um Bayberry students and staff had a great time at the PTO book fair on February 25th and 26. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this such a
048success. And following up on that, it was good timing because we celebrated ReadAcross America Week from March 2nd through the 6th with mystery guest readers, including staff, families, and community members. Students showed incredible enthusiasm for reading for exceeding our goal of a thousand books by reading over 10,000 books in one week. They were really excited about that. We were actually very surprised um that they were trying so hard to beat a thousand and I think they did it in two days. So we wrapped up the week with a fun schoolwide assembly um in the gym. This was the probably the first time that we ever did a schoolwide assemb. Um the students loved it. We were celebrating students along with staff versus a staff versus student Olympic games. It was a lot of fun. Students
049were off on March 20th in observance of Eid while staff participated in professional development. Our second graders have been visiting the Morristown Museum with two classes attending last week and the remaining classes going this week. On March 13th, we hosted a fourth grade band demonstration for our third grade students. Under the direction of Mrs. Morrison. Current band members showcase the instruments available for students to consider as they prepare for next year. Even though our Mrs. Morrison will be retired, so that will be the new person's job. Thank you to the PTO for the thoughtful lucky to have you gifts for our teachers. They really appreciated that. This week, Bayberry is observing disability awareness month through schoolwide spirit days and classroom activities. Today was orange day. That was a good one. Students are building awareness and
050fostering empathy for individuals with diverse abilities, including those with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, ADHD, and autism. We look forward to our fourth grade performance of I need a vacation taking place tomorrow. Everybody's very excited. We're excited to see our students shine on stage. So, the students will be performing for their school tomorrow during the day and then for parents at night. At Valley View, seventh grade students recently participated in a field trip to the New Jersey School of Conservation. Additional highlights included spring picture day and a successful steam night on March 18th. On March 23rd, Valley View teachers also participated in language arts instructional walks at the high school. These informal classroom visits provide an opportunity for teachers to observe instruction across settings, gather a snapshot of teaching practices, and share effective strategies with one
051another. Finally, this month's theme for Mountaineer Mondays is resilience. Our students demonstrated this trait during the student council staff versus student volleyball game where students emerged victorious and all participants enjoyed a spirited and memorable event. And yes, the preschool lottery will be taking place this week and everybody will be notified on Friday and kindergarten registration is open. So, if you will be five or parents, if your child will be five, I'm sure there's no 5-year-olds watching this by October 1st, please register online. Everything is ready for you. >> And the sooner the better because um again, those birth rate projections are telling us >> that we should be expecting more students in the >> a lot. Yeah. So, we do have a kindergarten visitation in May and the exact date is on the flyer for
052kindergarten registration. I always say um they have to be registered by that date to attend. So that usually gets things moving. All right. Thank you very much. >> No, thank you. I just want to add I found out today miss kids out sick but um we have students at Valley View who participate in Fiser the with our technology and robot robotics program and I wish I knew their names. I don't but it's still so exciting. The team called Cyber Sentinel created an app for two-step verification to keep everybody's personal data secure. They're coming for you, Aaron. Um, and those students um have won the regional competition, which is huge, other districts. Um, and they are headed to the national competition. So that's a this is a big deal with coding and um all all of
053the varieties of technology that we try and support here. It's it's exciting. So we'll have more information, but I found that out right before the meeting, so I wanted to be able to share still with them. >> Great. Is there a um BA report this evening? >> Um or was that the BA report? >> Mostly the BA report. Uh let's see. in our um in my office, we we're actually getting ready to wrap up our current year's budget. I know it sounds kind of crazy. It's a it's not even April yet, but now is the time when we start to review everything, make sure POS are properly encumbered and what we don't need, we'll start to let you know try to clean up everything. So, we're going to start working on this now. Um, one
054thing you may notice tonight in the agenda is we have two months of financial statements. We've been doing one month. Um, and we were always we're allowed to be 60 days back. So, as long as we put a financial statement every, you know, every month for two months ago. Um, that's the law, but we we put two on this month. And our new intention is to try to put the statements on every 30 days so that we're only going, you know, in March, you'll love February and April, y'all. March, that's going to be our new intention. Um, I think we're going to do okay. You know, it's a it puts a little bit more pressure on everybody, but we're getting into a good rhythm and I'm think we're going to be successful. So, that's the
055goal. Um, in uh I know Aaron um and some staff members went to a technology workshop at MUJC. Um, that was really good. So, I think that's about it for my area. >> Thank you. Uh, let's do committee reports. >> Wait, I have a few notes. >> Oh, you do? Oh, >> I do. Sorry. Separate from the budget. Imagine that. Um, I do want to remind everybody that Tuesday night, March 31st at the Wilson Memorial Church at 7 o'clock, um, the Wong um, historical society and the 100th anniversary celebration from the burrow are highlighting, um, the history of the schools in Wong. Um you might remember that we participated in helping um uh a movie get made and they are filming screening not filming screening that um Tuesday night all students, staff, families are invited.
056Um we've reached out to retired staff and alumni. They're looking forward to having um people talk about the schools and it it's really wonderful. Last Sunday we were at the text here house and they um showed me things that I had never seen about Wung Burough and it was it really exciting to be able to celebrate and I am excited um for every month you'll start to hear more about programs things that the schools are doing and um fundraisers with WE and the PTO not my I'm not going to spoil it but it's coming and and we're excited to be able to participate Tuesday, Wilson Memorial Church. Also, Tuesday, >> Tuesday, what? >> March 31st. Sorry, March 31st, 7 o'clock. There's a flyer on our website. I'm pretty sure I also sent it, so I
057can send it again if you need. Um, also, Tuesday, March 31st, we have our CUAC in-person monitoring. You might remember that is our state monitoring. um that um because we're are a high-erforming district happens every three years. So joining us in district will be um our county executive superintendent, the county BA, our supervisor of special education and the um education and program development specialist. they come in, they will be um meeting with some of our board members, our um some of our association members, the business office, myself. Um they will be um visiting schools, classrooms, files, and we will look forward to hearing how we are doing in governance and operations and instruction and program. Um, next Friday, April 3rd, Good Friday, the district is closed. Um, uh, following Monday through Friday, April 6th to
05810th, is spring recess for students and our 10-month staff. We will be here. We have our referendum projects. We're working on the long range facility plan, um, some technology and website things. So, um, I know you guys are all looking forward to the break. And thank you for the staff that are also here tonight. >> Okay, now we can move on to committee reports. >> There you go. >> Um, curriculum Ottoma. >> Okay, so curriculum committee met on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 4:30. Committee members was Leticia Marcelis, Rich Diano, President Danielle Amado, Dr. Julie Glazer, Mrs. Karen kid and Fatima Santos was not in attendance. Followup QSAC starting March 31st. New business middle school fifth grade schedule proposal. Karen Kidd explained the revised plan for the fifth grade. A program that would help students adjust
059middle school team model starting in sixth grade. prior goal had been to start block scheduling in this year or require hiring at least three additional teachers and administration is not comfortable with this budget increase at present. Mrs. Kidd explained that math time would increase for each student which teachers had been asking for. Science and social studies would be reduced very minimally by 10 minutes per week and flex time would be eliminated. fifth grade only. Students would have two main teachers per day instead of one to help them transition to more movement around the school locker use and etc. Valley view recognition application BV has applied for recognition from the association for middle school education schools of distinction. We are very hopeful. Additionally, a third-party school climate survey received very positive results. March 20th, 2026, professional
060learning schedule agenda for both schools was reviewed. And potential board agenda items was uh grade third grade teacher. The new teacher has started in class and it's going well. Supervisor of instruction job description is in the committee folder and will be voted on at the next board meeting. Hiring is in progress and final demos are underway. >> Thank you. Uh administration and finance Jen. >> So the administration and finance committee met twice since the last um board meeting. We met on February 24th. Is this working? >> I don't know. It is >> working. Okay, thank you. We met on February 24th and March 12th in person at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings lasted approximately 3 and 1/2 hours. And this is of course in addition to the prior February budget meetings. So, we've had three budget
061meetings so far. Um, in attendance were myself, the president, Danielle Amado, Leticia Marcellis, and Adam Craft was present for the March 12th meeting, but absent for the February 24th. And of course, um, Dr. Glazer and Karen Bishop Johnson were there. I'm not going to go over the budget because we just had a full presentation, but no, it was talked about a lot. Um, we also discussed the prop proposed change to the financial statement reporting timeline, which Mrs. Bishop Johnson has gone over. There was also an update on the Bayberry playground. Um, Karen Bishop Johnson provided an update regarding um a previous statement about a warranty um being in effect was incorrect. A misunderstanding arose because the vendor thought they were replacing the whole playground rather than performing repair work which is typically not warranteed. Um
062the vendor confirmed that they do not warranty repair work and the funds will come out of the maintenance reserve. Uh the committee reviewed the regular items um that are on the agenda under operations including an approved change order that now includes a change to the contract, the bond council agreement and the hearts and hands professional service contract that's is relating to the special services consultant but I said the majority of the meeting was spent on the budget. >> Great. Um policy committee >> the policy committee uh met March 18th 2026 and in attendance was myself Pink and Neielen Jessica Maddox Daniel Danielle Amateo Dr. Julie Glazer uh and Dora wasn't able to make it. Um the summary of the follow-ups we covered policy P2365 which is generative AI and policy 5701 academic integrity. The committee
063decided to use the Somerville AI policy as a baseline and modify it rather than drafting a new policy from scratch. The policy includes evolving the current plagiarism policy, which is policy 5701, to one focusing on academic integrity to properly address issues like generative AI. The policy should put in place first, sorry, the policy should be put in place first to guide the subsequent formation of an AI plan. We also followed up on policy 2419, school threat assessment. The second reading for policy 249 was def 2419 was deferred until the next month's meeting. Committee agreed that they needed a chance to review the final updated document and historical minutes which were unavailable before moving the policy to the board. Tabled policies for first reading. We have textbooks regulation R2510. This regulation needs to be matched to
064the existing policy. Student smoking policy regulation which is PR5533. This policy needs updating to include vaping as original policy predates that technology. Both policies were collectively table for later review. Policy P8454 management of pediculosis which is headlight. None of us knew. Um it's a head lice policy. The existing policy is significantly outdated. last updated June 2016 and does not align with the current guidance from the CDC and the school nurses association. The policy will be updated to treat headlights as a nuisance rather than a condition requiring immediate dismissal or mass notification. The updated policy will reflect current medical guidance such as not sending a child home immediately or prohibiting their return to school solely due to the presence of NITS. Exclusion of students with headlights is not recommended due to the low risk of school
065transmission. The policy section on notification will be rewritten to reflect current oops sorry current practice pending confirmation of the exact protocol with the nurses bylaw 0143 board member vacancies. The committee reviewed the bylaw which had been recently had recently been updated. The committee agreed to keep the policy as is since it had recently been updated and the significant changes in the boilerplate did not apply to this district. Policy regulation PR 9320 cooperation with law enforcement agencies policy. This policy will move forward for a first reading as no changes were deemed necessary following the an annual memorandum of understanding meeting with the police. And then finally, policy P9241, classroom observation policy non-mandated. The committee began reviewing a non-mandated policy that outlines protocols for parents and/or professionals to observe their child's classroom. The policy outlines protocols for
066observation in a child's classroom, often in cases related to placement changes or legal proceedings. The committee discussed questions pertaining to the timing of requests, the observation, and several matters of oversight stated in the boilerplate example. The policy will be written to be watching specific and return to the committee as a draft to be reviewed for first reading. And the next meeting is Monday, April 13th. >> Thank you very much. For personnel, we have Jennifer sitting in for Jessica. >> So read for mathematics. So, the personnel committee met on March 11th at approximately 6 PM virtually. In attendance were myself, um, Jessica Maddox, Danielle Amado, and Dr. Julie Glazer. Um, we discussed the new sick leave bank. The sick leave bank was implemented via Genesis with a two-day deduction for participating employees. This process established through
067the newly negotiated contract will be repeated at the rollover in July instead of waiting until September. Uh there's a contract and purchasing correction. An issue regarding purchasing laws for a professional services contract for Hearts and Hands LLC was addressed. The contract will be placed on the board agenda for approval for the entire year to correct a previous oversight. Uh there was a proposal discussed to change a staff member's title. Uh the committee's discussion also centered on budget sustainability for personnel including salary adjustments. These and other budgetary requests will be further discussed by the administration finance committee. Uh the third grade teacher position has been filled. Uh the search for the supervisor of instruction which included 98 applicants is moving to a final round with two candidates who will proceed to an observed demonstration demonstration coaching
068a teacher in a classroom setting. Uh recruitment for the director of special services has resumed based on a new philosophy prioritizing hands-on inschool engagement. Uh the criminal background check for the baseball coach at Valley View has been completed and practices have begun. The individual requires board approval on the board agenda. Um the job description for the supervisor of instruction was discussed and is being finalized based on candidate experience. The main responsibilities have not changed, but some redis redistribution of tasks have been dynamic. The formal job description must be voted on by the board and will be posted to the website. Then finally, a full day of professional learning is scheduled for March 20th, which I think was covered by the curriculum happened and was covered by the curriculum, so I won't read that. And the
069next meeting for the committee is Wednesday, April 15th. >> Thank you so much. Um, board liaison reports. Um, legislative, that's me. Um, starting March 1st, school districts and other public entities must publish or advertise legal notices on their own website and hyperlink to the Secretary of State's legal notice page, which is yet to be created. Um, schools must also advertise these notices twice a month. We are already doing this. Um all other legislation is in the discussion phase at this time, including two um uh bills that our district is watching closely. One that would require towns to share pilots with school districts um and one that that would potentially force regionalization across smaller districts in in the state. Um those are not finalized. Those are just ones we're watching. Uh, Somerset County Educational Services Commission.
070Jessica is not here. I do not have anything to read from her. Does anyone else do you? >> No. Okay. Uh, Somerset County School Boards Association. Leticia. >> None at this time. >> Nothing. Um, school boards association. Jennifer, >> it's me again. Yes. So, uh, school boards association has, uh, started their grant support program. It's on their website. You can do searches for grants. It's quite comprehensive. That's it. Yes, it's brand new. Just started. Um, and I have some good news. We I talked to our field representative Kathy Pier Porier. >> Porier Kathy Porier and she confirmed that we have completed all our educational credits required to qualify for our M's board certification. So, it has Yep. Our transcript has been sent to their professional development association um to hopefully >> receive certification. >> Congratulations
071everyone for putting in the work. >> That's a big deal. >> Spent many years on that. >> It's exciting. >> Is that everything? >> That's everything. Yeah. >> Okay. MUJC >> Morris Union joint is also going through the budget process and negotiations and um that's where we're focused also >> ad hoc enrollment growth working group >> we have not met we're waiting for this demographic study >> complete we have the >> waiting for the complete demographic study >> okay those are all of the reports um community engagement is there anyone from the PTO We would like to come up. I'm Mel Maldonado from uh WE. I want to share some uh update updated u events that we're having. Uh first we're doing a dine and donate at uh water and wine on May 5th for
072Cinco de Mayo. Um second we're going to host something with flyables. We don't know when exactly the date is to be decided. We're hoping it's going to be after one of the Valley View concert events. Uh one or both, but we're speaking to them currently. Um, and then we're looking to talk with Rita's to see if we could do a June event for uh end of the school year for if you go there to get some ice cream, we'll get some proceeds back to uh W. Um, also I wanted to mention that um as the school year wraps up um if you want to apply for any grants um you might need so we can take a look at them so they can be approved. >> Miss Kid didn't call you. Miss Kid was going
073to give a call. We have I think we have >> them our way so we can look at them and uh hopefully approve them. >> Could you email me because that's not we we usually do it different. So just email me and I'll do whatever you need. >> Of course we'll email. Thank you so much. I know. I was hoping kid was here so we could speak to her. >> She wasn't feeling well. >> I know. Hopefully she'll feel better. >> Thank you so much. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Is there anyone from CPAG? I believe there's not. >> Okay. So, we're going to move to executive session. I have to read this. >> Yep. Whereas uh the open public meetings act NJSA 10 col4-11 permits the board of education
074to meet in closed session to discuss certain matters. Now therefore be it resolved. The board of education adjourns to closed session to discuss a matter rendered confidential by federal or state law student matters. Further resolved. The minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists. action may be taken. Can I get a motion to >> move? Turn. >> There a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> All right, we will be back shortly. We are back. Um, next up on the agenda is comments from the public for the agenda items. We welcome input from the public. There are two times during the meeting when the public is invited to speak. The first opportunity to comment on agenda items only is now. Second opportunity for public
075comment is towards the end of the meeting. All comments are limited to 5 minutes. The total time allotted for public comment is 30 minutes. Before you make your comment, please state your name and municip municipality of residents. In the event it appears the public comment portion of the meeting may exceed 30 minutes. The presiding officer may limit each statement made by a participant to 3 minutes duration. Our public forums are not structured as a question and answer session, but rather are offered as opportunities to share input with the board. In instances where the board feels a response is needed, the presiding officer or or superintendent will address the comment. New Jersey statutes do not permit the board to discuss personnel or hiring in public session. Names of students should not be used. Members of the
076public should consider their comments in light of legal rights of those of those affected and identified in their comments and be aware that they are personally legally responsible with potential liability for comments that they make to the board. The board shall not be held liable for comments made by members of the public. Are there any public comments? Okay. So, let's move on to action items. Um, let's see. Leticia, would you mind moving the administrative >> items? >> I move. >> Yeah, I move >> move approve minutes of previous meetings. >> Yeah. >> Um, affirm the superintendent's HIV report. Um, accept Bayberry and Valley View school security drill reports. That's it. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> We have a roll call. >> Yes. >> Mr. Desaniano. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marcelus. >> Mr. Ta. >>
077Yes. >> Mrs. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Amado. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Aglaro. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Craft, and Mrs. Maddox are absent. Motion passes. >> Great. Uh, let's see. B, under personnel, seeing how many there are here. Um, Mr. Tico, would you mind moving these items? >> Excuse me. >> Uh, items be under personnel. Oh, you're not in there the the agenda. It's >> okay. Page four. So you would say I move and you can read the number and the the title. >> Just the title. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um I move um one approved job description for supervisor of instruction. Two approved appointment of certific certificated staff. Uh three, approve resignation of noncertificated staff. Um four, approve appointment of leave ab leave replacement teachers. Five, approve leave of absence.
078Six, approve appointment of 2026 extended school year coordinator. Seven, approve appointment of extracurricular positions for the 2025 to 2026 school year. Um, that soon. >> Yep. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Um, Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Santos, >> yes. >> Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Zamado, >> I have to recuse from the baseball head coach item and yes to everything else. Okay. And yes to everything else. Okay. Uh Miss Sigliero. >> Yes. And Mr. Ta. >> Yes. >> Okay. And Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Craft and Mrs. Maddox are absent. Motion passes. Jen, would you mind um moving C operations finance items? >> Sure. I move under operations finance, one, approve payment of bills. Two, approve transfer of funds 2025 2026. Three, accept financial reports. Four, adoption
079of the tenative budget for the 2026 2027 school year. Five, adjustment for health care costs, $563,194. Six, adjustment for bank cap, $257,199. Seven, authorized maximum travel expenditure. Eight, authorized travel and related expense reimbursement for the 2026 2027 school year. Nine, approve revised change order for Bayberry and Valley View HVAC upgrades. 10. Approve SCESC transportation agreement. 11. Approve agreement for bond council services or capital projects financing services. 12. Approve Hearts and Hands LLC as special services provider. 13. Accept donations from Wong Parent Teacher Organization. 14. Approve professional development/school business and related expenses. Is there a second? >> Any discussion? This is another opportunity to discuss budget if anyone has thoughts or questions. I just want to thank Dr. Glazer and Karen again for all of the hard work that you've put into this budget. Um, I
080personally am grateful that we've been able to maintain our programming and staffing. Um, many other districts are making cuts and still have the same number, similar numbers. >> So, I'm I'm grateful and thank you for putting in all that work. >> Also like to just shout out thank you to the PTO for their uh >> donation like was teaching supplies at Bayar and Valley View Schools that were St. Patrick's Day themed >> and some money for school trips and buses. So, thank you very much. >> Okay, roll call. >> Okay. Uh, Mr. Trick, >> hi. >> Yes, I Okay, >> that's okay. Make sure you can hear you. Um, Mrs. Santos. >> Uh, yes, except for number one. Check number 46898 from that. Okay, just number one. Got it. Okay. Um, Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes.
081>> And, um, Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Amado, I have to abstain from the authorizing payment for check number and yes to everything else. >> Okay. And Mrs. Zliero >> um abstaining from payment on check number 46898 and yes to everything else. >> Okay. And I think I got everybody and we have uh Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Craft and Mrs. Maddox absent and therefore the motion passes. >> Okay. We have no items under curriculum. Um Rich, would you mind reading moving policy items? Uh for first reading we have the policy and regulation 9320 cooperation with law enforcement agencies. That's all we have. >> Second. Any discussion >> and a roll call when you're ready? >> Okay. Me just sorry. One second. Okay. Okay. Uh Mrs. Amado. >> Yes. Mrs. Marcellis, >> yes. >> Mr. Tricka,
082>> yes. >> Mrs. Santos, >> yes. >> Mr. Desaniano, >> yes. >> Mrs. Aglaro, >> yes. >> Okay. Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Craft, and Mrs. Maddox are absent. The motion passes. >> Okay. Um, is there any board business? >> I just wanted to mention one thing. I meant to say this before when Mrs. Fner was here talking about reading for America and wanted to give Mrs. Miller and kindergarten flowers because virtual flowers because she uh let Piper go from her second grade class and read to the kindergarten class and Piper was very excited about that. So, thank you again, Mrs. Miller, if you're listening. >> Well, I'm sure she's listening. But that's great. >> Any other board business? >> Okay, second chance for comments from the public. Anyone? No. >> All right. Can we have a
083motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> We'rejourned. Have a great night, everyone.