001Whatever it takes. This is the board of education meeting for which adequate notice under the open public meetings act was provided by written notice on May 13, 2026 to the Curry News, the Morris Review, the Somerset Review, the Star Ledger tap into Warren and the clerks of the Burrow of Wong and the townships of Greenbrook, Longill and Warren. Roll call, please. Mr. Decker. >> Miss Ferono Vmerki here. >> Miss Lee here. >> Miss Miss Potter >> here. >> Miss Pasa >> here. Miss Rexford >> here. >> Mr. Dente >> here. >> Miss Trump >> here. >> Mr. Burnberg, >> yes here. Okay, if we could stand for the pledge that'd be great. Sorry, I see we have an agenda full pack of items. Um, looks like item two is presentations. I'm going to skip that
002and I think we'll go to some other items. We'll come back, right? Is that we're going to change that? No. Okay. All right. We're going to keep it as is. I apologize. Um, again, excited. We have a a slew of recognitions. student representative, retiring staff, educators of the year, and other accomplishments. So, without further ado, Dr. Jwitty, would you like to uh provide those who are deserving Okay, good evening everyone. Uh, thank you so much for convening a little early and for all of you coming so that we get to uh, give some very well-deserved recognition. I am very lucky that I get to lead a regional high school district like Wong Hills for many reasons. One of them being that rather than being tucked away in central office somewhere, well, some people might prefer
003that. Um, I some of some people in the school might prefer not having to see me all the time. Um, but I get to be a part of the school community. So, when I do something like this and get to present awards to all of you, it's very meaningful to me because I know every single one of you that I am presenting to. And for students who I may not know, I get to know you and I get to see you in the hall. Um, so it's this is extra special for me because I've get gotten to see all of you, especially the staff grow and develop um, and what the impact that you have on our students every single day. So, this is very meaningful me for me. I'm going to turn this a
004little bit if that's okay with the board so that I can see everyone and hopefully that's okay for the the viewers at home. So, first I get to acknowledge our two student board representatives. They have been with us for three years. they have actually served a full board term. Um, so they started with us as 10th graders and I have a little token of of the board's appreciation and and our appreciation for both of you. We are definitely going to feel your absence next year, but the school and the board is forever changed because of your presence. And I want to make sure that you know that. I have so enjoyed working with you, you sharing your insights, whether it's at the board meeting, outside of the board meeting. Um, I do think that the
005incoming board reps will have an unrealistic expectation of the fun because I've never seen uh two people enjoy board meetings so much. Um, I wish that would rub off on me sometimes. Uh, but I really genuinely appreciate all of the time that you've put in, not just here, but and I think the board members know because when you're reading your student reports, many of them you are both included in because you are involved in so many aspects of the school. And I know that Dr. Lebrer and I have talked about the impact that you have had on the student body here and the culture here. Uh, and even the events that I've brought my 5-year-old son to. You are always at them. You are more often than not the organizers of them. So, we genuinely
006appreciate your contributions to Watching Hills and you have left an indelible mark on our school community. So, thank you. Next, we have a retiree who I believe was unable to make it tonight, but I do want to honor. Is he that? Oh, that's right. He had his uh banquet tonight. He had his track banquet tonight. So, one of the reasons that he was uh did earn our our educator of the uh I'm sorry, our our retiree recognition and he also happens to be um our Somerset County Teacher of the Year. So, I'm going to read a little excerpt from uh what was submitted for him as Somerset County Teacher of the Year. I did also learn at the Somerset County Teacher of the Year breakfast that the English department has a void to fill because
007he apparently makes the best coffee um in the English department. So, they're they're working on figuring that out. Uh, but Michael Porter uh is going to be retiring in uh officially two weeks from today actually is our last day of school and he also was our Somerset County Teacher of the Year. So, I'm going to um read his excerpt and then read uh the resolution about him. Mr. Porter is a truly exceptional educator. It is our belief that he deserves commendations beyond the ordinary. His skills are not only academic, but he is also committed to the social emotional wellness of every student he encounters. These connections can occur in his junior or senior classrooms, in his study halls, or on the cross country and track courses. He stands out as a professional who can balance
008both the rigor of teaching Shakespearean riddles, as well as incorporating artistic and emotional intelligence into every lesson as students try to challenge themselves academically and athletically. As one of his colleagues nominations commented, he can build community by his presence. Coach Porter cares deeply about his school's culture while trying his best every day to move it from good to great. He leads by example and Mike Porter never needs credit for his contributions. He has an even killed temperament that allows him to clearly communicate standards of academic and co-curricular excellence while providing a deeply supportive environment when students fail to meet those standards. Mike believes that a high school educator's role is not only to teach rhetoric, fiction, and poetry, but also to foster the development of young adolescence into capable adults and lifelong learners. This proclamation
009regarding Michael Porter shall be read at the public meeting of the Bachong Hills Regional High School Board of Education on June 2nd, 2026. Whereas Michael Porter was first employed as a WHRHS teacher of English in September 2005. He taught all grades, all levels, and many electives to students throughout his 21 years, illuminating his academic agility to meet the diverse needs of students. And whereas he deeply believes that a high school English educator's role is not only to teach an appreciation of rhetoric, fiction, writing, and poetry, but more importantly to foster the development of young adolescence into capable adults and lifelong learners. And whereas he has been a successful coach of the cross country and track and field programs, mentoring our runners and field competitors, other coaches appreciate that he is dedicated and communicative and often
010stays late to counsel new coaches on the importance of team culture and warrior pride. And whereas he also coached coached our ultimate frisbee team, served as a successful adviser to our mock trial team, and led the adoption of the poetry out loud competition. Mr. Porter's track team and his mock trial team were both winners of a Somerset County Championship. And whereas he distinguished himself as a lover of poetry, literacy, music, a head coach, and a co-curricular adviser who tries to inspire every student to grow and learn, Mr. Porter truly defines what a respected adult aspires to be in the in our learning community and culminated his career by being recognized as the 2026 WHRHS teacher of the year. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Wong Hills Regional High School Board of Education extends its
011heartfelt gratitude for M. Michael Porter's 21 years of service and devotion to our school and wishes him the very best and continued success in his future endeavors. And that's for him. Next, I'm going to ask Miss Lauren Krueger to come up, please. You may bring your family with you if you would like. So, I had the pleasure of getting to celebrate uh Miss Krueger at the Somerset County Educator of the Year um breakfast. And it's it's really a nice thing that the county does to recognize staff in the district. and she along with Michael Porter were nominated by her colleagues um so and I guess actually I believe you can be nominated by we send it out to colleagues and do we send it out we send it out to students as well um and
012I guess and the the community um so it's it's a really meaningful recognition um because she's been chosen by the people that she impacts uh and so I really u want to congratulate her for this and thank her for all of the service to our students thank you for sharing your mom with us because she does a great job here. And so I'm going to read an excerpt from the submission for her as our educational services professional of the year. We are endorsing Mrs. Lauren Krueger, school counselor, as our educational services professional of the year because she consistently gives proactive and comprehensive student support in guiding Wong Hills Regional High School students toward academic achievement and post-secary readiness. Mrs. Krueger professionally and warmly supports her student case load, consistently advising and positively influencing students throughout
013their entire time at Wong Hills. She is a true asset to our learning community, providing consistent, highquality, individualized support to ensure student success. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you. And I don't know if I will have a picture actually for you. breakfast. So, thank you. Now, we move on uh to an entire department and we have a number of representatives of the department here tonight. So, I'm going to read uh just a description of the award that our uh social studies department earned and then we'll call up and hand out certificates. And they did also get a lovely plaque from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission. 2026 Historic Preservation and History Awards, Social Studies Department, Wong Hills Regional High School, History in Action. The social studies department is being awarded for
014our work in local history in Somerset County, especially focused on our involvement and activities. Our logo contest, oral history, spirit week, visiting local historic sites, working with local historical societies of sending districts, speakers. The board will recall us reporting a lot of this at our education committee meetings that I I really commend uh Miss and the social studies department because I think every single organization in our area reached out to you to help them with their 250 celebration and you graciously accepted and I know they were all very very appreciative to have the school as a part of that. Um so thank you for that because our community is tremendously appreciative of that. Uh the ceremony will take uh took place on May 27th at the Lord Sterling Environmental Education Center and I know you
015shared some pictures from that. So I would like to acknowledge the members of our social studies department. I'm going to read all their names and if you are here tonight please come up and if you can stand up here that would be fantastic. Jamie L Jones, Jamie Lovejoy, Ryan Murray, Kevin Miris Shawn New Greg O'Reilly, Mary Sock, Dave Spiller. Here's Greg's. >> Yeah. Go line up. Yep. Carrie Uknes, Mrs. Beck. Mr. Appel Evan Oftall, Michelle Petraa, John Rose, Greg Bico, >> Rebecca Brown, Jeff Damman, Rustin Finel, Patrick Ganley, Dave Hatchee, Ken Cares. >> Sorry, I know we got a lot of stuff. Oh, here. I don't need them. I actually didn't need them. The writing's big enough. >> Sorry. >> And Greg Krueger, family sweeping the awards tonight. and Shelley Letington. Congratulations and thank you.
016I really can't stress enough all that they did for all of the requests they got to participate in Rev 250. So, thank you. Perfect. Mr. Caris, you can stay up here if you may. You can if you want to bring him up with you. No. Okay. Come on up while I mention this. I did this. >> Yeah, he >> he's a fan of our board meetings. Um, so I have Mr. Carnis with me. Radio station 98.3 uh awarded him the teacher who makes magic award. Mr. Carnis was awarded at a ceremony at the Pines Manor on April 21st for his contributions to the profession of teaching, his connection to his students, his AP scores, and his overall effectiveness in his classroom. He was also recognized for his charity work with the students. You may have
017seen him sporting some um innovative hairstyles around the St. Baldick's event. Uh he participates in St. Baldrick's every year to raise money to prevent pediatric cancer. He's the adviser of the Believe Club. Uh has facilitated donations to food banks and annual packaging of goodies for families at the holiday times. His other activities including award-winning culture uh include award-winning culture of ultimate frisbee. Uh and I believe you've also done a few races recently on your own as well. So uh he's certainly a role model for our students and if you've seen him at Halloween or around St. Baldrick's um there is definitely some magic involved. So it's a very appropriate award for you. So congratulations Mr. Car. Thank you so much. Miss Mary Sock. Miss Sach was awarded the Middle States Council for the Social Studies
018New Jersey Teacher of the Year for the Social Justice Award. She is recognized for her contributions to inclusion and equity throughout her classroom teaching and outside involvement in facing history can kane diversity council not in our town or schools and so much more. She was awarded this at the ceremony at the end of February in the annual MSCSS conference in Delaware. Her work with encouraging students to be upstanders as well as advising the diversity club and GSA and in the past Black Student Union demonstrates her dedication to inclusiveness and I can speak firsthand to that and we appreciate all that you do for our students, Mary. So, thank you. Congratulations. We've been through a lot, Mr. Gangluff. Wait, I can't find you out there. Uh, so many of you have probably seen our video on
019our website um that our architects did of our newly of our renovated spaces. One of them being one of our science labs, one of our new science lab. It's a couple years old now, but we're looking to hopefully do some more in the next referendum. Uh, I asked Mr. Gangle if he didn't have a class during the period they were going to be here. Um, so he set up a mock lab and he asked a whole bunch of students to come um, dressed in tie-dye because they love his class so much. So we had a a nice shot of them working in the in our very high-tech lab. He had it set up very well so that it really looked like they were doing real stuff, but they were all in tie-dye. It was it
020was fantastic. So anyway, thank you for that. Uh, so uh, Mr. Dr. Gangoff was awarded our NHS teacher of the year award and that is chosen by our students by our NHS students and so that is a truly meaningful award because uh our students are obviously what we're here for and so to be selected for that award award is a is a true honor for our teachers. Uh so I'm going to read what the NHS wrote about him. Our grades were rar rarely his primary focus. Above everything else, he encouraged us to grow, to become the best versions of ourselves, whether that was as a chemist, student, or person. And Mr. Gangliff made sure to not take a passive role in this journey. When he led us through the units of AP Chem, he would
021often stay after school as late as 5:00 p.m. or come as early as 6:00 a.m. so we could ask any questions, no matter how outlandish or specific. And so that is why they one of the many reasons they selected him as NHS teacher of the year. And he was honored at the NHS ceremony. So, we just wanted to acknowledge him tonight and I believe you guys there. So, congratulations. Thank you so much. Okay, now we're actually getting to the world of athletics, Miss Lisa Martins. So, I had the pleasure of being invited to sit at Lisa's table when she got honored at the uh national or the I'm sorry, the state I guess it's the um NJSIA the athletic director's con uh convention um I guess it was about a month or two ago now
022with her family and it was really really nice. Um they you know did a beautiful job recognizing her. uh she earned the NJSIAA administrative assistant of the year and I'm going to say that if there there's a bigger award she should get it. Um and I think everyone here would be in agreement with that especially our athletic director Mr. Rub back there. Um but Lisa is just a tremendous human being. She manages our athletic department like nothing I've ever seen. Um and she does everything with a smile and a good mood which can be very difficult at times. Uh, so I'm tremendously appreciative of that. And when we have our budget meetings, she always makes sure she wears black. Uh, right. So we're in I'm saying that right? Raise. Yes. She wants to come down
023to make it a point to Mr. Schultz that uh, we're in the black. Um, sometimes she'll even wear money themed things. I think she has a You have a Do you have a money belt? >> I do. >> Yes. So yes, she always she always dresses the part. Um, so I'm gonna lead a I'll read a little excerpt about Miss Martins. Lisa Martins has served as the administrative assistant to the athletic director for the past 10 years. And I am going to interject some of you may remember prior to that she was the head of our Ponttonian food service here. She was incredible. And when I say that on Thanksgiving or right before Thanksgiving at school, you would come in at maybe 3:00 a.m. to start turkeys and she had us all be guest chefs.
024Um so these are the things she did for the students of our school. uh and she so enjoyed being part of our school community that she then wanted to transition to this role. Uh so for 10 years she's now been on our athletics office. She continues to be a steady calming presence and has been an integral part of ensuring that the athletic office has run so smoothly over those 10 years. In addition to her many secretarial duties, Mrs. Martin regularly attends our home athletic events as well as the musicals and plays our school presents. annually. She helps with foot our football program prepare lunch for the faculty and staff as a welcome back lunchon. She's very much involved in every aspect of the school community and takes a tremendous amount of pride in the school
025as a whole. And I can also tell you that when she is an event outside of the school, uh she she and I were both at the same race once her son was running and I actually I saw her son but didn't see her and she was very upset because she intentionally dresses in all watching Hills gear in case she happens to see anyone from Watch Hill so that they will see her and know she's there supporting them. So she is a true warrior through and through. So congratulations and thank you And now we have Mr. Dan Smith. Come on down. So, Mr. Smith has returned to our wrestling program after a brief hiatus, and we're very happy he's done so. Wrestling coach Dan Smith was honored with the Rocky Fort Memorial Award at the
026Somerset County Wrestling Tournament. The award is given annually to a recipient who has made significant contributions to the development of wrestling in Somerset County. And how many years have you been coaching wrestling in Somerset County? >> Over over 30. >> Over 30. So thank and I know some of our board members know you specifically from that world. So and are very appreciative of your contributions. So thank you so much. Thanks Dan. The D has been patiently waiting. I'm going to call up a presenter. We have a student here tonight, uh, Neil Nquille, and I'll I'm assuming you should I have him come up here too while you present recognize Neil Nick Heels, whose poem, Dear America, received first place in the National Junior American Citizens Contest hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Neil's
027poem was actually judged four times on the local, state, Eastern division, and national levels for grade 10 poetry and received first place each time. Neil, we are very happy to present you with your awards. We have a ribbon from Elizabeth Snder Continental Chapter D, who sponsored you in the contest. There are also certificates for each level of the contest and a medal from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Congratulations. It's quite an achievement. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. So, our timing worked out really well. It's just about 7 o'clock. I want to congratulate all of our uh award recipients tonight and give you one more round of applause. I truly want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for our
028school community. You enrich it for everyone here every day. Members of the D, thank you so much for coming to present the award. We do have some uh refreshments over there. We are going to go into close session, but we're going to go into a different room so that you can enjoy some more music and some uh treats uh before you leave and talk about your accomplishments. So, thank you so much and congratulations everyone. >> Okay. In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public's Meeting Act, we had hereby resolved that the B board move into executive session to discuss confidential personnel and legal matters after which action may be taken. It is expected that the matters discussed in executive session will be made public as soon as the need for confidentiality no
029longer exists. Do I have a motion to go into executive? >> Second. All those in favor? >> I. Okay, great. Thanks. We're in executive session. If all goes well, we'll be back at 7:30. Thank you. All right, great. We are back. Do we have any relevant board correspondents to relate? >> I do not believe so. >> Okay. Okay. We have uh our reports and we have our final student representative report comments from Sophie Lamb and Juliana Santos. I can't remember a time when I've been on the board six years. I can't remember who preceded uh the two of you. Um so, uh certainly the best of uh luck in the future and again as uh Dr. you had mentioned uh you've been an integral part of the fabric of the high school and I'm sure
030that uh where you head to next those uh schools uh you will continue that trend I'm sure and be an active member of the community and be great leaders and participants. So certainly we wish you the best and uh we look forward to seeing you uh at graduation and I know it's not comment time or we have no comments but just want to remind everyone we do have graduation on June 16th correct at 10 o'clock. >> Uh nine nine o'clock. Great. So >> yes earlier >> before the heat. Okay, with that said, ladies, you're on. >> All right, our student report is as followed. So, starting with our student achievements, we are thrilled to share some spectacular news from our performing arts department. On May 15th, our student musicians from our performing arts department traveled
031to Dorney Park to compete in the music festival. The Warrior Band, orchestra, and choirs all earned superior ratings, which is the highest possible honor achievable at this festival. Congratulations to Sarah Zang who was chosen to represent Wong Hills for the Waxman Student Scholars Program 2026 Summer Institute. The following students earned awards at the Wong Hill Steam Fair held on April 22nd. First place was Kathleen Wang and Claire Woo for sustainable bio remedi remediation indicators of duckweed viability during phosphate removal. And second place was Kayyang for quantifying artifactual bias in skin lesion classification with integrated gradients. Two of our teams took home awards on Thursday, May 21st at the New Jersey Chemistry Olympics. Michael Jang and Winston Sue were awarded second place for information search. They build a sterically accurate. They built a sterically accurate 3D
032molecular model of aceticore, a chemical pollutant of water, which they presented to the judges, demonstrating superior knowledge of its structure and properties. They then participated in a timed research event where they had to further develop their understanding of the molecule and clearly communicate their findings to the judges. Adeline Shen and Caitlyn Sun were awarded third place for chemistry research, human impact on the aquous environment. They tested various samples of water they collected for nitrates by utilizing a quant qualitative brown ring test. They created a calibration curve of of absorbance versus known concentrations in order to determine the absorbance of their samples and estimate a quantitative number for the nitrate concent concentration. They compiled their research and data into a written report, video, and presentation which they showed to the judges on the day of the
033event. Continuing with our school events, the Watchdog Hills Spring Arts Festival began on Friday, May 15th with Dance Ensemble's 2026 performance in the pack. This incredible evening featured an inspiring lineup of student student choreographed pieces, kicking off with a wonderful unified dancer scene that completely captivated the packed audience. The artistic momentum continued with our spring chorus concert. It was an outstanding showcase of vocal talent and harmony, bringing together our our diverse coral ensembles. A true highlight of the concert was the moving performance by our unified choir, demonstrating the power of music to unite students of all abilities and and foster an inclusive, supportive community. On May 28th, we concluded with our spring instrumental music concert. The instrumental program was a monumental showcase of talent featuring our symphonic band, freshman concert band, symphonic orchestra, and wind
034ensemble. The audience was treated to a variety of compositions highlighted by the Spring of Hope for String Orchestra composed by our very own talented senior student, Philip Leavonian. Now for our athletic update. Girls lacrosse advanced in the quarterfinals of the state sectionals where they travel to Ridgewood. Both baseball and softball advanced to the state sectional semi-finals. Softball is hosting Woodbridge on Tuesday, June 2nd, and baseball will travel to Bayon on Wednesday, June 3rd. Today, softball won with the 8 to zero victory over Woodbridge. They will host Scotch Plains Fanwood on Friday in the NJSIA sectional finals. Time is to be determined. Track and field competed at Franklin for the NJSIA groups championship in this past weekend where Omar Mahal clinched the group four champion title for the um 3200 meter race with a time of
0359 minutes and 16 seconds. Not only did he win the race, he beat his own best time by 10 seconds. In addition, members of the track team qualified for the meet of champions this week at Penisakan High School. And that is all for our student report this month. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Really appreciate that. Okay, we have some committee uh excuse me, committee reports. Janine. >> Uh, the education committee met on May 27th at 4:10 p.m. In attendance was myself, Mr. Bernberg, Miss Lee, Miss Rexford, Miss Trump, Dr. Jwitt, Dr. Caro, Dr. Lber, and Mr. Sabino. Uh, we got a testing update. Um, m uh, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Dr. Glesio and the IT staff. Testing went extremely well and is now complete. Dr. Labber recapped the testing for the
036year and indicated that student turnout was good. Co-curricular clubs. Dr. J explained that approvals of new clubs were put on hold last year. Of the new clubs proposed and forwarded by the ASC, it looks like four will be on the June or July agenda for board approval. They will run as volunteer clubs with volunteer adviserss. Summer policy work. Dr. JW explained that a number of policies are in need of revision, mostly to update outdated language, for example, to update the New Jersey core core curriculum content standards, which is old already, to NJSLS, student learning standards in our curriculum policies, upgrade graduation credit requirements and testing requirements to match current New Jersey code, just to mention a few. Dr. you would explain that we are also taking a look at our attendance and home instruction policies
037and regulations to clarify some language included in both of those. The committee will have the opportunity to review the changes before they are presented to the board. Uh and then we had a discussion about it. Uh just to highlight some end of the year events tonight was or is the senior solo concert in the pack. Uh June 4th, uh memorial community awards ceremony in the pack at 7 pm. June 8th, senior awards ceremony in the pack at 9:00 am. Uh followed by the senior prom at the Grove in Cedar Grove at 6 p.m. Be careful. Um June 9th uh to June 16th is early dismissal for students and graduation will be held on June 16th at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m. Anybody have any questions? Thank you, Janine. Uh, Lori, personnel,
038please. >> Okay. The personnel committee met on Mar 28th at 8 a.m. via Zoom. Present were Dr. Jwitt, Mr. Schultz, Dr. Carol, Miss Dinson, board members, Mrs. Praza, Mr. Denty, Mr. Decker, and myself. Um, and basically we went over the preview of the C items and we adjourned at 8:54 a.m. >> Excellent. Yeah, exactly. Uh, and again, all the minutes are available on the website, so people have missed them or uh, they're all available. Uh, operations, Carol. Um, the operations committee met on June 1st at 9:05 a.m. in attendance for Michael Bernberg, Lori Fazerano, Rasverki, Heather Tronor, Elizabeth Jwitt, Mark Ston, William Schultz, and me. Mark updated us on the outstanding construction details, noting that the contractor work is on a very small punch list to complete the work on the sack and the ceramics
039lab, the SAC suite and the ceramics lab. Billy stated that after the 2500 deductible, we should receive about $40,000 from insurance for the repair of the roof leak. Mark stated that the drywall has been installed and painted and we are waiting for the carpet to be replaced. Billy stated that we're going out for bids that we would will be going out for bids, noting that Mr. Kosk, am I pronouncing his name correctly? Our district architecture suggested that we include paving and lighting on the gravel parking lot near um off of Regional Drive. Mr. Coast Kaix suggested holding off bidding if we decide to extend the work to that project. Uh Billy updated us on the student transportation costs. Um and that will appear for vote at the next meeting. We've settled with the dorm school
040services and first student bus services which basically handle Longill and Wong. Still working with Mr. Dealman for the Warren Township routes which he hopes to be finalized by the next meeting. Uh the committee reviewed and went over all the discussion items on the agenda and we adjourned at 9:28. Any questions or did I forget something? >> Good. >> Well done as always. Okay. Okay, now we come to the first opportunity for public comment. Note, the first public comment period will be limited to agenda items for this meeting only. The second public comment period will be open to any topic. All comments are limited to 5 minutes. Do we have any comments for the first opportunity? Okay, seeing none, I will close the first opportunity for public comment. Now, we're on board discussion items. Uh, I
041have one item to discuss. Do we have anything else before we get to my item, Liz? No. Okay. Uh, when we had the meet, excuse me, when we had the meeting last uh last meeting, I'm sorry, there was a resolution that was put forth by the uh uh the SBA, right, schoolboards association, and we had a discussion with respect to that. in that discussion. Uh well again that resolution had to do with uh uh the state somehow helping with regard to the crisis created by the increase of health care costs. I had reviewed that many of us well all of us had reviewed that resolution as well. Personally I wasn't a fan of it. It was very broad-based uh resolution. Uh didn't give any specific uh action items. basically just said to the state, hey,
042why don't you look at it? Uh my view is I'm sure they have been looking at it and they haven't done anything. So I said, you know, let me take a crack at a resolution. So in everyone's uh packet, I uh I threw something together with regard to specific uh issues that I felt that we as a district face. And we've talked about nothing new and you know, you know, there's no pride in authorship. We can certainly add things but primarily what I addressed was again the healthc care issue. Uh number one uh and giving a possible solution to that. Uh two had to do with um the reimbursement with regard to uh special education where the state each year has reduced the percentage of uh of uh you know their so-called liability with regard
043to over 40,000 or over 55,000. Also the state does not reimburse with respect to special education transportation costs. specifically had their resolution that they should and even just going back to the special education again that was um was part of a panel discussion a couple years ago when I was down at the convention. So this is stuff that's been talked about just no action has been taken place. It's sooner them say we're not doing anything than to say, "Oh, we're talking about it." Um, with respect to uh uh put something in there because I know there's some people who said that there should be some sort of pathway for students to be able to graduate after their junior year of high school. Uh right now technically uh they can leave school and get a GED
044but that is not the same as getting a diploma from Wong Hills which I think does a disservice for a child who's spent three years here has done great wants to move on for whatever reason and again it's not every it's not for everyone but at least there'll be a way for them to get the actual diploma from Wong Hills. Most of what's standing in the way are some of the requirements the state has which uh with respect to two items four years of English and four years of phys uh fizzed physical education. Um and that there should be a way to uh bypass that. Uh did I have one other item? I forget. I'm sorry. >> Sorry. >> Bless you. Oh, there was an issue the uh the states the state has continued to
045make it a uh uh that their number one point or their lead emphasis is literacy. So my view is they should reward those districts who are showing commendable uh accomplishments in the world of literacy and that we should uh get some sort of bump and I suggested that be a 1% bonus to those districts who can uh show that. The other thing I threw in there as well, again, each year we deal with the budget issue and we're capped at 2% except for the special education waiver at 2% um without having to go to a vote and that that number should be predicated either on the lesser of uh 3% or the consumer price index. So this way we just stay up with what we're doing considering we know we're behind every year just with
046respect to our contracts and the three plus% increase we give. Again I just threw some things down there just so my view is if you're going to identify a problem you should identify a solution. Just don't say there's a problem now you fix it. I like to put something concrete so they have um so if others have other things they want to add or they think this is garbage that's all well and good too I only spent about four or five hours on it so don't feel like you wasted my time I wasted my time >> okay we won't >> okay thank you >> but I do have a question for you this is only for Somerset County >> we have two board members that are Morris County so how do you as the >>
047what >> it says be further resolve the second to last paragraph in the county of Somerset urges the governor. >> H >> You're looking at the model, not Michael's. Michael's is the double spaced one. >> Double side one page. >> You're looking at the wrong document. That's the one. >> That's the sample one that came from somebody else. That the one in that you just lift up is Michael's. >> That's the one that >> he Okay. >> And we don't have It doesn't say that. Um >> No. thought about that. >> No. Okay. >> Are you looking at this one? >> No, I was looking at the other one now. >> Right. But we're talking about this one. >> No, I know. >> They're both single pages. >> No, double spaced. >> Y >> single
048spaced. >> Actually, this is formatted much more nicely. >> Mine is titled resolution requesting financial relief due to rising costs. >> The other one was the healthcare cost one that we that was originally right. This is from the other week when we talked about >> this is the same one that we originally saw. >> Yeah, exactly. >> We should pass this resolution in every meeting. >> I mean can't say this. >> So what's what's our I mean or we everybody should look it over and give their suggestions or >> Yes. So my view is uh we should uh take a look at it if people think that some you know Chris again there was sentiment last meeting that we should approve that what do we have to lose by signing off and I know a
049lot of I spoke to Mark Zitimemer uh the other day and he confirmed that other districts have signed off on it and uh so there is support for it. I don't believe it will do anything, but there's people who will sign off and that's why I said maybe, you know, I have no problem doing something, but let's have some teeth and I don't have a problem driving down to Trenton and hand delivering something like this. >> Why not? >> We could do both, right? We can I'm just >> Well, that issue aside, I I just feel that first one says absolutely nothing. >> I mean, I I hear what you're saying. I just >> have to >> Well, this this other one, if we if we did do a version of this >> sign. >>
050Yeah. No, but the other one would cover, >> you know, everybody. >> Well, I think the the one that we got last time was from National School Boards and I think they when they forwarded it to us, they just looked at Watching Hills. Oh, it's in Somerset County. Not actually looking at the school when they sent us the draft. >> This is not the original one. This is a different one. >> No, no. It's But they what I think what they sent us was like, "Oh, here all you have to do was filled in." But they re they did it specific to the school without really thinking about the makeup of the school and that we have two counties. >> So it would have to be adjusted at least to have both counties in there.
051>> But a couple things you had to amend anyway. So but >> um the one that school board sent they did end theirs were that it should be forwarded to blah blah blah blah blah. You know Trevor, which I think you probably want. >> Sure, why not? >> Yeah. Throw thrown in on yours if you're doing it. If we're doing it, >> if we're doing it, the one that you wrote >> right again, there may be things in here people like, things people don't like. Maybe something I should add. >> I think some of the wording is maybe a little >> I didn't say it was perfect. No, but I think that you brought up a lot of the things that we've talked about which was the the special transportation and the reimbursement rates which
052is also been every budget year we say the here are the two top things and that is that we are don't have control over Right. >> Is the literacy goal is that a Mikey Cheryl thing or was that a Murphy? >> Yeah. Oh, did the new department commissioner of education said it? >> That was from last year. I think that that was before she came into office. >> Okay. >> I think the new commissioner of education specifically said that >> she did. >> And is is there >> we've been talking about literacy a long time. How were we proposing that we prove that we've reached the goal? >> Oh, there'll be certain metrics. We'll figure that out. >> It's more >> it it's it's more of an elementarybased goal. So, the the the literacy piece
053like it it's more for the you know underserved and underperforming um elementary districts where kids aren't learning to read unfortunately. >> Yeah. >> And Trish, just so you know, if I had all the answers, I'd be running the whole show. >> So, I don't have it all. just clarif >> I have no problem submitting something where we are making specific suggestions instead of doing what the generic one of please send help. I have no problem with that. I have no problem with this the most of the specific suggestions you've made. I think throwing in this uh this if we've accomplished the goal of literacy, we ought to get a bonus is not one of those smart goals that you would put in a review. It's not measurable. We don't have a we don't have a
054metric and it's taking a good joke too far in terms of the ask. I don't think it's a realistic possible outcome. So, I would probably not suggest not asking for a bonus if we're teaching kids to read because that should be table stakes. >> Um, >> well, it's not I I hear what you're saying, but I don't think that's true, though. >> Okay. Um, >> I I don't have no problem taking that out. But >> and the the second half of the first page, the whereases are um a bit aggressive and um sound a bit petulant. Like if we want to be taken seriously, I don't think we ought to declare the state's approach a failure. I just don't think that's the way to get what you want. >> Again, no pride of authorship. It's
055out there for a discussion, but the state I think by its own admission, I think, has failed. >> Okay. But I'm >> But I hear what you're saying >> and I'm not attacking you, Michael. I'm just saying if we want to if we want to reach a productive end, >> this is not the tone that I would take. the points being made about not being reimbursed for special education costs and transportation costs that are within the government's discretion to reimburse us for are very good points. But poking an eye at the fact that schools that charge more than or that cost more than us aren't necessarily doing better than us and your literacy program goal has failed, I don't think advances the ball in a productive way. I I have no problem with that. Have
056a part two resolution going >> and and I like the idea of saying if we have kids who have accomplished everything in high school that they should be doing and are ready to graduate in three years, we ought to let them graduate in three years. I think that that's good for the students and I agree with you that there is a significant difference between having a high school diploma and a GED. Um so I I agree with the ends. >> Okay. again. Go ahead. Go ahead. Um, there was a time when schools that were doing a good job were successful, the state basically left you alone. >> They did not make you waste so many of your education days giving more tests. That would be the bonus to me. They just would, >> we can
057prove we're doing a good job. Get out of our business and let us do our job. Why? >> No, I know it's not. But I >> none of this is going to happen. >> Well, that to that point, every year at the legislative conference at the conference I well, however many years I've been to it, the our legislators stand on that sit on that panel and tell us what a how every one of these things they're going to solve. >> Right? They say it all the time. >> I'm not arguing with that >> and they don't do that either. So, you know, there's >> I just want to add two things. Uh, >> you can move on from high school to county college and college without a GED or a high school degree >> because
058my daughter did it. She's actually in med school now. So, like, you know, you can do it. >> Um, so I don't know like you can do three years, you can do four years. I'm not sure the diploma really even matters. >> So, just telling you, you know, >> from experience. But if but if you don't go on to college, and congratulations to her, by the way, that's a great achievement. But but if you don't go on to college and high school is where you're going to stop your education, I think having a diploma helps. And I think it there is >> there's not a not >> I will tell you I hire a lot of people. Don't care. Just saying. >> But that's not how most of the world is. >> I mean, good
059for you that you that that's not a thing. But um again I mean is this something we want to run by each separate committee so that like you know or or people just give their suggestions. What is what is what's our next move here? >> Um >> what are they hoping to accomplish by sending this to her? >> Put your microphone. >> Well well again what the original resolution was. I have no idea. I I don't know, you know, by just sending that original resolution, right? The question is is the state going to do anything just because they see this because they already know it. They're not in a vacuum. It's not going, "Oh, what do you know? Healthc care costs are up or increased and we all deal with it." Considering every county superintendent
060has to review our budget, reviews everyone's budget. They see everyone's budget going up by 10 15%. They see probably everyone's budget asking for the waiver, right? Most likely. Uh which means of those what do we have 21 counties? All those people report to the commissioner of education. So they probably almost a boatload of the districts go to the uh you use the full waiver. So they they have to know and they know that the financial pressure that all the districts are on. Sorry. Yeah. So, you know, that resolution in of itself, I I don't think it's going to wake them up. >> But that can be said about everything. You could just say, "Well, why say anything about anything?" Because they're never going to do anything. So, nobody would ever stand up for anything. You
061know what I mean? >> The 100 I agree. But again, my view is because people people always identify problems. It's very easy to say, "Oh, you know, you're this, that's a problem." But you always want to have a solution to it as well. It gives them something further to think about. Maybe it's another idea to think about. It's not just saying you're a problem. >> Um, and this is what can be done. That's the that was my only thought. I don't have a problem with resolution, but it doesn't say what to do. It just says look at it. >> But I hear, you know, that's the only reason why I said I would take a crack at something with specifics. I would be good with, you know, signing on to the to the rising hair
062of health course because we're all feeling it. We all feel the same way regardless of what it does. And I'm a fan of modifying this and sending this in as well. I don't see why we couldn't do both >> because the first one does isn't giving any solutions on how we're going to get there. It just is whereas, whereas, whereas, but it's not talking about how we're going to take care of it. It's all the districts getting together or how many ever and saying this is a big deal. You need to do something about it, >> you know. So that's that's why, you know, >> so I'm in favor of that. And my other view is that we finetune, you know, my draft, figure out some other things that maybe we want in there or
063clarify it. And then I I sent this to Mark as well. And if we can come up with something that's good and that we're proud of, then have Mark perhaps disseminate it to other groups as well, >> right? >> And >> do that because just us sending it, it's not going to mean anything. But you're right, the power of the people so to speak. Uh so and again each for most of these for a lot you know certainly the special ed reimbursement the transportation cost and maybe the little more room for increasing the budget affects all the districts they're all fighting that um that kind of thing and the healthcare obviously so they're all fighting that maybe then you know the high school we we don't put it I I was just kind of brainstorming
064within myself because I know stuff like that's come up but that's all. So as so uh you mentioned next steps again if everybody wants to like give me some comments or something like that then you know I can re-edit it you know the wording and whatnot and then we can come up with something final again I can I have no problem taking out the literacy piece I'll send my own resolution for that uh it's just that certain things that just know >> I'm not sure I can read you won't get the 1% >> only because I grew up in one of those districts. Uh so anyway, all right. So that's great. Thank you. I appreciate everyone's input and if anyone has any other ideas, that's great. Okay. Uh any other board discussion names? Again, thank
065you everybody. >> I think >> anything Nope. >> Want me to mention? >> Yeah, go ahead. Sorry. Um just um want to make sure we take note on our future action items. Um A34 uh a nice a donation from for $100 from Diana Churchill to be used for the Ben Watkins Memorial Music Scholarship Fund. And we all saw the the uh band students that were here playing and they really is a great program. So, thank you very much for that donation to further their music endeavors. >> Okay, moving along. >> Mhm. >> All right. I move action items A 1 through 3, A5 to A8. Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Decker, >> yes. >> Miss Ferrron Rosmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Galla, >> yes. >> Miss Lee, >> yes. >> Miss
066Potter, >> yes. >> Miss Proa, >> yes. >> Miss Rexford, >> yes. >> Mr. Hente, >> yes. >> Miss Trump, >> yes. >> Mr. Burnberg, >> yes. >> Move A 9 to A1. >> Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Decker, >> yes. >> Miss Fon Rosemi, >> yes. >> Mr. Galla, >> yes. >> Miss Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Prosa, >> yes. >> Miss Rexford, >> yes. >> Mr. Rodente, >> yes. >> Miss Trump, >> yes. >> Mr. Bernberg, >> yes. >> Moving items C1 through C8. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Decker, >> yes. >> Miss Ferrer, honor, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Gallock. >> Yes. >> Miss Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Potter, >> yes. >> Miss Prosa, >> yes. >> Miss Rexford, >> yes. >>
067Miss Reddente, >> yes. >> Miss Trump, >> yes. >> Mr. Berber, >> yes. >> Moving items D1 through D7. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Decker, >> yes. >> Miss Ferrron, Mrski, >> yes. >> Mr. Galla, >> yes. >> Miss Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Potter, >> yes. >> Miss Prosa, >> yes. >> Miss Rexford, >> yes. Mr. Rodente, >> yes. >> Miss Trump, >> yes. >> Mr. Burnberg, >> yes. >> Okay, great. We come to the second opportunity for public comment. This not limited to agenda items. Anyone have any comments with respect to the school district? Seeing none, we will close the second opportunity for public comment. Thank you. >> Do we have any other business to discuss? >> I do have one thing. If you don't mind bringing
068some. >> So, um I think you remember maybe don't Who knows? But uh like three meetings ago when I actually showed up um we had we had the budget preview and I kind of did all the math to see what each town was paying >> and Warren watch is a little higher than the rest of them but whatever. We're not going down that road. But one thing really stood out which is really interesting. Had Greenbrook been a full member of this of the school, they would have had a much less amount owed. Their their numbers would be actually lower. So they would be get huge tax cut. So it also would kind of remove that whole back and forth that we do every year. So I don't know. I just think I think this board
069should talk about inviting Greenbrook to be a full member of the regional school. seems like a good fit, but you know, especially giving them a tax break, I think that, you know, might be open ears. I'm just throwing out there. >> Well, Watch would love to become a just a tuitionbased. So, if we want to swap, watch would really appreciate that. >> Well, there is a $60 million bond or whatever this it's going to come up and uh if Greenbrook's part of this, they can actually vote on that, you know. So, I'm going to throw that out there. I think we should talk about it. I think we should. >> Well, again, I have no issue discussing >> just so you know, by the towns. >> Yeah. Yeah, sure. >> Well, they get a tax
070cut. >> It's a Well, it's a it's a complicated vote though. just um it was part in the regionalization study they did talk about that that um all of the towns I believe all three of them and Greenbrook it's a weird combination where Greenbrook has to vote that they want to become a constituent district and I believe two of the three others have to vote that they want Greenbrook to become a constituent district. >> I believe I believe that Greenbrook would be benefit from this and that the other towns would welcome them with open arms. Well, we certainly can address it, but we also want to know what other things have to be done. What Greenberrook would Greenber like be required to buy in, so to speak, because there's those issues that Carol certainly brought
071up >> and others have as >> I was going to mention that um I was able to attend the Warren's capstone projects as one of the judges. Uh Liz did the K through uh the fifth grade at ALT. I did that one and I also did the eighth grade um at the middle school and um got to say we both said the capstone projects are are really tremendous. They doing a great job. Um and the incoming eighth graders some of the projects we saw um their ability to present and speak and research and it's all independent was really nice. So, if anybody has opportunities to judge those next year, definitely um take advantage. And I think also, I don't know what the other K through8s do, if they have opportunities like that, too, where you
072can go and it really is great to see um the excitement and the students and the the ones that are coming up to the high school. So, I thank the uh K through8s for inviting us to participate in that again. >> Excellent. Anything else? I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> We are ajourned. Thank you everybody.