001Good [clears throat] evening everybody. Welcome to the Winslow Township Board of Education regular meeting of Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. Public notice of this meeting was given to all board members and associates in a notice dated August 14th, 2025. Adequate and electronic notice of this public meeting has been provided specifying the time, place, and manner in which this meeting is being conducted. It was advertised in the Courier Posted in all schools, the administration office, the municipal building, the library, Bud Dubal Center, Edgewood Acres, Elmtown, and the Winslow Township Post offices. Our mission statement, the mission of the Winslow Township School District, a large, diverse, and growing community, is to educate all students to become independent, lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and caring and confident members of their community. The district in partnership with the community and in
002a climate of cooperation [clears throat] and mutual respect will provide an academic environment which values excellence and diversity, encourages students to strive for personal excellence, and assists them in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to contribute posit positively to a rapidly changing world. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Clark, >> he'll be absent tonight. >> Thank you. Miss Dreaden, >> she will also be absent tonight. Thank you. Miss Glaude >> present. >> Miss Martin, Mr. McManis, >> here. >> Miss Peterson, >> present. >> Miss Pitts, >> present. >> Mr. Thomas, >> present. >> And Mr. Shaw, >> present. >> We have a quorum. >> Can we please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. The republic for which it stands, one nation under
003God, indivisible, liberty and justice. >> Miss Peterson, can you please read our 2025 2026 district goals? >> Certainly. 2025 2026 district goals. One, student achievement continue imple to implement researchbased best practices for delivering instruction and accelerating learning for all students including all subgroups. This shall include one, conduct weekly administrative walkthroughs to monitor teaching and learning. Two, utilize the district diagnostic assessment platform to analyze student data to inform and guide instructions. monitor and track measurable growth in ELA and mathematics in grades one through nine. And the final one, to implement creative ways to accelerate student learning by providing additional support throughout and beyond the school day. Number two, promote a positive environment for students and staff. One, enforce the code of conduct to ensure safety for students and staff and compliance with district policy. Two, incorporate
004social emotional learning opportunities for students to celebrate positive behavior. Three, develop strategies for students with significant behaviors to reduce the interruptions of instructional time, decrease negative actions, and improve student school attendance. And the final one, number three, increase stakeholders engagement. explore and expand innovative opportunities, increase parent communication, create parent learning opportunities with a focus on how to support their children's learning. And the final one, continue to share the accomplishments of Winsel students in all student activities. >> Thank [clears throat] you, Miss Peterson. Moving on to awards and presentations. Mr. Peas. >> Yes. I'd like to introduce Mr. Douglas Reed. Douglas Reed is one of the most soughtafter and inspirational voices in the country. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and social justice. Doug is the CEO of Douglas Emmery LLC and a former director
005of partnerships with black men heal where he helped design and launch programs that shape the organization's mission. Douglas currently serves as a consultant to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, bringing expertise and lived experience as a field liaison and program representative. He supports initiatives focused on social justice, veterans, mental health awareness, and faith communities, contributing to programs such as notice, talk, act, and advisory work groups for schools and justice initiatives. His life and experiences has fueled his commitment to mentoring youth, supporting rehabilitation, and preventing justice and involvement. He will be presenting a uh PowerPoint on notice, talk, act, a program that supports mental health of our students. And we're happy to have him here tonight. Duck. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Superintendent. Uh, board members. Not only am I a facilitator for
006the Notice Talk Act with the American Psychiatric Association, I'm also a resident of Winsow. One of the things uh about this is I wanted to bring this program uh at least give you guys some input. I do this around the country. Uh, but what better way to actually do this than right here in Winslow. Uh but this will be just an introduction piece. Um the notice talk it is actually a program as it states a mental health professional development training that empowers K through 12 and higher education staff notice talk act at school. The program's framework is to notice when students show early warning signs of mental health concerns, talk with students about mental health to engage and support them. Act to refer students to the right kinds of resources they need and can access
007in your school and community or community. Some data. The youth mental health the CDC report from 2012 to 2014 reports that raise urgency to invest in schools as a vital lifeline. Nearly one in five ages youth ages 12 to 17 20% reported having unmet mental health care needs. potential impacts on this training. 70% reduction in truency, 89% reduction in discipline referrals, 99% reduction in major mental health events, 171 increase% increase in referrals to support services. This program is actually done around the country. How is this training unique? One, it's free because we are funded by the the SAMA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Other training that you you if you choose to pay for it will cost you anywhere from $75 to $2,000. Targeted audience, all school staff, specific training for teachers on
008school personnel, 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the the delivery mode. I can probably tell you be 90 minutes as far as me being the facilitator. Um the concepts high quality evidence informed strategies customized and tailored in the school community to the school community. So we won't do anything uh in reference to this program without your consent or your I'm military. I'll say your chain of command in reference to how you recognize u those school concerns. the format. You can do it hybrid uh or live virtual or train a trainer. My recommendation is train a trainer since I'm only five minutes away. Um additional components ongoing support and access to new materials. The footprint uh like I said we're doing this actually across the country. Uh you see some of the states listed more
009on the east east coast but we are currently working with the um give me a second. I know there's a lot of violence or projected violence as people say within the uh around the country and we are currently working with organizations uh around the country uh the school safety advocacy council uh if you you can look them on online and actually they go around the country to reduce school violence in school violence in schools but we're working closely with them as two delivery methods to fit your needs. Like I said, direct training certified instructor co who delivers the training with your school's and mental health team up to three development hours to customize the training for your school. That's why I said very important that we customize it according to how you guys operate. Um,
010train the trainer instructors. That actually moved too fast for me. Trainer trainer instructor training for your school's mental health team. Your train instructors deliver uh training to the school or district. This training is free once again K through 12 US schools and are fully funded by SAMA. As I stated before, how to engage preview the training. Um you can actually email us but we've already had contact uh and bringing it to you know this presentation bringing you aware of it. Um you can actually go online and look at it. There are some uh free webinars to actually look at you know those dates January 13 2026 3 to 4 p 30 p.m. which is um which is online. Um but the program I've done this around the country. One of the thing that helped me
011I became a mental health advocate uh because of certain traumas that I had in my life and I end up working with an organization called Black Men Heal. They give free therapy to black men. Uh and mental health has become a bu a buzzword and now with the availability of actually having an awareness within the schools. You know, one thing I work closely with an organization, they give u mental health training to barbers. The same thing applies when I think about teachers. And I say because you are the first responders when we think about kids. Uh we think about, you know, one thing that pops up a lot in in our children is anger. But how do they identify anger? What's the cause of that anger? what are some of the uh things that you
012notice about that child when it comes to anger? You know, there is there a fear? Are they being bullied? So, there's a lot mental health is a a thing that especially now by it being a buzzword, children are more aware. I was just in PSboro talking to some kids uh last week and you'd be surprised even and that was can no there were third graders what they know about mental health uh what they know about the uh self-awareness. I had a young lady stand up and she introduced herself and she said I'm pretty I'm intelligent and I'm going to be a success. But just that reinforcement we talk about mental health it's not always the issues we're talking about the well-being the wellness of it. you know, how how are our children operating? Um, they
013have a thing they call the eight dimensions of wellness, you know, physically, you know, how they how things, you know, as far as what they eat, their their jobs, if they're working, uh, in in the homes, their their emotion, their environment, you know, one thing that for me, even moving to Winslow 5 years ago, there used to be a sign on seven on 73, I'm not sure if it's still there, but it said, "Welcome to Winslow. We are, you know, the diversity within the the community." you know, that play that played a big part, but that's the environment that's already set. So, I just wanted to come to you. It was a brief um synopsis as far as what the program, you know, is about. It's free through SAMA. There's some additional information, you know,
014if you guys, you know, you vote on it or, you know, how that plays out, but, you know, I'm always here. You guys got any questions, please feel free. >> Uh, Mr. Reed, just one brief question. tonight. Um, perhaps I missed this, but the uh sessions that you conduct with the training you say are about 3 hours. >> Well, it says 90 90 minutes to two hours. >> Um, I've been doing it roughly about two I mean about 90 minutes, >> right? And so, um, when you come into the districts to provide this training over what period of time is it a one day issue or is it a one day? It's it's one day, but there's additional resources that the uh association would actually give you, but it's actually just a one day uh
01590minute presentation. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Is there any local uh schools that you have put this training in in the New Jersey area? >> That's Well, what happens is that's my job. And I say my job because I've done it around the country, but New Jersey is one of those areas in which I live that I would actually love to actually get this program. So Winslow will probably be the first if you guys choose to do it. Uh but it's, you know, the last my last stop that I did was down in a military academy down in South Carolina. But no, no schools as of uh currently right now in New Jersey. Winsow is always about being first, right? When's the winner? >> Always. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Well, Doug, thank you for presenting
016tonight and I look forward to uh speaking with you more about getting this up and running in Winso uh school district. Uh, I spoke to Kate and had a great conversation with her. And so I'll work with my assistant superintendent about scheduling some time uh for our teachers to uh receive this free training just to be uh an extra set of eyes in our district and making sure the well-being of our students are uh looked over and looked at. Yes. >> So, thank you for coming out. >> Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving. >> Happy Thanksgiving. So, next we have Miss Alma Martinez Walsh and she is the site director of Orchards Family Success Center for a community-based and family centered neighborhood gathering place located in the heart of Cichlville, New Jersey.
017Community residents can go for family support, interactive workshops, activities, and groups. Their activities are always free and open to all families in the community. Please welcome Miss Martinez Walsh. >> Good evening everyone. Um, thank you for having me. I really appreciate um, having this opportunity. Um, my name is Alma Martinez Walsh. I'm the site director for Orchard's Family Success Center. Before I dive in a little bit more about who we are, I always like to introduce our team. We're a team of three, so you get to know us pretty quickly. Um, so we have our family partner, Katrice Bailey. She is in charge of the resources, um, connecting our families with resources, connecting, um, other additional resources to Ourel as well. Tatiana Vega. She's our volunteer and community partnership coordinator. She's in charge of um
018maintaining our partnerships with additional organizations and gathering our volunteers in the center and assists me with the programming. And then currently we do have a bachelor's intern. Her name is Shamara McClean. And this is the three of us at um one of our community events that we hosted last June. It was a women's empowerment event. So again, a little bit about who we are. This is um a few pictures of what our lobby area looks like, but as what was just said, um we are a community-based neighborhood gathering place located in Cichlerville, New Jersey. Specifically, we're on Cichlerville Road, right across from the post office. Um we actually just celebrated 13 years in September. So that was really um a great milestone to hit. um community residents can come to us for family support, interactive
019workshops, activities, groups, community events, resources, so forth. Um again, we are always free and open to everyone. Um I also want to mention while yes, we are here in Winslow Township in Sichllerville, um again, we're open to everyone. So, if there are other family members who live elsewhere or around the Camden County area or additional counties, um we'll service anybody. So, to dive more into our services, um we offer computer access, printing, faxing, copying, um educational workshops, parent child activities, community events, connection to resources. We have baby diapers, wipes, baby formula, feminine hygiene products. Depending on the time of year, we'll have toys. We'll have um clothing. We can have food. Um you know, based on what was just happening with the SNAP benefits in November, we quickly got um a small food pantry together
020for this holiday season. So, it really just depends on what's happening throughout the year and we're um making sure that we're listening to our community's needs so that we can um service better. We also have um Medicaid assistance. I apologize that's a typo. Um it's actually now the second Tuesday of every month um with Horizon and now we also just added at another coming the third Wednesday of every month. So, we have Medicaid assistance. Additionally, we also have firsttime home buyer consultation appointments. Um, and again, different things pop up depending on the year. So, to dive more into what our workshops look like, we cover um different contracted services. Um, that would include access to health, parent education, parent child activities, housing, employment, life skills, and advocacy. a few examples of our previous workshops. Under
021health and wellness, we've had Zumba classes, family cooking, cancer prevention workshops. We recently just had a veterans appreciation event. Um we've also had mental health workshops and so forth. For housing, um as previously mentioned, we've have our first-time home buyer um consultation appointments. We've also had Habitat for Humanity come. We have resume assistants. Um, Katrice, our family partner, does a really great job of making sure that we're up to date on the available jobs in the area and keeping our job board up to date. So, you could even come to the center to if you need assistance with that. Parent child activities include STEM workshops, parent cafes, family movie nights, crafts, parenting skills workshops. We have Girl Scouts um for certain age groups. Um, in December, we're looking forward to our pictures with Santa and
022holiday party. Um, we have things for ages five and under specifically as well. Um, and you know, whatever else, um, community members have ideas for. We also do computer basics, a sewing class, visually impaired support group. We have a social circle for our seniors, and um, we've done a variety of different community events as well that are more public and larger. We have volunteer and partnership opportunities. We're always looking for volunteers um specifically those who can facilitate a workshop, you know, maybe help organize table um at events. We always welcome different organizations to table. We're really looking to just be a resource connection. Um we're here for the community. So if there are other organizations that like to come into the center and their services are free or low cost, you know, we certainly want
023to connect families to them as well. I want to point a special interest to our orchards community advisory committee. This is something that we're really working to um expand in the new year. This is for parents and individuals who are active in the community and want to just contribute more um to the programming in the center and give feedback on the different resources that are really needed that we need to touch base more on what type of areas need to be addressed. Um we're really looking for a lot of feedback from community members, partners and so forth. just to quickly um talk about our impact in Camden County. So for July 2024 to June 2025, we had a total of 95 registered families for the entire year. Um as of right now from July 2025
024to about um October because this does not include November. Um 386 registered households we have so far. So you know we're looking um on a steady increase. public events. Um last year we had our father's day appreciation fair for the first time. We had a hund uh individuals, 10 resource vendors. We had a community baby sprinkle, 40 parents um of children 3 months and under and expecting came. We had our back to school event which was our largest event. We had 449 individuals. We gave out 200 book bags filled with school supplies. We had food um and 20 resource vendors. We just had our Thanksgiving turkey giveaway this past Saturday where we were able to give away 70 turkeys with bags of sides. And um in December we are going to be giving out or
025sponsoring 50 kids for holiday toys. And how you can stay connected is we are on social media on Instagram and Facebook. We always post our monthly calendars. Um the programming changes monthly so that that's how you'll get the most up-to-date information. We also have our website and both on the website and social media platforms. We're also sharing other resources besides ourselves. Again, we're here to connect um the families to resources that are going to benefit them. Our whole idea is to help our parents, our children, our families become self-sufficient. So, we're not doing it for them. we're trying to show them how to do it, right? Um, so you can find resources, more information about the advisory committee, our registration for our workshops, contact information, so forth on our website, our hours of operation. We
026also have our general Gmail that you can contact and our phone number to contact us if you have um additional questions. And um that's it. So I just would like to ask you if you have any questions. Um, this is something I'm very passionate about. I also live in Winslow Township, so I I really truly want to see um, you know, more families benefiting from these services and just looking forward to collaborating and partnering with you all in the future. [clears throat] >> Just want to thank you for coming out and sharing this um, valuable information for our community. And I hope that we as a school district can um be able to guide some of our kids and parents and community members to your center to get to be part of the active activities
027that you have. You have those activities that I see on your calendar are amazing. I hope that we can gather the community to you know do a little bit more participation in your um organization and thank you so much. >> Thank you. So, with our partners, we we like to thank you for coming out tonight. And, you know, it's important that we establish and continue great partnerships with community uh service organizations and uh national organizations like uh Mr. reads organization uh notice talk act and it's all about our partnerships and what we can do to connect our students and our families to great services and support that's out there and these are two free services that seem like they can have a huge impact on our community and I just want to make sure that
028we uh do what's necessary on our end to connect advertise and promote the the great work that you're doing and make sure that our kids are being touched by it all. So, thank you very much for coming out tonight. [clears throat] >> Moving on to correspondence, >> we have none this evening. Mr. President, >> Mr. President, did Wanda have a um an award presentation? >> Oh, sorry. [laughter] >> Um moving on to our minutes. Um, can I have a motion to approve our meeting minutes from our regular board of education meeting open and close session from Wednesday, November 12th, 2025? >> Mr. President, I'd like to make make a motion that we approve our minutes meeting uh from Wednesday, November 2025, open close session. Open and close session. >> Can I have a second? >>
029Second. >> Roll [clears throat] call. All right. Any questions? >> No questions. Uh, roll call, please. >> Miss Claude, >> yes. >> Miss Martin, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcmanis, >> yes. >> Miss Peterson, >> yes. >> Miss Pittz, >> yes. >> Mr. Thomas, >> yes. >> And Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Motion has carried. >> Moving [clears throat] on to board committee reports. Um, our student representative isn't here uh for this meeting, so we'll move on to our athletic committee. Um, Mr. Thomas. >> Yes, we do. Uh, just starting off that our winter sports are now in progress. Tryyous for basketball and cheerleading November 24th and 26. Track and wrestling now gearing up. Our first basketball game is at the great city of Camden on December the 8th. Our girls will be playing on December
030the 16th. Indoor track will be at UPEN December the 13th and our second annual December 29th and the 30th will be our girls basketball championship. Of course, our football state championship bound Winsow Township football team for the second straight year state champion this Sunday at Ruckers starting at 300 p.m. Now, also noted our quarterback Jayen Parker has now tied the most uh TAP touchdown receptions in the state of New Jersey. So, with one one more, he will break in half the state of New Jersey touchdown reception. Our girls cross country historic achievements. The Lady Cross country team had delivered a record-breaking season. 13th in South Jersey for the first time in school history. Sixth in the sectional championship, first time in school history. Our boys track and field elite qualification. Mr. Benny Perry has qualified
031for the meet of championships, marking the first time in school history athlete has reached this level in boys track. This is a landmark achievement for Winslow track. And I just like to discuss some college commitments that are now in play and on another level this time here in this uh season that we're in. Amaya Bronner uh University of Kentucky. Olia Aki University of Connecticut, Leah Joseph St. Joseph University, a queer help university that c of Carolina down there with Bill Bich and Jules better known as William Peter Peterson has his option of North Carolina, Clemson Penn State and the King Pal University of Delaware. Once again, all these offers are division one schools that require esteemed academic excellence and we should be proud to be in a position to say that we have college commitments
032and college offers at this day and that is the report coming from the athletic. >> Thank you Mr. Thomas. Miss Glaude, you have something to add to the AC academic report. Yes, I have um presentation um as well. Um but I'll give you the stats from the Winsow elite boys. Um they play played against the brick organization on last uh Sunday and the score was 19-0 um leading them to a state championship. They're going to nationals in Florida um December the 6. Um so our Winsow Elite 11U will be playing nationally against um 11U's across the nation. Um, Winsor Elite 8U uh versus Cherry Hill last weekend. They they beat them six to zero, leading them to play the states coming up this weekend. And Winsow 10U played Del Rand and beat them 13-0. And
033they're also going for a state championship as well. Um the Winsow Elite um organization was sanctioned by Winslow Township on March 2026. And so that made it a very new organization that took over the original Mullers. And there were two board members here in our presence that were intricate in the success of our youth um um success that we have right now today. So I would like to be able to acknowledge the two um gentlemen from the Winso elite president um and read the letters if you don't mind um for Jerry McManis. Dear Mr. Mcmanis. On behalf of Winsor Elite Football and Flag, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of office services to print over 3,500 flyers distributed through our school district for our organization's registration efforts. Your support
034directly enabled us to reach more families in our community, helping to grow our program. Your commitment to community helps our organization to provide opportunities for student athletes to succeed both on and off the field. Your contribution helps us promote equal opportunity for all children in our community to learn and participate in football. Increase awareness of our new Winslow football program and how families can get involved. Demonstrate the power of community collaboration in building healthy, active futures for our youth. We deeply appreciate your willingness to lend your skills and resources to support the local youth sports. Your generosity reflects the community spirit that makes Winslow strong. Thank you once again for your time, effort, and support. We look forward to sharing updates on the program for years to come. With sincere appreciation, Christina Harrison, president of
035WSO League football and Flag. [singing and music] >> You have me at a disadvantage. I totally forgot about that. [laughter] >> Well, we didn't. Um, and the next person is um, Mr. Joe Thomas. Dear Mr. Thomas, on behalf of Winsow Elite Football and Flag, I would like to express our our our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of 80 practice jerseys and sponsorship. Your support has had an immediate and lasting impact on our athletes and our program. Your contribution helped us purchase highquality practice jerseys for each athlete upon registration. Demonstrate our organization parent and athletes the true meaning of community and connection. Promote teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Support the development of youth football in the community by making participation accessible to more players. We are proud to recognize Mr.
036Joe Winslow Joe Thomas for his commitment to our athletes and our community. Your generosity embodies the spirit of teamwork and community service that football teaches us every day. Thank you once again for your invaluable support. With sincere appreciation, Miss Christina Harris, president Winslow flag Elite Football. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> What's that? >> [clears throat] >> So in conclusion, when we as the elders of our community continue to give to our youth and show and lead our our youth the way, we empower them to be great. So thank you for your community and your service to our youth and continue for our board. Thank you. >> Great job, gentlemen. Thank you, Miss Claude. Moving on to our citizens advisory committee. Meeting schedule for All >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> right, moving on to our education committee.
037tutoring. high dose day after school. There are currently 70 high doses, after school, technical, science, math, and sign up and come as needed. fluctuating schedules at any time. 300ed started on after school attendance professional development. Most take evaluation average score high pilot. [clears throat] They're current currently have Implify knowledgeable knowledge benchmark magnetic HM amplify ELA avisers professional development began last year. After school meetings held with Kyling very [clears throat] final decision by the end ofending the selected program all program and material [clears throat] instructional material high quality questions that posed by the educ hard as to how have we have five as early childhood I >> 700 high school. But ask how many thousand active not accurately. One parent also count maybe ask how many tracking current staffing number [clears throat] ask for aal 520.
038I've 17 text you can be tracked. Diagnostic >> [snorts] >> I'd like to add to the the report. I'd like to add to the report if you don't mind. Uh just having a conversation with Miss Clement uh about the future roll out of Chromebooks to our high school students. We are not seeing enough parents completing the forms and signing off on the Chromebook agreement. And the vibe that we're feeling is, this is coming from our our staff, that students are interested in a onetoone initiative. So, I'm going to continue to promote this, but if there is a need to pivot, we may have to pivot just based on the students interest at this time. I don't know if this is because it is a midyear roll out or it if it's something that because over
039time students have pulled away from that learning style here at Winslow, but it's something that we need to look at. That's not to say that devices won't be available to our students in class or if some students need support with devices at home, but we have to really look at what the kids are telling us by their lack of interest in this roll out. So, I'm going to meet with Miss Clement and Mr. Mela and we're going to think about this a little bit more and come up with some, you know, ideas on how to continue to promote it and see what this brings us. You know, our original goal was to make sure that these high school students uh receive their devices before winter break. And we're still on schedule to do that. But
040if they're not signing up or they refuse to take them, that's going to be a different story and that's something that we have to look at and prepare for. So, just a conversation that I wanted to make sure you heard and know that this is something that we're looking into and we'll continue to make sure our students are provided with the best tools, resources, and opportunities to be successful. Thank you. I have a um um addition a question in regards to that. Um is it a possibility that many because they're the older crowd the high school that many of those children who are not interested in receiving a device already have their own laptops that they're using and we can possibly see if that's the reason why we're not getting a bite. >> That that
041could possibly be it. You know, we'll we'll look into that. But right now, we're seeing signs that it's a very low turnout on signing those uh forms. And so I I'll I'll do some more marketing to uh get that information out there, but we'll also survey our students to see if they have devices already. So we're talking almost threequarters of the population that uh haven't signed up yet. So and only a quarter have. So, it's uh something that we need to look into. [cough] Anything else for the education committee? >> Moving on to the marketing committee, Mr. McManis. Thank you, Mr. President. Um marketing committee meetings. Uh marketing committee met on the Saturday the 22nd at 10 a.m. in attendance was Joe Thomas and um Jerry McManis. The discussion centered around the academic culture and
042arts hall of fame, something long proposed by the CAC. Uh Joe Thomas put together what I say is a great framework uh that we can definitely amend after collaboration by members of the committee. Uh the purpose of the uh academic and cultural hearts hall of fame is to establish and honor individuals whose achievements, leaderships, service or cultural contributions have s have significantly elevated the reputation, pride and academic excellence within the school district. This initiative aims to inspire current students, strengthen alumni engagement, and celebrate the diverse accomplishments that help define uh the character of our community. objectives uh recognize graduates, educators, community leaders, and cultural contributors who embody this excellence. Uh to preserve and promote the academic, artistic and uh cultural heritage of the district and to build stronger connections among the alumni, staff, students, and
043community partners. And then also to create an annual tradition that highlights the district's commitment to academic growth and cultural enrichment. All these all these goals uh help to increase shareholder accomplishments of the Winslow Township and uh in in all activities is one of our stated goals with within the district. Uh funding for this is to come from identified sponsors working in conjunction with local nonprofits. Uh events will be events will help in fundraising and recognizing the recipients and and uh broadening the community. outreach should be held about once a year uh at a local venue. Committee would like to call for an open call to see who would like to participate in this. And our meeting closed at 10:30 a.m. Maybe we could do that in the new business section. Say >> again, Mr. >>
044I was going to say to try to come up with a committee that would be able to help spearhead this effort. Maybe we can have an open call during uh our new business section. Okay. Thank you. And that's it. And thank you, Mr. Thomas, for uh putting that together. [cough] Any questions on the marketing committee report. Moving on to the operations committee. Mr. uh Shaw, Mr. Dreden is absent this evening, but if you'd like, I could read the minutes. >> If you would like, that's fine. >> So, the operations committee, we met yesterday, Tuesday, November 24th at 5:30, uh, over teams. In attendance were Miss Miss Dreton came in. Um, Mr. Shaw and Mr. McManis. Also in attendance were Miss Bole, Miss Chico, and Mr. Peas. and we discussed the um four projects that were
045uh received in on November 24th, 2025. Uh the HVAC upgrades at school 5, that project came in, but it was over budget. Uh the HVAC upgrades at school 6, that project came in, it was also over [laughter] budget. uh the construction of the pole barn, we did not accept the bids because we discovered a material misstatement or mistake in the bidsp spec from the architect. So, we decided we're not going to open it. Uh and we put it back out for bid. Um so, it is currently back out for bid. Uh and upgrades to the serving lines at the high school cafeteria. That project is on tonight's agenda for uh approval. Um and although we had anticipated awarding all of those projects this evening, the biders do have to hold their bid prices for 60
046days. So school five and school six, we're going to uh contact the county about withdrawing additional funds from uh capital reserve to fund those projects and approve them. uh we're going to look for less than 10%. So uh and during the budget process, we made certain that 10% of each project would be there for us to access in case uh pricing began to fluctuate so we're not blown out of the water. Um other capital projects, we were at the tail end of the high school main office HVAC upgrade. Uh and then we had the flood. uh that project is still on course. Um I had reported out or we had reported out that um uh EI's mechanical engineer had uh completed a final inspection. He created a a couple of punch list items. Two of
047those items uh they're very immaterial, but they remain outstanding. I believe another walkthrough is is scheduled within the next week, I believe. Um and as soon as those two items are addressed, that project will be completed. Nothing was damaged in the flood. Nothing that they had done. So that that was that was good news. Um food service fund has a deficit balance of 46,82791 in meals served but not paid. So the fund itself has money but we are serving meals and we're not collecting the balance. That number is uh that figure is as of yesterday. As for the 2026-27 budget development pro uh process uh during a tri county meeting it was suggested that the districts so all the districts within three counties uh we were told to develop several budgets uh since we weren't
048sure how this new administration what their position would be on school funding. Um, as for us, we will develop a flat budget, which means we're going to anticipate um our tax levy increase and we're going to anticipate state funding at the same level that we received this year. Um, if they give us more, woohoo, uh there's always some place we can put it. If they take or give us less, we'll have to look into um carrying that budget back. So we're just at this point uh we had um distributed the building base and the departmentbased budget based on their um current activity and uh the buildings based on their assessa counts. We take the number of k children in the building assign a dollar figure um and then come up with the budget for the
049schools. we send it out and let the principles budget the money um as best they can or where they would want. They're their budgets are due by December 19th, 2025. I will not look at them on December 19th, 2025 [laughter] because we hope Mr. Peace lets us out and we will be going home. But when we come back [laughter] in January and thank Oh, well, thank you for the break. Uh we will [laughter] we will be um generous break uh we will get back on track with the budget um and so we can get it developed balanced and out to the community um by the deadline which will be in March. However, operations committee will be um in on it with us as we try to share where we are, what's going on. Um the
0502024 2025 annual comprehensive financial report. Uh the auditors have compiled the financial reports. Uh they were preparing for the filing for our uh report. State came out and said that doesn't matter. They want the deadline. They want the auditors to meet the December 5th deadline. However, if you have a federal audit, the federal audit compliance statement has not come out. So, they were kind of in limbo. Uh Bowman, who is our auditors, made a statement that if you don't have a federal compliance, they will make the December 5th. If you do, they're not going to make that because they can't they can't take those audit pages, pull them apart, issue a portion of it, then when the compliance supplement comes out and redo it again. So, they they took that stance. Uh counties, I know
051u was it Gloucester, I can't remember, one of the southern counties was supportive. The county BA was supportive. Um, we got an update today that they're not going to pen penalize us if we don't make the December 15th deadline. Um, they're not going to penalize the districts and uh that gives Bowman the opportunity to go back now that they have the supplement to make sure that everything uh is compliant with that supplement since we do have federal funding and they did audit some of our federal programs. So, uh I know our audit went through technical. We didn't have a problem, but that it gives them the opportunity to take a look at the their filing so that it is compliant. Um I think the odd sum still has to get uploaded by December 5th and
052that's a statement with all the budget numbers because all of those figures will be populated into the budget software when it's released to us. So I believe that still has to make the uh December 5th deadline. So they had us nervous, you know, and then they yes or today we got the and u so that's how my heart beats like that. Uh our meeting adjourned at 6:07 and the next meeting is to be permanent since we only have one meeting in December and and that's uh December 10th. I don't know how much is going to happen between uh now and the 9th. And that concludes. >> Thank you, Miss Bole. [clears throat] Moving on to the policy committee. Miss Pitts. >> Um Mr. President, there is um currently no um policy report at this time,
053but our next meeting of the committee will take place on December 10th at 6 PM. um in district. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Moving on to Mr. Thomas and the Economic Development Council on the Municipal Drug Alliance. >> No report at this time, Mr. President. >> Thank you very much. Um for the planning board, everything was moved to either December 11th on an extension or the three other um projects were given one-year extension. So nothing is moving out of the planning board for the township. So that is my report for the planning board. So, moving on to the superintendence report. Can I have a motion to approve the superintendence report as it's recommended for approval by the superintendent from the top of page three to the bottom of page eight? >> President, I'll make
054a motion that we approve the superintendent report top of page three all the way to the bottom of page. >> I have a second. >> Second. Any [clears throat] questions? >> Just one brief question um with regards to um page six number 19. I'm just wondering if that's accurate or >> could be accurate because it says the the 2027 prom. So we plan a year and a half ahead. >> Very efficient side. >> Oh, they really are. [laughter] >> Oh, yes. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Mr. McManus, I saw your hand up. >> Yeah. Just a just a minor question on the same page, page six, number 22, high school, a Muslim student association. Uh would this be the first like religious organization meeting? I don't think so. Is it? >>
055Yeah. >> All right. No, that's great. No, I was really glad to see that. I know that's a growing community in the area. Thank you. No further questions. >> Any other questions? >> Roll [clears throat] call, please. >> Miss Claude, >> yes. >> Miss Martin. >> Mr. McManis? >> Yes. >> Miss Peterson? >> Yes. >> Miss Pitts? >> Yes. >> Mr. Thomas? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. >> The motion has carried. Moving on to the business administrator board secretaries report. And I have a motion to approve the business administrator board secretaries report as is recommended for approval by the business administrator board secretary from the top of page nine to the bottom of page 17. >> Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion that we accept the business administrator secretary report
056as it is submitted from the top of page nine all the way to the bottom of page 7. I have a second. >> Second. >> Any [clears throat] questions? >> No questions. Roll call, please. >> Miss Claude, >> yes. >> Miss Martin. >> Mr. McManis? >> Yes. >> Miss Peterson? >> Yes. >> Miss Pittz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Thomas? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Shaw? >> Miss Bole? You're going to hate me. I got abstain from number six letter A number J2 727 PO number 602612 and then number 26 number 27 and number 31 everything else yes >> and you repeat that [laughter] >> I'm serious >> slowly >> number six >> you're going to abstain on number six >> number six letter A number J727 PO number 62612 And then number 26, number 27,
057and number 31. >> 6 2731. >> Mhm. And everything else is a yes. >> I believe the motion has carried. Yes, motion is carried. [laughter] >> Moving on to the personnel report. And I have a motion to pass the personnel report uh as the superintendent recommends. is for approval from the top of page 18 to the bottom of page 21. >> Mr. President, I'd like to ask for the motion to approve the personnel report from the top page as the superintendent recommends from the top bottom of page >> 21 to the bottom of page 21. >> Can I have a second? Second. >> Any questions? >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Claude, >> yes. >> Miss Martin. >> Mr. McManis? >> Yes. >> Miss Peterson? >> Yes. >> Miss Pittz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Thomas?
058>> Yes. >> And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. >> Motion has carried. >> Moving on the addendum. Since we don't have an addendum, we will move on to uh open public records act. >> Um none this evening [clears throat] >> informationational items. >> No. >> Oh, you got one. Okay. >> No, you're good. You go ahead. >> Uh update on the middle school. We've been in discussion with the uh contractor and we are looking at uh things moving quickly. I just want to thank the team for their hard work. Miss Penock, facilities manager, principal Shropshshire, Mrs. Bole, Miss Clement, and everyone who's working hard to see this project through. There's times when we think or we feel like things could move faster and it's our job to make sure that we keep the foot our foot
059on the pedal and make sure that our contractors are working and maintaining the same level of expectations that we hold for the completion of this job. So, but like any construction project, you know, sometimes you're at the mercy of contractor or the work that is being done and dealing with an older building. There's always new surprises. But thank you to our team for their hard work each and every day to uh get us closer to the completion of this job. First marking period ends on it ended on November 10th and report cards were issued on the 20th. Parent conferences will be held on December 9th, 10th, 11th. We're excited for our football team as they travel to Ruckers to participate in the state championship game. A feat that many schools find difficult to accomplish, especially
060when it's back to back. And finally, I'd like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for this opportunity. I'm thankful for the people here at this table that I work alongside with and I'm happy for the team that I work with each and every day provide opportunities for our young people in the Winso Township community. So, I hope that your break is restful and full of good thanks. And I'd like to just finish with be well, be kind. Go Eagles. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Peas. >> Mr. President, I have anformational. >> Yes, sir. >> This we continue to showcase why Winsville Township strong and determined our return to excellence. not only are coming. My recent visit, I must felt like the pressy level. Every
061classroom interacts [clears throat] on learning. culinary class [clears throat] Mr. Arts Academy award production. addition of sound. Our students are working with topology and professional academically several thousand already. These opportunities like providing meaningful financial pathway. We are also proud to share two of our student athletes leaving in January to attend division one university. These achievements proves that academic cooperation athletic commit commitment must work hand in hand in the Winsow Township that absolutely I am immensely proud of our staff grateful for our board and humbled to have served this district for the past three years. I remain number one fan wins Township students, educators, program, and its spirit. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Thomas. >> It's always so welcoming to um hear great stories coming from observations from our board members when they visit the
062schools. Mr. the Thomas. I appreciate that because the community really needs to know that what's inside the building, we are really doing a great job with these students and we're moving forward in this district. So, thank you for that um report and it was well needed. [clears throat] >> Anybody else forformational? What's that? >> I I think I forget what it is as well. Um I have something before we move on. Um, Friday I was at the high school and had the privilege of talking to some of our CC CTE students at for Eagles Landing um on behalf of my job with the Carpenters Union. And it was really truly, you know, remarkable to see some of the, you know, students that aren't going to college and they're interested in the trades. Um, and even
063some of the ones that are going into the military when they found out that I had a military background that came over to talk to me. And when they came over and talked to me about possibilities after their military service and what the trades have to offer, to think that they're that forward thinking at this young of an age is remarkable. And to know what the trades have to offer them, even with our programs and our partnerships with the military, is outstanding. So they're already years out thinking ahead. So that's that says something about our students here in Winslow. And then like Mr. Thomas said for our football team, I spent most of the day Saturday here at the football field watching that incredible football game. It was a little nerve-wracking to watch. Um but
064and that, you know, so congratulations to our football team and I can't wait till this weekend to go watch them uh up at Ruckers. But to cap it all off, Saturday night to watch our students and our drama club and our stage crew and the remarkable set sets that they put together, the acting and just everything that came together with the Charlotte's Web play. It was just another one in a long line of performances that I've seen throughout the years from our students. The support that comes from the board each and every time that those students put together another one of those presentations is absolutely remarkable. So, I not only thank you for to each and every one of you on the board, but congratulations to each and every student that was out there this
065weekend and every one of the seniors that I talked to, I look forward to seeing what every one of them does in their future because each and every one of them and each and every student that walks through the student the halls of Winslow Township School District are truly remarkable and I can't wait to see what they bring for forward into this world. So that that's all I have for today. >> Mr. President, I would like to uh thank um Mr. Thomas for mentioning those two individuals that will be leaving going into um a D1 school in January. That could not have happened if we didn't have the administration. They had to declare two years ago that they wanted to be on that track. So, I want to thank you because I might be a
066little bit biased, but [laughter] I want to thank you for doing that because they had to make certain that they finished up all their curriculum requirements ahead of time. So, thank you for your labor of love, your commitment to our students, and making this a better place than they had found it when they got here. >> Mr. Mr. President, if I could just as we're going around and thanking this is the season of Thanksgiving and uh I would just like to personally say thank you to Mr. Thomas because as you can see he has already given us presence uh which speaks to um his personality. If nothing else, Mr. Thomas is an extremely generous person uh not only with his treasures but with his time and especially that energy. So thank you Mr. Thomas. >>
067You're here >> again. Thank you Mr. Thomas, >> go away from my gift. [laughter] >> Throw some kind of way. >> It's called contract. [laughter] >> Okay. I like that song. Uhoh. [laughter] >> Okay. Moving on to old business. Anybody have anything for old business? Um, I just have one thing for old business. I want to thank everybody that's completed their board self-evaluation. Um, >> with one exception [laughter] >> um for those who haven't um you've already talked to me and um as soon as you can get that done, I greatly appreciate it because >> um we would like to try to present that at our next board meeting. So, thank you for um coming to me already. Um, and that's all I have for that. >> Oh. Um, Mr. President, I I um don't
068know whether everyone on the board knows that um one of the reasons why Miss Dre is here because she lost her sister. >> Her sister um her younger sister and um the services I believe is Saturday. So certainly uh any any of us would want would attend or give her a call, but I wasn't sure if all of the board members knew that she lost this. [clears throat] Anybody else have anything for um old business? And of course, our condolences do go out to Mrs. Dre Miss Dreaden. All right, new business. >> Yeah, Mr. President, I just um to put an open call. I guess maybe we can give it a few weeks time to see who would like to be on this committee for the uh for the halls of fame >> upcoming. Uh
069maybe we sometime uh maybe mid mid to late December because there's a lot of planning that we probably would need to get all get on. Okay. Uh um the especially starting in January. >> Okay. >> You got it. >> All right. [clears throat] Anybody else for new business? >> All right. You're up, Mr. Long. >> This is before I anyone signed up for public. Miss Sherman, are there names on the list? Bring it to nobody. >> Anyone on >> Oh, that's >> I think we're good. A motion to open it up. Okay. Can I have a motion to open public comments? Mr. >> President, I'd like to make a motion that we open up public comments. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I nobody for public comments. >>
070Would you like to make a public comment? Thank you very much. If I may, the Winslow Township Board of Education highly values the input of citizens in making the important decisions that affect the children of our community. We believe in the rights of citizens to observe board meetings to ensure that all of our citizens have the opportunity to attend board meetings and offer comment and to ensure that the board can conduct the important business district. We ask that speakers follow the guidelines for making public comment. The board secretary will recognize those individuals in the audience who wish to make comment. Please respect the following procedure. One, all members of the public attending schoolboard meetings must treat each other and the board with respect. Two, please state your name and town of residents. Three, please limit
071your comments to four minutes. Four, submit your questions to the board of education with your name, address, and telephone number where you can be reached u and where you can be contacted. Your questions will be answered within a reasonable period of time. Lastly, individuals offering citizen comment are not permitted to make personal attacks and any district employee, board member, other testifier or member of the public. I do have a motion to second. I believe in all in favor to open it up for public comment. You may proceed. Who made the second? >> Mr. McManis, I believe. >> Thank you. You're good. [laughter] >> I'm calling Lisha Smith. >> Okay. So, I actually have a couple things after I sat and listened to the whole but I couldn't um I just my question for the championship
072football game. My daughter I just last year they rode on a yellow school bus while fans members and uh the football team had a charter bus. But I was curious how what trans this game this Sunday um payment is an issue. I know cheerleaders to the fundraiser and they raised $10,000 with donations that and me as a parent and other parents had their family members money. So if it's a financial issue, I think that can come out of this fundraising money. Um, my next thing that I noticed, um, if when the boys win the championship game, if the girls could get varsity jackets, which champion on for each girl that participated in the season, um, next, uh, during the meeting, I noticed several people couldn't really hear. Maybe we could bring the board of education
073up to current times and start doing and Microsoft Teams. Then I wouldn't had to run out my house and fly and make a comment because I couldn't get WebEx that was unavailable. um Zoom meeting for Microsoft Teams. Raise your hand everybody through their comput and it's not um next. I didn't know we were whole barn. I don't know what I want to do, but since discuss improvements, could we in charge the bathroom at the football field that's been there since the 80s and like like made for toddlers? Um, then I had a question about the Chromebooks that brought up. I am a parent who got a letter about a Chromebook. I glanced at it. I closed it. I said I'll look at it later. I don't know for you have a computer. But um and
074I understand that there are some that are less fortunate and it may be because halfway that like brushed it off and set it to the side. But um I'm not really sure what the Chromebook offered for because they don't work at home. So it um maybe that could be expressed more detailed in any further communication I sent home. And then the last thing I wanted to just say was that um since we're nearing the end of the year and I was just listening like some things that were coming up maybe concerns that affect the remainder of the 2025 26 and the 2026 school. Anything of importance may be tabled for a vote until everybody comes back after the holidays. Oh, freshen. That's it. I couldn't Oh, and I could not hear this young ladies at
075all. So, that was another Microsoft team. >> So, since you got easy questions, I'll answer them. [clears throat] So, the teams, Microsoft Teams, we're already on top of that. Uh, we'll be introducing that to our community probably by the next board meeting. that, you know, we're looking to introduce it for this meeting, but that will be up and running uh for the next meeting for sure. The pole barn is a storage facility for the high school and the athletic programs and for buildings and grounds. So, uh in regard to the bathroom, that's something that we can uh add to our long-term facility plan and look at that in the future. the Chromebooks. Uh it's just another instructional tool and having those is something that teachers find uh as a resource for students to do certain
076programs that they have in in the school and to continue those programs at home. So if students already have their devices and they want to basically be a bring your own device to school type of a uh format, that's something that we can look into for sure. the uh cheer bus. I'm already on that. That's something that will be uh finalized by tomorrow. So, you should have something uh coming from your your child in regard to uh their transportation to the championship game. And varsity jackets for cheerleaders is something that we can discuss later. >> Can I throw one more thing out there? Can we Friday night? I lived in all my life gradu. [clears throat] [laughter] >> Thank you. Do we have anybody else that's signed up? Miss Bole know the answer. >> No,
077Mr. President. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion to adjourn public comments? >> Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion to [clears throat] adjourn public comment. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> executive session. >> Yes, sir. In accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, we'll be adjourning into executive session on November 25th, 2025 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Of the nine exceptions under the law that permit us to go into executive session, we'll be utilizing item 8, matters relating to employment. Um, and this would be specifically a rice employee personnel matter in the transportation department. And is this just an update? I would think 15 minutes. >> 15 minutes or less. And whoever approves this motion holds Mr. Davis to 15 minutes or less.
078>> Can I have a motion to move into executive session? question. Can I make a motion to move into executive session? >> Um, roll call, please. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. [clears throat] >> Oh, yeah. I'm trying to get my roll call. >> Miss Gordo, >> yes. >> Miss Martin. >> Mr. McManis? >> Yes. >> Miss Peterson? >> Yes. >> Miss Pitts? >> Yes. >> Mr. Thomas? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. The motion has carried. >> [clears throat]