001I'm good. >> Mhm. >> Good evening. Good evening, everybody. Welcome to our November 12th Winslow Township Board of Education meeting. Public notice of this meeting was given to all board members and associates in a notice dated January 9th, 2025. Adequate electronic notice of this public meeting has been provided specifying the time, place, and manner in which this meeting is being conducted. Was advertised in the Courier Post, posted in all schools, administration office, the municipal building, the library, municipal center, Edgewood Acres, Elm Town, and the Winslow Township post offices. The 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, caring, and confident members of their community. The district, in partnership with the community and in a climate
002of cooperation and mutual respect, will provide an academic environment which values excellence and diversity, encourages students to strive for personal excellence, and assist them in acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to contribute positively to a rapidly changing world. Roll call, please. Mr. Clark. Here. Ms. Dredden. Here. Ms. Gloyd. Present. Ms. Martin. Present. Mr. McManus. Here. Ms. Peterson. Present. Ms. Pitts. Present. Mr. Thomas. Here. And Mr. Shaw. Here. We have a quorum. Could you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Clark, can you please read our 25-26 district goals? 25-26 district goals. Number one, student achievement. Continue to implement research-based best practices for delivering
003instruction and accelerating learning for all students, including all subgroups. This shall include conduct weekly administrative walk-throughs to monitor teaching and learning. Utilize the district diagnostic assessment platform to analyze student data to inform and guide interaction. To monitor and track measurable growth in ELA and mathematics in grades 1 through 9. To implement creative ways to accelerate student learning by providing additional supports throughout and beyond the school day. Number two, promote a positive environment for students and staff. Enforce the code of conduct to ensure safety for students and staff and compliance with district policies. Incorporate social emotional learning opportunities for students to celebrate positive behaviors. Develop strategies for students with significant behaviors to reduce the interruption of instructional time, decrease negative actions, and improve school attendance. Number three, increase stakeholder engagement. Explore and expand innovative opportunities to
004increase parent communication. Create parent learning opportunities with a focus on how to support their child's learning. Continue to share the accomplishments of Winslow students in all student activities. Thank you so much, Mr. Clark. Moving on to awards and presentations. Mr. Pease. It's time I'd like to bring up Principal Morello to present uh his fine drama department and some of the students who are participating tonight. Thank you, Mr. Pease. And good evening, everyone. Good evening, Mr. Pease, Superintendent, Ms. Clement, Assistant Superintendent, Ms. McCoy, our business administrator, Mr. Shaw, our board president, all the members of the board, and all of our community and our students that are here this evening to present. Um, before we begin our sneak preview of Charlotte's Web, I'd like to take a minute to brag a little bit about our program.
005Over the past 3 years, our drama club and stage crew have participated in the Cappies Awards. That's an organization that celebrates outstanding student theater. And we're proud to have been a member of that organization and have received a lot of accolades, and I would like to share that with everyone tonight. Uh, over the past 3 years, we have received 60 nominations, and through that, we've won nine Cappie Awards. Beginning in 2023 with Legally Blonde, we won best featured actor in a female role, best supporting actor in a female role. In 2024, in Beauty and the Beast, we won best stage management, best stage crew, best featured actor in a role model, best supporting actor in a female role. Then, last school year, in 2025, for Mamma Mia, we won best set once again, best female
006vocalist, and overall best musical. In addition to that, our performance of Gimme Gimme Gimme from Mamma Mia was also chosen to advance to the state level at the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival. Ladies and gentlemen, that's quite a honored role that our KIDS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. FOR OUR FALL PLAY THIS YEAR, IT WILL be Charlotte's Web, and I'm pleased to have our students come forward at this time to give you a special preview. Board members, if you would like, you could come and view it from the other side of this room to sit. For those of you that do not know, uh this is a charming story that tells the tale of Wilbur, a pig who is saved from slaughter by his wise and caring friend Charlotte, a spider who uses her web to make him
007famous. Based on the beloved novel by E.B. White, Charlotte's Web is a story about friendship, love, and the power of kindness. It reminds us that it's about what we share with others that truly make life meaningful. Thank you for your support, and please enjoy our preview performance. Shh. to the sounds of the morning, very, very early morning. So early, in fact, the sun isn't even up yet. Listening to the crickets, the hoot owls, a frog down by the pond, a dog up at the next farm. And today, there's another sound. It tells that something exciting happened during the night. Some brand new pigs were born. Here's one of them right now, exploring his new home. His name is Well, he doesn't have a name yet. For the moment, he's just a little pig. But, as
008you'll see, he's not just any ordinary pig. Who am I? Where am I? I haven't been here before. I haven't been anywhere before. Everything seems so strange, but I like it, I think. The new pig has been born here, at the Arable's farm. Before long, you'll meet the Arables. You'll also meet the others, the people and the animals who will play an important part in the little pig's life. Now, where should we start? Wait a minute, we've already started. It's early morning. We're at the Arable's farm and some brand new pigs were born during the night. For now, that's all you need to know. Where's papa going with that axe? Out to the hog house. Some pigs were born this morning. I don't see why he needs an axe. Well, one of the pigs isn't
009right. It's very small and very weak. So, your papa has decided to do AWAY WITH I'VE GOT TO STOP HIM. PAPA CAN'T KILL JUST BECAUSE IT'S SMALLER THAN THE OTHERS. STOP, FERN. Don't yell. Your father is right. The pig will probably just die anyway. Papa, please don't kill him. It's not fair. I know a lot more about raising a litter of pigs than you do. A weakling makes trouble and won't live long. But it's not fair. The pig couldn't help being born small. Honey, This is the most terrible case of injustice I ever heard of. Fern. John. All right. I guess you can take care of him for a little while. THANK YOU, PAPA. YOU CAN START HIM ON THE BOTTLE. MILK FOR HIM. I'll go look for it. What's going on? What's Fern doing
010over there? She just earned her breakfast this morning, Avery. That's for a little while. She'll be taking care of that pig. You call that miserable thing a pig? He's nothing but a runt. Go in the house and eat your breakfast, Avery. School bus will be along in a half hour. I'm going to have such a good time with this little pig. Can I have a pig, too, papa? No. I only distribute pigs to early risers who are trying to rid the world of injustice. Let's eat. Fern, honey, I found the babies nursing well and moving well. I'll pour some warm milk for you. Bring your pig in and give him some breakfast. Fern, what's his name anyway? Why? I don't know. I really want to. My very own pig. Now, I have to name you.
011A perfect name for a perfect pig. Fred. That's a good name, but not for you. Mhm. Clarence. No, you don't look like a Clarence. I've got it. William, cuz you're worth a million. Maybe I'm trying too hard. Let's see. Barney. Herman. Louis, Newton, Morris, Warren, Willie, Wilbur, Willis. Wait a minute. Wilbur. WILBUR. WHAT A PERFECT NAME. Breakfast Fern. Coming. I mean, we're coming. Fern and Wilbur. Wilbur? Wilbur. Fern loved Wilbur more than anything. Every morning, as soon as she got up, she warmed his milk, tied his bib on him, and warmed his bottle for him. After breakfast, Wilbur always walked out to the road with Fern and waited till the bus came. Now, you be a good boy until I get home. There's the bus. Bye bye Wilbur. I'll see you tomorrow. Coming. Every day
012was a happy day for Wilbur, and every day was peaceful. He was very contented with living with Fern and the Arable family. I love it here. Wilbur, you're getting bigger and you have something besides just milk. Fern fills his bowl with corn and mush and milk. No longer was Wilbur an runt. He was growing each day. He was becoming quite a specimen of a pig. I chalked it up to good, clean living. Summer time, Wilbur. And some good, fatty food. Okay, pig. Time to graduate to the slop. Skim milk, potato skins, leftover sandwiches, and marmalade drink. Before long, Wilbur was just five months old. I think it's about time for a birthday party. He was big. You don't let them call me a runt. And strong. Anyone for arm wrestling? And healthy. You can check
013out the peak in these cheeks. And he was ready to be sold. For a FAIR PRICE, AMELIA. SOLD? OH, NO. Great job, guys. Once again, I'd like to thank you for letting us be here this evening, and remind everyone that you can see our full production of the show next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. Thursday will be student night. Tickets will be $4. And for all the shows, tickets will be six bucks, and they're sold online. Please visit our school website to purchase a ticket. Thank you once again for having us this evening. GREAT JOB, GUYS. >> OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL BE DR. Banlow from our NJ SBA field service rep. Thank you, Mr. Shawn. Good evening, Winslow Board of Education. It's so great to see you. I'll
014be happy to do this school boards. Once again, I want to thank you for the work that you do on behalf of all the families and students in Winslow. Tonight, I'm going to give you a very brief, I promise, presentation of our superintendent search. And we'd like to thank you for considering New Jersey School Boards for the one of the most important jobs that the board has in selecting the superintendent of schools for your district, for your students, and for your community. So, first, if it's going to draw your attention to the PowerPoint, and in front of you is a flyer. And on the back of that has our different levels of service. So, as I go through the PowerPoint, the flyer will might help you just have some a few things up close. So,
015why go with New Jersey School Boards for your search for your next superintendent, your next leader for your district? We are a trusted statewide partner. We have over 1,000 successful superintendent searches throughout the state of New Jersey. We are mission driven. We're committed to strengthening the governance and leadership capacity of your district long-term. And we want to make sure that it is community-centered results. So, your this search will be specifically tailored to what Winslow Township is looking for. And throughout the process, you have ongoing support. But even after the the process is finished, we are here to support you throughout your work. So, your search and our guidance, how does that work? It is board-driven. Everything has a board-driven focus and it's expertly facilitated. Your board leads every single decision every step of the way.
016It is customized, as I said, to your district. Every search reflects your board's specific priorities and community values, and we'll talk about how we get to that in a moment. It is confidential and professional. We have proven protocols that protect the district and also protect every single candidate confidentiality. So, the core services that are included in at every program level are legal protection. As school boards, of course, we have confidentiality. We have a a legal team that over oversees everything, and the criteria is carefully carefully looked at. And as I said, the candidates are protected as well. The criteria development is a collaborative decision-making process. We customize the interview questions with the Board of Education for specifically what the board is looking for in their next leader. And we have a secure technology that we
017utilize. We use a program called Revelus that makes sure that all the candidates' applications are uploaded. They're online. Um the board will at some point be able to get into Revelus to review every single candidate's resume. And as I said, they are is it is extremely confidential. The interview preparation, we do in comprehensive interview training for the board to prep you for the process, whichever level you decide to choose if you do go with us. We I will do a candidate ranking. I would be your facilitator for the process. We will do candidate ranking and we will work on building consensus for the board's decision. And then once you make that decision, we will have we'll help you with your contract um negotiations, your contract training, of course your solicitor will be highly involved in
018that piece. And then there is a transition training workshop at the end to help your new superintendent transition to the district and to set up some trainings afterwards to to make sure the superintendent and the board are set up for a great process. So at School Boards, we have enhanced our superintendent attendant search processes is new this year because folks throughout the state were asking for a higher level of service. So there's three different levels. It really depends upon what you are looking for as a Board of Education. Our top level is our premium program. It is ideal for boards seeking top-level involvement and long-term planning. What does that mean, Dr. Bantha? What it means is that it comes with a 3D strategic planning process. Once you get your superintendent on board, that's part of
019the process. That's for districts that might not have a strategic planning a strategic plan in place. The consultant would conduct the first round of preliminary interviews, screen the candidates for you. So your consultant, which would be me, would be highly involved with the interview process. And in addition, during every single interview, I would be here with you throughout the process to make sure everything runs smoothly. We now have a talent acquisition um educational consultant. So we now have someone that works with school boards that will go out and recruit. And I know this firsthand as a former superintendent in New York and New Jersey, there were people who came and recruited me. So, we decided as school boards that we really needed to have someone that would go out and start to recruit some of
020those really great folks that are out the field cuz we're it's really hard right now to find some real, you know, to find superintendents. So, we want to help you with that. So, that's part of this program. We also make sure that as I said, there's a strategic strategic planning piece that is involved with this. We will also review your school chief school administrator contract. Our policy department will do that and we'll do a thorough social media background check. The advanced program, the next level, which is 15,500, is also strongly supported. It's includes everything that is at the premium program level with the exception of the strategic plan. So, this is for suited for boards wanting robust consultant support without strategic planning. And then our standard program, which is $8,000, you have everything that we've
021talked about already except that there's no consultant participation at interviews. So, your consultant would not screen the applicants. They would be here to get you started. They would leave. You'd really kind of be on your own with the interviews, but you would have all that background support that you normally would get. So, every single level, each level offers input sessions with community members and we'll talk about that, staff and students. So, we get input through surveys, through meetings with your uh constituents to be sure that we're really listening to everybody and what everyone is looking for in their next leader of Winslow Township. And also optional finalist district visits. That's something we can help you set up. Some boards do like to visit the finalists to just kind of ask folks at that district how
022they're doing. And then full board ownership of all application materials. So, everything that comes in is yours. You own it. So, we become our advertising strategy is as follows. We have like a three-pronged, multi-channel advertising at New Jersey School Boards. We have a really strong digital president presence, not only throughout the state, but throughout the country. We usually get about 8,000 hits monthly providing continuous visibility for your search. In addition, we are involved with professional networks throughout the state. That would be school business officials, superintendent association, principals association, colleges, the Department of Education. So, all those folks would see your advertisement and your search. We also have over 1,000 plus applicants who are applying right now and who have applied throughout the course of the past year that are still looking for positions. So, they
023this would also go out to all of those folks. And many of those people are throughout the country, not just New Jersey. And then we are a proud member of the National Affiliation of Superintendent Searches. So, many of these screen here, they're involved they have Revelus also. So, they have access to the search, just the actual advertisement, none of the confidential information that belongs to you. So, here's a sample search and I kind of put this together for you just for you guys. It's just a template of how we would go about this. So, at the very top, we can you know, I'm I'm coming in now in November. So, November and December, we discuss and set the search parameters with the board. If the board decides that they want to go with New Jersey
024School Boards, you would definitely need to act on it at a formal board meeting and decide which level of service you would like to go with. And then I would come in, I'd like to come in hopefully if you could decide to go with us in December. And I'll tell you why in a minute. Come in in December in executive session and start to go through the timeline with you and the process. December is a great time because a lot of super people looking for superintendent jobs, they're going to be off for the holiday break. And that's really a great time for them to be working on the application, getting their resume in. So, we find this to be a really great prime time to get things moving, especially if you want to hire somebody
025for July 1. So, then the next part of that would be um the input sessions, which I would love to do in January, where I would of course work with your business administrator to set up uh in you know, times with each of your staff at every school for input, your administrative team, students, and a community session as well. And we'll also put together a survey. So, all of that would happen in January. And our advertisement Our advertisement would close We get the advertisement going before December, as I said. We'd make sure it looks good to all of you, and it would close at the end of January. If you wanted to extend it a little longer, we could, depending upon how many folks apply. And then we start the interview rounds. So, I would
026make sure I'd set up all the interviews for you and the board. The You would decide how many candidates you wanted to bring in. Every board is different. So, that's something that you could decide together, and those interviews would be set up with me and that I'd be getting everything ready for you. And then once you decide on your finalist, after you know, reference checks, and that would be something I would assist you with knowing how to do that as well. We do all the social media searches, depending upon which level you go. Then you start to work on the contract negotiation. That takes place between your solicitor, the board, and your candidate's attorney. So, once that's put together, it will then go to your executive county superintendent. So, I'm thinking that could happen in
027April. We've done this I did this before. I know Mr. Pease is aware we did this in Palmyra not too just last year. And we found a great candidate there to step in. And then in addition in April and May, um once the county superintendent approves the contract, he she, they have to approve it. Then the board can go ahead and act and hire that individual and hopefully get that superintendent start in July 1st. And I'm hoping that that's your your timeline. So one of the other things I shared is just a little sampling. We have so many different searches throughout the state and many different folks that we've hired throughout the state. This is just a sample in Camden County in in 2024 of some folks that we hired and folks we hired in
028Audubon, Berlin, Gloucester City, and Pine Hill. Just a few of our our districts that benefited from our search process. So again, we we will give you proven results. We are a trusted partner. After working in New York State as a superintendent, I was thrilled to come back and work in New Jersey school boards because it I just feel that it's just a great great partnership with our with our boards throughout the state. The entire process will be confidential. We will be transparent with you throughout the entire process. You will get continuous support from us. And we have very very deep expertise. So I want to just stop right now and just see if you have any questions for me. I know this is a big decision. I do give you a little bit of literature
029that you can take a look at. And as I said, you would definitely need to decide what level you would need to definitely act and act on that at a formal board meeting and we would get together an electronic contract for you to review and sign. But as all of that is moving along, we can keep things moving so we get that person for you start in July 1st. So I'm going to pause now see if you have any questions for me at all at this point. Yes. What is the I know you said that this is the first Friday away. Is that the only time that you uh prefer to start? Start the start of the process? It's a It always depends upon board, like for for for Winslow, I'm almost positive you wanted
030to start get somebody on board for July 1st. If that's definitely what you want, this is really an ideal timeline cuz it gives us a lot of time. It gives you a lot of time to really take your time, do a really great search, and if you wanted to extend the advertisement, we could. And that gives us a lot of time to get advertise, you know, interviews in. So, it depends upon what the board is looking for and when they want the person to start. Any other questions? Well, I thank you so much for having me come in and considering New Jersey School Boards. Have a great evening, and Mr. Troth, thank you so much. >> Thank you, Dr. Bender. Moving on to correspondence. We have none, Mr. President. Moving on to our minutes. Have
031a motion to approve our meeting minutes from the regular meeting of Wednesday, October 22nd, uh 2025 open and closed session, and the closed open and closed session, I'm sorry. Motion to approve the following minutes meeting minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 open session and regular meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 closed session. Second that motion, Mr. President. Any questions? Roll call, please. Madam, please let me answer. Sorry. Mr. President, was that Mr. McManus? >> Yes, ma'am. Okay, thank you. Uh roll call. Mr. Clark? Yes. Ms. Reddy? Yes. Ms. Boyd? Yes. Ms. Martin? Yes. Mr. McManus? Yes. Ms. Peterson? >> Yes. Ms. Pitts? >> Yes. Mr. Thomas? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Shaw? Yes. Motion carried. Moving on to board committee reports. Mr. Thomas I thought you Um Mr.
032uh President, I yield to uh interim superintendent and made a request that we allow that our board representative can do the athletic and sports committee. If that's okay with you and the rest of the board, I yield that time to them, too. That's quite fine. I think it's a perfect opportunity for our student rep uh Sherrice Hazelton to do her report at this time. Um starting with uh the lower level schools. Uh with school number one, uh they're having their annual fall food drive from November 3rd through November 13th, which is actually tomorrow. Uh non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the school. And the annual giving tree collection of new coats, hats, gloves, and scarves will run from November 24th through December 17th. And then for school two, uh spirit night was held
033at Dave & Buster's earlier this week. And they have donuts with grownups. It will be held on November 20th. Uh school number three, kindness week activities are being held this week in conjunction with World Kindness Day on November 13th, which is tomorrow. School number four, literacy night on November 13th at 6:00 p.m. is taking place. School number five, uh they also have an annual fall food drive through November 10th through November 14th with non-perishable food items that can be dropped off at the school. They have a scholastic book fair November 12th through the 14th. And in school number six, the Winslow Township Police Department will be conducting an assembly on phone and internet safety on November 21st. And then for the middle school, an eighth-grade parent information night was held on October 16th to provide
034parents with all the activities occurring this year for their students. As far as winter sports registration, for the middle school it is now open. Physical packets are available online or with Mr. Watson. All winter sports will start on Monday, November 17th and all paperwork must be completed in order to begin. For the high school, the fall play Charlotte's Web November 20th through the 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving canned food drive October 16th through November 13th, which is also tomorrow. Help support families in the Winslow Township community. And donations can be dropped off in the main office classrooms or at the main office. Non-perishable food items as well. Santa Saturday will be held December 6th in the Winslow Township High School cafeteria from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 per child and admission also
035includes holiday music, hot dog with a drink, letter to Santa, making reindeer food, crafts and activities, and a story time with the special guests. As far as Winslow athletics for sports, we held our powder puff game October 27th with our class of 2026 being the winner for the third time. Um, football They were team the team was crowned conference champions with their overall record being 9-2 and West West Jersey Football League conference record being 5 and 0. The next game is this Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. versus Millville which will be the NJSIAA sectional championship game. With our conference all-stars being first team Philip Hatfield, Jaylen Parker, Na'Keem Powell, Na'Kir Shelton, Quade Hendricks, Robert Carstarphen, Benjamin Carter Jr., Quran Caesar, Quran Ali, Asar Heard, and Semaj Matthews. For our boys boys soccer team, their
036overall record was 7 and 12 with the Olympic conference record being 2 to 4. The team made it to the first round of state playoffs, but they lost to Toms River East. Derek Wittock, Matthew Jenkins, and Justice Harrington being our first team conference all-stars. Girls soccer, their overall record was 7 and 9, Olympic conference record being 0 and 6. No one was selected by the conference. For field hockey, their overall record was 1 and 16, Olympic conference record being 0 and 6. No one was selected by the conference. For girls volleyball, our over the overall record was 8 and 17, Olympic conference record being 2 and 8 with our conference all-stars for first team being Synai Griffin and Terrace Hailstock. And our and our second team all conference star being Kyra Ali. The team made
037it to the first round of state playoffs, but lost to Ocean City. For girls tennis, the The record was 0 and 11 with the Olympic conference record being 0 and 8. No one was selected by the conference. For our boys cross country team, our senior Vinnie Perry has medaled in all of his races. He finished fifth place in the sectional championship with a personal record of 16 minutes and 1 second being the new school record on November 1st. He finished 14th at Group 3 NJSIAA states on November 8th, which qualified him to advance to the Meet of Champions. He is the first runner in school history to qualify for cross cross country Meet of Champions. The Meet of Champions is held November 15th at Holmdel. Our division Olympic conference champion is Vincent Perry. For band,
038uh they placed second at South Jersey championships with awards for best visuals, best color guard, and best percussion. Placed sixth at New Jersey state championship for best color guard, and sixth at Atlantic Coast championship with the award for best color guard. Senior Samara Thomas and Maya Rivera each won scholarships for the National Judges Association. For girls cross country, sophomores Amaria Arango and Annabella Cassidy has medaled in their races. Most runners are 45 seconds ahead of where they were this time last year. No one was selected by the conference. And then for middle school sports, boys soccer record was four four to 0 to 1. Girls soccer record was two to three. Field hockey was struggling to get interest to get girls to sign up. Unfortunately, we weren't able to uh field a team this year
039due to the lack of numbers. Boys and girls cross country team uh hosted a cross country meet, and London Dancing placed first out of 57 girls, and Lavon Jackson took fourth out of 73 boys. Girls volleyball was a first year sport and their record was 0 and 4. And that's all I have for the sports here. Okay. Thank you for your report. GOOD JOB. THANK YOU. JUST ONE SMALL QUESTION FOR CHURCH. YES. Great sports. Just one small question on the um the sandwich Saturday? Yes. It is one of my favorites. Uh you wanted to give I think the children a $5 allowance. Yes. And the adults? Uh they get I believe the adults are getting $5. Okay. Thank you, church. You're welcome. Thank you very much for your report. Moving on to our Citizens Advisory
040Committee. Mr. Martin and Ms. Nieves. Hm? Good evening, board members, Mr. P. All right, Mr. Peters, I did get that email about that amendment. I didn't have time to submit it, but I will verbalize that and resubmit the report. Uh so, the CAC met Thursday, November 6th via Zoom as school was not in session. Present were Mrs. Martin, myself, Ms. Tomasello, Ms. Vega, Ms. Hoffman, and Ms. Moss. It began at 6:30 and we ended at 7:56. Um items of discussion was the high school impact tutoring. Um there was a parent who brought up that letter was sent that a student was going to be placed uh into tutoring looking due to CTE enrollment, but there was no academic need as noted by their principal or teacher recommendation. Uh, students in any student honors classes when
041there's teacher concerns raising questions about selection criteria. Um, the letter was also unclear listing available subjects but not specifying the student's area of need. So, the recommendation that the CAC is presenting to the board, um, is I know there's been other parents who've been concerned for students who need tutoring and are not getting tutoring. So, I don't know what the selection criteria is, whether that is clear and if there would be any room to put in a parent opting in for their student to receive tutoring. Um, there was also a concern regarding elementary in-school tutoring. I believe at all lower elementary schools, uh, schools that we've heard, uh, in-school tutoring has not begun. Um, we talked about why that might not be. Maybe teachers are being pulled for for other assignments due to shortages. Um,
042so there were some questions about that and the recommendation is to find out why. Um, as far as policy and procedure gaps, we know that the policy committee decided not to review policy 9180 about having volunteers in the school. Um, so the CAC's recommendation there would be to encourage administration to utilize the policy committee as it stands, which does allow for community volunteers as long as they're supervised by staff and go through the appropriate background checks. Um, one suggestion being that they could possibly help as cafeteria duty or things of that nature. That way our teachers do not need to be pulled to do that and gifted and talented arts reality can continue as usual. Um, there was another issue that we had brought up previously about the birthday invitations. I know the parent still
043reached out to one of our CAC members and it's still unclear whether there is any resolution there. Um, I believe a child was disciplined for giving out the birthday invitations at lunch. I know the unofficial policy is that you either invite the entire class or always only girls. And I believe the child gave out invitations at lunch and that was given in school detention or something like that. There is no policy or nothing in the handbook in regards to that. So the recommendation would be to create a clear district-wide policy in the student handbook or in our policies for that. There was also some discussion around HSA event logistics, particularly Santa Saturday, and talking about how the HSA is generally responsible for the cost of any security during those events and whether the district would
044be willing to absorb those costs. And the only outstanding recommendation that we had, and we just saw our amazing drama department, we are still waiting for movement on the academic and arts hall of fame. I believe it was in June that the CAC brought that recommendation. The board was okay with going forward with that, and it was to be sent to the policy committee. So any update on that would be appreciated as well. And that is it for my report. Are there any questions? I have a question at this time. Um Uh About the birthday the policy coming about for the birthday invitations. That would be the only thing I would, you know, we would have to send it to the policy committee and yeah, for you guys to look at. I I don't know
045if Send it to the policy committee? Yeah, cuz if there's no policy on it But should they be at home? Um that would be something that the district would have to look at with Mr. B's. >> Yes. Mr. B's will be We will look at all of the concerns from CC. I was there yesterday and I got there earlier in the day so we got a chance to go through uh the minutes and tackle some of these items and also make some suggestions. >> Mhm. Moving on to the education committee, Ms. Martin. Meeting November 11th November 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Wethers. Mr. McMahon is marketing committee. Yes, sir. Um Uh marketing committee uh meeting was held uh between myself and Mr. Pease recently this uh to review prior submitted ideas for breakfast club, to
046review potential value and uh of the program students and district's ability to market itself to stakeholders and community uh I took it that the idea was well received. Mr. Pease will explore uh with district personnel to approve ideas' feasibility and implementation. Um four resources slated to be set up with uh recently at the Trunk or Treat event. The original uh event was scheduled for Friday the 31st of October from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. However, uh we received late notice uh that the event on the Winslow Center parking lot would be moved to Sunday, November 2nd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Couple of the board members, myself included, could not accommodate the new time. However, Ms. Pitts, Ms. Drayton, Ms. Lloyd, and late addition, Ms. Peterson, were all able to uh to step up and uh
047represent the board at that uh event and much my uh thanks. Uh no meet no meeting was held Mr. McMahon. Yes, ma'am. Ms. Martin was included in that one. Ms. Martin was there also. My goodness. Okay. Thank you for the correction. You're welcome. No new meeting was held, but one is scheduled for Saturday, uh the 10th at 42 Wachburn Ave. And that's it. Thank you, Mr. McManus. Moving on to the Operations Committee, Mr. Redden. Nothing to report, Mr. President. Ms. Prince, Policy Committee. Yes. >> Mr. President, yes. Just um a brief um just a few comments with regards to the Policy Committee meeting. Um we did um meet today prior to uh board meeting at 6:00 p.m. and uh in attendance was um Ms. Ms. Ford, uh Mr. Clark, um of course, Mr. Davis, and
048also Mr. Peace sat in uh with us for that. Uh because there were no, as Mr. Davis indicated, there were no new uh policies that came out of that S- name. Um so, therefore, what the Policy Committee did do was to take up a few things, specifically the update on the um CAC's request for the uh to establish a Hall of Fame for academics and arts. And that was that was a discussion that we had, and what um we would like the board to know is that with regards to that, as far as the board is concerned, um as far as the Policy Committee is concerned, we would like to report to the board that we think that that that idea is a it's it's a good one. However, uh that really would not be
049a district initiative. Um uh with regards to going forward with that, what we would say uh to the CAC uh is that the logistics of that uh uh with regards to setting it up, uh getting whatever funding, contacting people to assist you. And we recommend that perhaps you um the CAC could contact um Mr. Thomas because he did a great job um this past year with setting up the Hall of Fame for the um the athletic, I believe. Correct, Mr. Thomas? You are correct, yes. Uh did a great job. And so perhaps the CAC could connect with him to get some ideas. Now, what the what the board um as far as the policies committee is concerned with the board is is saying that we can do we once that is established that we could
050um provide space uh in one of the buildings in the district to uh set up the um whether it be a wall or photo wall for that Hall of Fame because as um as was mentioned earlier, certainly uh with regards to the the performing arts, uh we our students are stellar. They really are because Mr. Mirella, of course, ran down a whole litany list of the kinds of awards uh and accolades that our students have received in that particular area. And as a patron of the arts myself, just letting you know I was four years in my school orchestra and my band orchestra. Um Sister Mirella Say that. Um but um it's it's it's a noteworthy uh suggestion. And that is what the policy committee has is would respond to that as an update on
051that recommendation. In addition to that, um the policy committee tacked on another consideration. Certainly worthwhile coming from this board as it relates to the naming of our facilities. Uh and that um particular issue is covered under policy number 7250, and we discussed that as a committee of whether we would review it, revise it, or modify it. And, um, we, uh, would like to report to the board that there are some modifications. What Ms. Cloud uh, did present to us was I thought was a stellar recommendation that certainly, um, we absolutely, uh, would consider, um, once we go through and Mr. Davis is going to do that for us and just, um, really, uh, put together for us so that we can then present it to the board, um, at our next meeting for our first
052reading. And, our next meeting will be, um, next month at our next board meeting because the policy committee meets the hour before the first board meeting in the month. And so, next month being December, I believe the first board meeting is December 10th. So, therefore, the policy committee will be meeting at 6:00 on December 10th. Thank you, Ms. Pitts. Mr. Thomas, the Economic Development Council and the Municipal Drug Alliance. No report this time, Mr. President. For the Planning Board, um, to make up for the my missed report building uh, last board meeting, um, the Planning Board had a few minor residential projects that were on the agenda uh, for our October meeting, but they were all mostly all, um, extended into November. Um, there was a big solar project that was put pushed back also,
053um, for New Freedom Road at the old, uh, um, the dump site. So, um, there uh, once we have our meeting next week, um, I'll have hopefully more to report out on our next board meeting in in two weeks. That's all I have to report for the planning board for now. Um, moving on to our superintendent's report. Can I have a motion to approve our superintendent's report as it's recommended for approval by the superintendent from the top page three to the bottom of page seven. It's motion to approve the superintendent's report starting on page three ending on page seven. I'll second second the motion. Approved. Any questions? No questions. Roll call, please. Mr. Clark? Yes. Ms. Bredin? Yes. Ms. Balaj? Yes. Ms. Martin? Yes. Mr. McManus? Yes. Ms. Peterson? Yes. Ms. Pitts? Yes. Mr. Thomas?
054Yes. And Mr. Shaw? Yes. The motion has carried. Moving on to the business administrator board secretary's report. Can I have a motion to approve the business administrator board secretary's report as it's recommended recommended for approval from the top of page eight to the bottom of page 13. Motion to approve the business administrator report starting on page eight ending on page 13. I'll second that motion to approve the report. Any questions? Roll call, please. Mr. Clark? Yes. Ms. Bredin? Yes. Ms. Balaj? Yes. Ms. Martin? Yes. Mr. McManus? Yes. Ms. Peterson? Yes. Ms. Pitts? Yes. Mr. Thomas? Yes. And Mr. Shaw? Uh, yes. Motion is carried. As we move on to the personnel report, I need a motion on table number two A um 2025 2026 staff reassignments on the personnel report. What page is that? On
055the page number 14 on the personnel report from our October 22nd meeting. Motion to untable item on page four page 14 item number two A. Uh second. Second that motion. On our personnel report can I have a motion Oh, I need a roll call. I'm sorry. Mr. Clark? Yes. Ms. Stratton? Yes. Ms. Ballard? Yes. Ms. Martin? Yes. Mr. McMahon? >> Yes. Ms. Peterson? Yes. Ms. Pitts? >> Yes. Mr. Thomas? Yes. And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. Motion has carried. On our personnel report, can I have a recommendation to approve our personnel report as is recommended for approval from the top of page 14 to to the bottom of page 19. Motion to approve the personnel report starting on page 14 and ending on page 19. I'll second that motion to approve that uh personnel report. Any
056questions? Roll call. Mr. Clark? Yes. Ms. Redding? Yes. Ms. Floyd? Yes. Ms. Martin? Yes. Mr. McManus? Yes. Ms. Peterson? Yes. Ms. Pitts? Yes. Mr. Thomas? Yes. And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. Motion has carried. Moving on to the addendum. Seeing that there is no addendum, we'll move on to the open public records act request. Yes, Mr. President. Between the period of October the 23rd and November 4th, we received and responded to three um OPRA requests. One from Jeffrey Lee from Smart Procure, and he wanted purchasing records from July 1st, 2025 uh to current. Um he wanted the purchase order number, the purchase date, the line item details describes the purchase, the quantity, uh the price, and the vendor ID name. Uh those records were compiled and submitted. Second one was C.P. Mills from Public Info Access
057LLC, and they wanted copies of the most current existing records listing all active employees within the school district. Uh-huh. Uh they wanted the full name, the title position, the work email address, the work location, and the school office. Um those records were compiled and submitted. And the third one was from John Riley in Jersey City, New Jersey. Uh he wanted records for the 2025 tax years concerning our mailroom equipment, whether it was leased or purchased, and he wanted the purchase order. Um and those records were compiled and also Thank you, Ms. Floyd. Moving on to informational items. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for providing for and the public with a update. First of all, I'd like to recognize our veterans and thank them for their service. I also like to uh thank everyone who participated
058in the Veterans Day celebration at the Township uh facilities. It was a phenomenal celebration. I want to thank our board members who were in attendance. Also, our students of the Winslow Township High School Choir under the direction of Mr. Justin Kerbaugh-Schnee. Also, the students of the Winslow Township High School Orchestra under the direction of Ms. Samantha Mulligan. They did a phenomenal job. I was excited to be there. Got a chance to see some old classmates who are veterans who uh live in the community and also just to be there to recognize the uh sacrifice that our men and women uh uh provide each and every time they uh serve in the armed forces. The middle school update. I am happy to announce that we have made up all three makeup days with the middle school.
059So, just want to thank our middle school team for their sacrifice and commitment to our students and our school district. Our contractor, All Risk, along with Ms. Pennock, the Winslow Township School District's facilities manager, Principal Shropshire, and Ms. Boyle have been working hard to keep this project moving forward. I'm thankful for their hard work and commitment to get all of our students back in school and under the same roof together. Each day, we see more and more classrooms being completed and ready for our students to return. Air quality testing continues to be done by Epic Environmental, and our test results are as recently as a couple of days ago were negative. There are no air contaminants present, and all students and staff are safe when they enter the building. We have been conducting these tests
060since the start of this work, and at no time did any test indicate we had issues or concerns with our air quality. Information for our students and my parents, second marking period, all students will transition to health classes. Uh as mentioned earlier by our student rep, winter sports arrangements have been made to ensure our students will be participating in winter sports at the middle school. Until this project is complete, I will continue to meet with everyone on a daily and weekly basis to ensure this work is done in a timely manner and to ensure that we're meeting industry standards. To address the teacher shortage in our district in special education, we are participating in the Pathways to Teaching program through Drew University. This program will allow individuals to receive the Teacher of Students with Disabilities
061endorsement. We're also exploring other programs to help power professionals get their teaching certifications in critical areas. Finally, I met with auditor Jan of Bowman Company and just want to report that the audit is underway and she has positive reports on the audit process. So, I'd like to thank Ms. Boyle and her her team on all the work to keep us financially healthy. That concludes my update and thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Pease. Moving on to old business. Anybody have any old thing for old business? I would like to ask Mr. Pease for the update on the technology audit. Yes. So, the audit is extensive. They have finished one phase of the audit and sorry I didn't include that in my update. They have provided uh information and they would prefer to come meet
062with the board and the public to share that information on the audit versus me trying to uh that technology language which I'm not versed in. So, uh we will schedule an opportunity for them to come in and provide a full report on the uh technology audit and make their recommendations to the school district. Perfect. Thank you. Anybody else have anything for information? >> I do, Mr. President. I First of all, I'd like to thank you and the rest of the board for bringing in young ladies to tell us on the process for the superintendent search and making it clear to the stakeholders that that they they will be a part of this event at all. I don't recall. Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Um before we move on from old business, I just want to remind
063everybody that we still have our board self-evaluation to complete. So, if we can um complete that um Moving on to new business, anybody have any new business? Mr. Long, you're up public comments. Certainly, thank you, uh Mr. President. Um public comment. The Winslow Township Board of Education highly values the input of citizens in making 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 school board meetings and offer comment, and to ensure that the board can conduct the important business of the district. We ask that the speakers follow certain guidelines for making public comment. The board secretary will recognize those individuals in the audience who wish to make comment, and we'd ask that
064you kindly respect the following procedures. One, all members of the public attending school board meetings must treat each other and the board with respect. Two, please state your full name and your town of residence. Your specific address is not needed. Three, please limit your comments to 4 minutes. Four, in the event we're unable to answer your questions, please submit your questions in writing to the school board and along with your name, address, telephone number, and email address where you can be contacted and your questions will be answered within a reasonable time. And lastly, individuals offering citizen comment are not permitted to make personal attacks on any district employee, board member, other testifier, or member of the public. Thank you, sir. Can I have a motion to move into public comments? Motion to move into public
065comments. Second the motion to move to public comments. Uh all in favor? Aye. Um Jay Pohill. Good evening. Good evening. I have returned tonight to provide an update following the advisement of Superintendent Mr. Peace, who directed me to reach out to you, the Secretary of School State, in order to have my questions answered by the building administration. While I did follow through and had a conversation, an additional incident occurred that same Friday. Though it may not have been classified as an HIB, it was indeed bullying. That following Monday, my child's father and I went to the school seeking clarity about what was happening. Unfortunately, no administrator was available at the time. Not a principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent, or superintendent. My child's father scheduled an appointment for the following Monday specifically to discuss the ongoing
066bullying. When we attended that meeting, we were not given a clear a clear plan or preventative measures from the administration. Indeed, much of the conversation focused on why certain incidents did not qualify as HIBs. Now we are in November and there have been now six bullying incidents involving my child. The final comments made by the building principal during the meeting that we had on Monday were quite concerning. After my son's father expressed that the bullying needed to stop and that he would return for further meetings if needed, the principal responded by saying, "The church doors are always open." I'll be honest, I don't know what that means. Because we weren't in a church, we were in school. And the pattern of loops and circles we've experienced when trying to communicate with this administration has not
067reflected any sort of open door policy if that was the intended message. So once again, I'm here because each time an incident occurs and is not adequately addressed at the building level, I will continue to come back. Not to be difficult, but because my child's safety, emotional well-being, and right to learn without fear are non-negotiable. I'm asking with respect, but also with firmness for accountability, transparency, and meaningful preventative action moving forward. Our children Our children deserve that. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Powell. Mr. President, that concludes all that have signed up to speak this evening. Um Mr. Fossiani in the back is indicating there's nobody waiting in the waiting room. Is that correct? Okay. So, that concludes those that have signed up to speak. Can I have a motion to adjourn public comments? Motion to
068adjourn public comments. Second the motion to adjourn public comments. All in favor? Aye. Moving on to executive session. Mr. Wall. Thank you, Mr. President. I will In accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, we will be adjourning into executive session on November 12th, 2025 at approximately 8:10 p.m. Of the nine exceptions provided by law for which we're permitted to engage in executive session, uh there are several matters that were are listed under item eight, matters involving employment, appointment, terms and conditions of employment, evaluation of performance, promotion, discipline, etc. And there's also one minor personnel matter involved in that as well as uh a number of grievances for the board to consider this evening. I would anticipate that the uh closed session would last approximately an hour to 90 minutes. Can I have
069a motion to uh move into executive session? Motion to move into executive session. Second the motion to move into executive session. Roll call, please. Mr. Clark. Yes. Ms. Dredden. >> Yes. Ms. Glaude. >> Yes. Ms. Morrison? Yes. Mr. McManus? Yes. Ms. Peterson? >> Yes. Ms. Pitt? >> Yes. Mr. Thomas? Yes. And Mr. Shaw? >> Yes. The motion is carried.