##VIDEO ID:VmpW78lVzKg## Thank you for your service. Good evening. Our meeting will come to order. And give a public notice of this meeting. Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act has been given by the Board Secretary on September 17, th 24, and the following manner. Posted notice on the school bulletin board at the Administration Building. Transmitted to the Courier Post, Philadelphia, and the clerk of Cherry Hill Township. Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. Under God, individual. So sugars. Can you call the role? Please. Mrs. Chirane here. Mrs. Gallagher here, Mr. Greenbaum, here. Mr. Mayor, Dr. Rood, here. Mrs. Niaz here. Mrs. Tong, yeah. Mrs. Winters here. Ms. Stern here. So welcome to our. NHD. Award winners and families here to support them. I'm gonna turn the recognition over to Dr. Morton. Thank you very much, Miss Stern. It is my honor and privilege and pleasure to be here this evening. To recognize Wonderful students and outstanding educator Ms. Morella. For their outstanding efforts. At the National history day competition. I'm Gonna ask for Miss Roscoff to come up with me. Mr. Guy, you come up as well. Dr. Fauci, I know, is here. You come up as well. And I'll I'll meet you over in a sec. I need to speak nowhere after school. Okay. Alright. So how about I read this? And then I'll read. Ms. Wilson asked me to say a few things so. I never shy at the chance of speaking to all of you. Good evening, and if you'll allow me, I'd like to say good evening to my parents as well, who are watching from live streaming. Good evening, Dr. Morton, Miss Stern, the Board of Education, Dr. Guy, administrators, community members, and my neighbors and my family. An installation, a drama. A movie, a musical. Where else could you see all of those innovations in one spot. But at Roses and HD. Club. National history day is more than just a day and more than a competition. It's a journey, and I know you know that because I'm looking at a lot of the parents. That have done it before. And for some of us it's my life's journey. This year's theme. Turning points allowed our team to become the champions of the underwritten. The under told, the unsung heroes of the past. Our projects, like our documentaries on Uncle Tom's Cabin, which won the Amistad Commission prize. Our performance on Vincent, which came. Which placed 8th in the nation. And one the Asian American History Special Prize. And our documentary on the Birmingham Children's Marching State Entry. And place 3, rd and won the bronze medal at Nationals. Each of these projects, and all of my projects this year gave a voice to individuals that have been silenced. By the past. Last Tuesday I had the great opportunity to attend the Levine's prize for film at the Library of Congress. Hosted in partnership with a better Angel society, American history, documentarians and filmmakers, students that are here. We're honored for their passion for telling America's past. Minority leader of the House Representatives opened the award ceremony with a moving speech regarding history and documentary filmmaking. He said. Our story, the America Story. Is full of triumphs and tragedies. But above all else, resilience and exceptionalism. Through it all the ups and the downs of this American journey. Documentary filmmakers, like the great Ken Burns. Who was in attendance, and next to us. Have been there to capture. Contextualize and comprehensively explain. Who we are and become the mirror. Of our democracy. You know. Representative captured the key piece of Nhd. And I think he was speaking to us when he said it. I need to use a place where students can engage in courageous conversations. They can confront the past and work towards innovating that more perfect union that we talk about in the preamble. I want to thank each of you for celebrating an HD. Success this year. The students attending, or not only winners, but they actually represent the 1,378 students. That I've participated in my club. For the last 18 years. It's with the support of the members of the Board of Education. The community. The parents, but also my own parents. That this has been a great success, and I can't thank you enough. Tonight is always bittersweet for me, right? Because. It signals the closing of a chapter. One chapter in the start of another. So, as I PIN this last part of chapter. Team. I look forward to what's still to be written. And I hope that the legacy of the individuals that are in front of you tonight will inspire the next generation of historians to become part of a club that changes history. Changes community and changes all of our lives. Thank you so much. Okay, perfect. So once we announce your names here, she can come on up. And then you're going to walk and go get your picture taken, because you know you are rock stars right? And just to let you know, on a very personal note you might be noticing. I deviated from my normal suit, and were our team this year because our theme was we were locked in, and that's because Rosa swept. Junior Group, Documentary Junior Group Performance and Junior Group Exhibit. At the nationals. All right. So coming up 1st is our group from. Vincent, and they won the Asian American History special prize. So Lucy Dubin. Sorry they're not in ava, Rogers. And Erika Foley, or sorry Shaina Foley. Sorry, Gina, that's Mom. Next. I'm pleased to announce the Amistd Commission winners, Ms. Jessica Clark. Riley, Dalt. Sophia, Claudio. I'm so proud of you. And Elizabeth. Last, but not least, representing our group that came in. 3rd is Janelle Cory. Thank you so much. Everyone. Congratulations to all of you. What fantastic work! And thank you for all you're all doing. It's nice to have that kind of energy. Delay us a little bit. Alright! We move on to. Normally administrative reports, but Dr. Morton. And so now we will move on to board. Member correspondence to any board member, have any. Correspondence that they want to share about. A lot of us were doing a lot, of course, a lot of attending of things so. Don't be shy. Who wants to go first? st Mr. Greenbaum. Thank you. So Ears back in full swing, and many of us have been attending back to school nights. I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Marble in welcoming parents and some students back to Kingston. I got to meet some of the families as well as some of the new staff, and of course kudos to the Kingston for doing a great job in supporting the students. I look forward to joining Ms. Mccartney and welcoming families back to Woodcrest a little bit later this week. And lastly, I wanted to mention it is Ben Books week at the Cherry Hill Public Library. The library, in conjunction with the American Library Association, is shining a spotlight on how censorship impacts our communities and the importance of protecting the freedom to read and to learn. I wanted to share a personal story from my family. I have an aunt who is a retired teacher in another state. That spent the past few years volunteering with an organization similar to booking and donating books to public schools. And even coming in to read to the children. That changed last year, when some of these restrictions went into effect. The schools were no longer able to accept donations, and the classrooms, now of empty bookshelves. The freedom to read is fundamental, and I want to take this opportunity to join. Some fellow board members, our library town council, and our mayor, in spreading awareness. Thank you. Okay? Who else would like to share correspondence? Mrs. Gallagher. Last week I attended. Back to school. Night at man. Which is where my children go. So it's kind of fun to attend as a board member and as a parent. And then I also attended Becks back to school night. It's the 1st time I'd actually ever been to back. So it was nice to learn about the middle school curriculum. And and see some of the teachers and meet some of the families there. Nice. 'kay, thank you. Other board members. Mrs. Oh, I've been to quite a few back to school nights. I went to Thomas Payne, Rosa. I also went to see, and I went to West. And all the back. So school nights were great. We had a lot of parents come in, which is great. I was able to see some of my old teachers from West, and that was really good, too. I have to say that the dedication that our principals have is great. They all know every single student, every single room. almost every single history of the school. So that's that's really great to know. Great. Thank you. This is your fame. Keeping with the theme. I also attended a few back-to-school nights as well. I attended man's back to school night with Ms. Gallagher, where I also ran into my 4th grade teacher, which was really neat, and we had a lot of reminiscing. I was at Stockton, which was really nice, because we received. Miss Niazinas received a tour of the building, and it was the 1st time that I had been a both schools. And they did promise I would give a shout out to maybe start working on some interesting things that we can think of for their outdoor space that can't. Be where something fun and exciting to do in the middle of the building. I said I would put a plug out there for them, and then, lastly, I went to Barton's back to school night, which was exciting. I did tell the Pta President that I think they were probably the only back to school night, where the Pta was giving out free stuff, which was really cool. They were giving out Mac and cheese, which I thought was the coolest thing ever. Which the parents seem to be more excited for themselves than their children. And they were also giving out backpacks and lunchboxes, which I thought was really nice. So it was a good time. Have to put you on the spot. But do you remember, Mrs. Gallagher? Wanna talk about Cole's visit, or do you want me to talk about that? Sure I literally just sent it to Gina. I was like, I know I'm missing something. So yes, that would thank you for reminding me, because that was actually I was very appreciative that. That you know. The everybody took the time to deviate from our scheduled visits for Ms. Gallagher and myself, who couldn't make it when everybody else went. And it was really nice to see the space. I was also the 1st time I had been in that building past the auditoriums. Did not realize how massive that place was. So that was, that was cool. But it looks like everybody has moved in really nicely. And It seems as though they're transitioning has been as seamless as it could have been. At this point into the school year, so I was very appreciative that everybody accommodated our schedules. And fit it into theirs. So thank you for reminding me. Thanks for pointing out. I may add, something else stood out to me. But we'll get. We'll get to that. Other folks have any other correspondence. This is Winters. I'm really proud of us that we hit all the back-to-school nights. I think that's true. I think there was a board member at every single. Back to school night this year, which is pretty neat. Go team. I went to 5. I went to. Kurusi, Ros. Arc, Malber. And East, which was really neat, and 3 of those I attended as both a parent and a board member, similar to what Ms. Gallagher said, which is always fun, because you get to see. Families that you know, but also. Greet families that you're just meeting. One of the funnest things about being at East was. It was the last one that I did, and I ended up seeing a lot of repeat families who said, Didn't we see you earlier this week or last week? And it's true, right. So a couple of really neat things at the elementary level. It was really cool to hear teachers talk about our new curricula that are being implemented. Amplify Ckla for the new Ela and Eureka Math squared for math, because that's really been a game changer. For the way elementary school looks, and we've been talking about it in C. And I. For a long time now, so it was really neat to see that, being implemented at the school level, and the excitement and enthusiasm that. The teachers have for all this massive change. I will say, having a second grader, he comes home and tells me everything he's learning about. Now. In the Ela curriculum, which is really cool. He was very much into the Folktales. I learned all about Pago. And about Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue Ox. So apparently it's getting through. He thinks it's interesting and exciting. At the middle level. I was excited to see. Conversations around our scl curriculum, which is second step, which is now being implemented from K all the way through. Pre-k rather all the way through 8, th second step. So there's that continuity there, as well as climate change, which I know that Dr. Rud has been working on. And the return of community service hours, which I think is something. I'm really excited to see return. I think it's really important that students take what they're learning and apply it. To being members of our community and seeing how they can create positive change. So that was really cool at the middle level. At the high school level, like I said, it was neat to see a lot of families with their kids coming in. It's really cool. We got over. I got overwhelming positive response about the cell phone policy at the high school level. I feel like of when I was walking through my son's schedule, multiple teachers mentioned what a difference maker the cell phone policy has been. Just in the 1st 3 weeks of the academic year. So far so that was really neat to hear as well. So I guess what I'm saying is I, the theme for me was being able to see some of the changes that the Board and the Administration have been working on and discussing and see that put into action in our schools. Which is a really cool experience. Oh, and Malberg! So at the preschool level there is nothing better than preschool families. They were so excited to be there. I was a Barclay slash Malbert parent 3 times, and that that excitement and that joy of having a preschooler that's always new. It's just always so fun to see those families. It was neat to see the new Pta members there. They're really getting rolling to a good start with some fun. Things planned for parents. I spent a lot of time talking with Amanda. Who's the Cpis? And I told her that I would mention out loud on the mic. The Cpis is the point of contact for preschool families when they have questions or concerns, or want to discuss anything with the preschool program. She is your person. She is excited to talk to you families. She's the one that you can go to, and she's happy to work with you. She's got a lot of really fun things planned for families of preschoolers throughout the year. So those are all my school nights. The other things I did. I think, Mr. Talk about the football game at East that we attended together. And Mr. Mayor's going to talk about Lmc. That we attended together. Oh, and the library. I went to the library today for freedom to read, and I got all board members. These really cool pins. So shout out to the Youth Services Section at the Terry Hill Public Library. It's always fun to celebrate. The freedom to read. It's something that I think the school, district and library have been working in partnership. They always work with us, they make sure they have our summer reading books front and center. And it's just neat to be able to see that in action a wonderful inclusive space where our kids can go and get books about anything, so shout out to the Public Library. Thank you. Great. Mr. Mayor, I think you're one of the last ones standing here so. I could. I could deliver it standing. If you think there would be some. I'll I'll after after Mrs. Winners very. Presentation. I probably do need to stand and walk around, and, you know, to get some more attention. But if you do, Mr. Mayor, then the noise canceling microphones will not pick you up, so you might want to stay close to your microphone just saying good point. So I attended a couple of back-to-school nights, also Cherry Hill, West, and Thomas Payne, West. Even though it was the 3rd back to. 4th 4th year that I've been there for back to school night. I'm all I was always. Previously, and again this past week, just impressed with the energy that the this teachers all bring to the classrooms. The it was also the 1st time that I didn't have to ping from. Classroom to classroom, because I have only one student left there. But it was you know, and also not just the their energy that teachers are. They're enthusiastic, you know. They're they've. Thrilled to be back in the classroom. They're excited. To deliver the curriculum, and each of each of them, you know, put on a nice, you know. There's only 10 min. But it was, it was informative, and it was great to be there, and. To parallel. What. Mrs. Winters, also a handful of parents, came up to me. Some that I know, some that I, some that I don't know, but know that. Board also wanted to go out of their way to talk about the cell phone policy and unanimously. They were in favour of it. Just one parent in particular. Talk to me 1st about how. Concerned her child was initially Because apparently their child is very attached to the phone. But within a couple of days found, you know. Found it to be The word that the parent used was calming, and felt that. Part of the reason why, at least, that you know their student seems to be succeeding. And and focusing more and doing better and homework and grades is that that. The classroom. Attention is there. Attributed, at least they believe, to the cell phone policy. But that was. It was the longest conversation I had, but there were probably 6 or 7 total parents that I talked to. They were all, you know, very positive with regards to that. So. It's good to know that. Something that you know we we spent some time on, we knew was going to be. A big change. Has been almost universally welcomed. By students, by staff and and by parents as well. I've also attended Thomas Paine. Most at least in the principal. There was. Always tremendously enthusiastic, very supportive. It's clear that she is. I'm really well attached to the student body. There they have a. They hold her in great regard as they should. It was a wonderful night again, you know. Parents. Happy to be there. Absolutely packed house. They, you know, did not want to miss miss their back to school nights, and that. Is something that I also recall from those that I attended last year parents, and in this community they care, and they want to know what they're. Students are experiencing when they get in the classroom, and they take that they take the time to come out. To these, so I'm glad that the. The administration at the schools, and the teachers also welcome them that way, and they prepare for it as well. So the Lmc. Steering Committee also met last week. I think the 2 couple, the 2 big. Issues that were discussed. One was continued discussion of potentially. Having Cherry Hill as a South Jersey Hubc hub. Because the Lmc. Is is working so well here. It's been noticed. It's noticed that Trenton. It's being noticed in North Jersey. They they love what we're doing. And they want us to help get the word out and help. Other districts do the same thing. So there was some continued discussion about that. What would that look like? And and some realistic. Concerns about whether or not that would be. There would be any additional time constraints on the teachers, because that's something that we'd have to be. We do have to be worried about. But overall still. Good support for it. So that that discussion will continue. As we try and define. What exactly would our role be? How can we be helpful? And how can we still learn from other districts as they. As they join. What are they doing? Well, that maybe we can incorporate as well. And then there was a very good discussion about the use of committees at all of the school level. Not just the Lmc. But how? How can. How can the Lmc help identify. Practices to make committee those committees that exist in the schools more efficient, so that teachers can focus more of their. Their effort on the students. You know. Are there some committees that perhaps overlap enough, that maybe. Some of them can be retired. And that returning some time back to teachers to work through curricula work with teacher work, with work, with their students. Very again. Very good conversation. What I think was most impressive about it was that these were things that maybe were not as easily discussed openly. Among that group, or among administrators and teachers with board members present in the past. And it's now a welcoming environment. And in order to work through. Some issues and find more creative ways to deliver. Education and and doing in a way that is most effective. Not just for the students, but also for the teachers that are willing to have these conversations and bring things to the table and. And and use each other's collective Wisdom to help figure some things out. So that was a really good conversation. We meet again. Next. October 9, th I believe right and. Be happy to report back on that one as well. That's it. Thank you. This is Tom. Eastern. I'm gonna make it very short. I just wanna let you guys know that the the policy for the cell phone. Used in the classroom that we just implemented. Has well received by the parents, and they be telling me that sign. And also the preschool, as well. They're very happy that we have our little ones in school. Well, thank you for doing all that. Thank you, Mrs. Tong. You're part of that right. You, too. So let's see. For back to school nights. I went to Cooper and. Bret Hart one night. The next night, 6th grade, Beck. At back, and also attended as a parent to East. Really is a parent only So, Cooper. I was only there for a short time, and I had to. Just mute them. See the parents? And obviously, you know, it's it's just always nice to get a chance to have a little bit of a experience, just you know. Seem familiar, faces. Bret Hart. It was there for a little bit longer. And they, you know, they had a we're having technical difficulties. So they kind of switched up the way they did their back to school night. With with their video. But it was nice to welcome parents there, and I got a chance to talk to some of the teachers. I heard similarly. Great feedback about Ckla curriculum, you know, the teacher, one of the teachers said to me. All these years. Part of what's been so hard with consistency of learning from school to school. You know, we have such a big goal of, you know equitable learning for all of our kids. How do you achieve that when every school is using their own curriculum? You know, or some of their own curriculum, and they're putting it together. And she said, You know now that we have this uniform that all the schools are using, you know it's 1 step closer to really ensuring that all the kids are getting, you know, similar education, no matter what elementary school they go to. And she also talked about. The piece that we were concerned about that came up in Cni, which was, you know, it's it's a massive amount of information and curriculum to learn and implement at the same time. So to speak, you know, and that's just the nature sometimes of teaching and new curriculum. But so you know, some really interesting, really helpful to kind of listen and and hear the feedback. And able to bring some of that feedback to Dr. Morton, which which was great, and also talked to some of the Staff, who are also parents in the district, and. Similar to Mrs. Tong and and Mrs. Winters. What you said? You know, just. Game changer on the cell phone policy there, or the electronic device policy. Wireless device. So I wanna make sure I get it. Real game changer. So the back 6th grade like a deer in headlights from a lot of those parents, especially the ones it's their 1st time being a middle school parent, and I remember that very well there, that I was very different. Principal let me know they they did it. They had like a new approach this year. So they were trying something different with the way that they did their back to school night. And you know all the teachers were there. So it was kind of a group together which was a little bit different from when I remember going to like Rosa Advisory. My kids Advisory. But that you know. All the teachers got a chance to speak, and they each went through their Google classrooms and stuff. So I think they gave a lot of good information. And I saw a bunch of parents that I knew some parents I didn't realize had 6 graders, so it was a great. It was a great night. Pta. Folks all around and then East, you know. I think 2 things going to the East football game which Mrs. Winters, I think we we missed each other. So I got a nice ride from a Mrs. As Hoffman from, because I was late I had a work event, so I came late, and she gave me a ride on the on the Gator back to the so I had like a whiz all the way through the parking lot, which was nice to get to the game. I think there were 1,800 tickets sold, or something like that. Over 800, absolutely packed. Stadium, absolutely packed. Students on their feet the entire time. It actually reminded me of when I went to the Final if it's the group final for basketball, at least when they played Lenape a couple years ago. So much spirit, school, spirit, and energy. I don't know if you all. We're at the game or not, at least. But Students on their feet, not on their phones. On their feet, cheering. No, I'm sorry. Friday night on their feet, cheering, watching the games of parents. Tons of staff. It was just really, you know, it's. Between the cell phone policy and the bond. The bond work, and you know that. The East stadiums came out. They were not part of the original bond. Recommendations. If you know I'm looking at sugars, you know. Back then, and you know Garrison brought us the recommendations. You know that came out of student voice. Those lights were brought to us in a town hall meeting, the students said, We want school spirit, we don't have. We don't have the opportunity for Friday night games and school spirit. We want that. And I, you know the board we were like, well, if that's what you know parents wanted. Okay, that's what the community wants is community voices. Why, we have town halls. So we, you know. That got put in. Fast forward. I never would have imagined. The impact it had. I just, I'm not a huge school spirit person. So it, you know, for me, it's not. But it was, it was so impactful. And to know that that's where that came from. Cell phone policy, too. Cell phone policy came from. Parents. It came, and it came through all kinds of you know. Different. You know, we see, we see it prevalent with HIB. You know, parents expressing concerns about, you know, technology access for the kids. You know, in the research that we now see about, you know, impact of technology. And really, importantly, from teachers. Some and students, but teachers, you know, bringing it forward in principal saying, like, you've gotta, you've got to provide a policy that we can all. Consistently implement. And fast forward. Here we are, so. So the word my, my kids usually use a satisfying, so satisfying. To see that when everybody, when we all work together, when everyone's voice is part of the conversation. And we do good things. And it's based in. You know, good policy, best practice, you know. Good things happen, and good change comes, and the back-to-school was. Resoundingly, very. Resoundingly happy Staff. And and when we were at the Coles program yesterday, same thing like just very. Happy staff, about. It's a game changer. And the way that that students are. Participating in class and paying attention in class. And I'm hearing from a lot of students, even my own, who are. Shocked as seniors that they have to adjust to all this change. It should be their their leader. Years. They're the, you know, the the oldest kids in school. But even from them, you know, I hear. Well, it's reasonable. I get it. I get. Why, we're in class. We're supposed to be there to learn, you know. So It's it was nice to hear all that as far as the Coles visit. The one thing I just wanted to mention that came up that I learned. Going? Was that We now have as of it, started last year. It's building. This year. We have another special education class at the East. At East High School, which is specifically a class for students with autism. And those students are now partnering. Well, they're not partnering the Coles students are. Volunteer leaders. Working with the students in that program. So not only do the Cole students get a chance to be part of a high school. But they get to be part of. You know, an inclusion process. And they get to be volunteers. So I just like for me that. That was very profoundly. Positive to see that kind of opportunity for. You know, 2 groups of kids who might not normally. Have those opportunities together so. Or in general, And. I attended the East girls volleyball game as well. That was the last thing I did. Again. Great to see a sport that I don't always get to see. That was all my correspondence, and Mrs. Trophy. I did forget one thing, I should probably start writing things down. I I did not attend this as a board member, but as a parent at my daughter's preschool back to school event that they had a cadence Academy. I did want to recognize Dr. Mayhan's staff all attended, and were there. I'm not sure that everybody understood the process of what was going on, because it's directed by the school itself, but I did want to recognize that they were all there in attendance and outside with the students in the playground and stuff like that. So I'm assuming that that's the case for all of the preschools, but. I did want to recognize that. That's great, and this is your. Were you a cadence last year. Okay, with your other, with your older. With the same child, and then your other daughter was at just Non Hill. I was there by not part of the preschool expansion. But you've been through Malberg as well. Yes, we've had okay, 2 preschool experiences, and both. Both different. But hopefully, yeah, similar. Similarly different. Similarly, there you go. I like it. Alright. Thank you for bringing that too. All right. Anybody. Any other correspondence? Plenty. Okay. We now move on to our. Long awaited student representative reports. We will start this week with. Our students from West. So I don't know if Jenna wanna. Give the report, please. Awesome. Okay. The school year is now in full swing, as everyone is adjusting to false schedules. For academics. We have academic classes have been underway with course, expectations, syllabuses, and textbooks being given to students throughout the past 3 weeks. The drop ad period has just closed. But any further class questions. About course. Load or switches should be directed to each student's assigned guidance. Counselor. West recognized Andy Nguyen and myself, Rebecca Brizhoff as national merit scholars based on their PSAT. Scores from 2,023. National Honor Society is providing one-on-one peer tutoring once more this year, provided through QR. Codes listed around the school and. For more information email, Miss Wilkins, at M. Wilkins at Chclc. Org. West back to school. Night was a success. On September 13, th assisted by peer leaders, Jrc. Officers. Nhs Volunteers and West Faculty, showing parents. Jazz band and choral members also provided musical offerings. That night. Was football hosted their pediatric cancer awareness game. When Friday, September 20, th against Eastern High School. Vile ball is also hosted. A strike out cancer game on Wednesday against Cheroke. Was first, st what was football? Also celebrated? A 33 to 7. Victory against Clearview. The week prior to that their next game will take place on September 27, th at Cherry Hill, West Stadium, against Highland High School. Tickets can be purchased through Gofandcom. Westfield hockey participate in their senior night on September 19, th celebrating those on the team graduating this year, accompanied by victory against Florence. The positive coaching alliance suitor, leadership work, student leadership workshop was hosted at West on September 12, th inviting both East and West students. Student athletes to participate. Boys. Soccer came home with a victory against West and overtime on September. Soccer night in Cherry Hill is on Saturday at 7 30, both East and West boys and girls. Will compete to win the ball. Congratulations to Crystal and Rex for meddling in the Cherokee Challenge, crystal 124th and Senior Girls, and Rex won 16th and Junior boys. For arts, congratulations to marching band and color guard on competing in their 1st competition last Saturday, and being awarded, second place with a score of 80.6 5. Auditions for Rocky. The musical took place last week, and we look forward to seeing their production on November 20 second, through 24.th South Jersey. Choir auditions will also take place early October. Latinos at West, celebrated. With bulletin boards and other displays to celebrate Hispanic heritage month that started on September 15.th They will be going to 4 different schools to perform school, that to perform soon to demonstrate their culture. Yearbooks are on sale through student activities. Don't forget to buy one while they're still available. Senior sunrise also took place on the 1st day of school, as our seniors celebrated the beginning of their last year at West. Senior college night took place yesterday, and Senior Financial Aid night will be held next Monday. We hope to see the parents of our seniors there. Act took place on September 14th at West, and the deadline for sat registration was September 20.th But today is the late day, so don't forget to register. Pta. Had their 1st meeting on September 10, th and Nhs. Is helping with the Pta. Mum sail to on Friday. Transp transcript verification is due tomorrow for all seniors who need to who have not done that yet. The Google form is through your email. Students have been adjusting and the cell phone policy has been overall successful. It is important that all students remember to keep their cell phones in their bag during class time, and while in the hallways. Thank you both. Okay, we move on to our East correspondence and Solomon, I don't know how you're doing it tonight, but. Love to hear what's going on East. So in our 1st month back at school, a lot has gone on with within the East community. In regards to academics. Throughout the week of September. Guidance. Counselors met with their assigned seniors to discuss everything about the college process. This Thursday, September 20. East guidance. Counselors will also be hosting college night. Beginning at 7 Pm. It was recently announced that for the 23 Psa. A national merit. Scholarship qualifying. Test. 5 students. Eric Chen, Erin, Lee, Kyan, Ling. Kyle Mccann and your mom were named semi finalists. They're part of the top 16,000 highest scoring program participants. We'll move forward to compete. For scholarships with other semifinalists. 34 other E students were named scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Program, making them among the 34,000 recognized students, nationwide. Who showed exceptional academic promise. On Thursday, September 19, th school night was held, and parents were able to meet their children's teachers for this year. Before I go into the activities that we've been going on. I just want to say I attended back to school night as a student, just to help guide parents around. And I think we should really implement live music between classes during the school day, because it was a really cool experience to hear that. But yeah, so on Friday, September 6.th Is, seniors gathered on the east field around 6 AM. To watch the sunrise together and reflect about entering their final year in high school during the senior sunrise. These seniors had their last opportunity to take their senior photos. On September 16.th Through the Se. Through September 20.th During the school day and picture day for 10th and 11th graders and 9th graders who didn't take their photo at freshman orientation will be scheduled for tomorrow. September 25.th Yesterday, September 23, rd and today, September 24th East held the activities fair in our courtyard during lunch breaks. Where all students had the opportunity to learn about and join East. In regards to theater department, and Thespian Society announced that the Crimson Theater's play will be a trip to the Moon. The fall play will be Miracle. On 34th Street the spring musical will be Mary Poppins, and the school year will end with the student directed and produced one x. In regard to athletics. Cherry Hill, East. Has been off to an incredible start. The East football team is undefeated so far this season going 4 to 0, they defeated at East 1st ever Friday night lights game on September 13, th which was a super exciting night, and, in my opinion, the boost in school morale, in school spirit was palpable. In the following days. Player, Isaiah Donaldson. One Jersey sports zone week, 2 football game ball. After scoring 3 touchdowns against Trayton. The East football team will be taking on the Atlantic. Institute of Technology and a home game. This Friday night at 6 P. The girls volleyball team is also undefeated so far this season, with a record of 9 wins and 0 losses. The boys. Soccer team has a record of 3 wins, 2 ties and 3 losses. And the girls' team has a record of 4 wins, one tie and 2 losses. The Saturday both the boys and girls, East Soccer teams will take on the Cherry Hill west. Will take on Cherry Hill, west at Soccer. So far the girls tennis team has a record of 5 wins and one loss, and the girls field hockey team has a record of 2 wins and 5 losses. At the battle of Ocean County Park Cross Country, on September 13.th Junior East boys took 1st place in their grade level. Sophomore boys came in. Second. Sophomore girls came in second also, and freshman girls came in. 6th and Junior and senior girls took 4th place. We are so proud of all these teams and all these amazing athletes that comprise them. And finally, to adjust the changes that's been going on. So E students came back to many changes with the new phone policy. Mandatory home rooms which you didn't have before. And the introduction of the Coles alternative program, although we are still in the process of adjusting which has been challenging for some, particularly the. Lunch schedule. I've heard more than anything has been. A challenge, for some students are becoming more and more used to the changes. And East administrations has been responding to feedback and making necessary adjustments. To allow things to run smoother overall. Specifically many students who missed getting to choose their location throughout the lunch break can look forward to going to their choice. Homer, beginning tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you for the great report. Well excited, for all this stuff that's coming Saturday night should be really fun and really spirited. I'm not really sure where I'm gonna stand so, or color I'm gonna wear. But we'll have to see. We have. So we have our our mix, our shirts that are both. I think we might have to wear the split shirts. Yeah, I think that's just gonna be the way it's gonna go. But it should be a fun night. So. Thank you so much and definitely working on, I know. Last year the adjustment to the lb. One lb. 2, schedule and the home room was was challenging, and especially for extra help and for clubs. And I know East is going through the same thing now, and we've been definitely getting the feedback. So just as last year we had conversations with it at. We now are having conversations just, you know, in terms of. All of us together kind of bringing all the feedback, and it's nice to hear that there's a distance adjustments being made. So, definitely, not. I'm not very popular in my house right now, I can tell you. Like. But with 2 young people so. Definitely don't think we made the right choice on that. We know we did, anyway, moving along 1st of a comment. This is our opportunity for our 1st public comment, one out of 2. This is for board action items only items 13 through 16. There will be another public comment section for any topic related to our schools at the end of our meeting. If you are a student in the district, you may comment on any item. School related during the 1st public comment, if you so choose, and if you are a student in our school, and you want to make a comment. And you happen to be online. We do ask that you please put an ask after your name. So that we know that you are a student, and I can call on you first.st If you would, and if you're in the room and you want to speak, please approach the podium first, st so we make sure to give you priority. When you do speak at public comment, please identify which item you're speaking on. And please state your full name and your municipality. And we will alternate between speakers who are here in the room and those who are online. Each speaker will begin a maximum of 3 min speak in the timer on the screen will indicate how much time you have. Public comment is an opportunity for members of the community to comment on matters relevant to operations of Charter Hill Public School district, or within the authority of the Charterhill Board of Education. The Board welcomes diverse opinions on relevant matters. Under established Federal law, governing reasonable restrictions. On speech in public forums, statements which demean individual community members or groups, or which are relevant to the operations of the Cherry Hill public school district, or our repetitis will not be permitted. Community members who would like to present information not relevant to the school district. Are always welcome to communicate directly superintendent, Board, President, and or Ball Board members. Via email or other alternative means. And with that, if there are new students to speak, we will start with the 1st adult in the room. And if you could, please, approach the podium, and when the timer goes up, please state your full name and your municipality. That's like Fingerman, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This is my 1st time doing a 1st public comment. So it's action. Item 14.6. And I just want to make sure that I'm doing this the right way. Regarding your contract with ES. Is that right? Okay? So then I'll continue. Thank you. I'm asking the Board to reevaluate their contract with us. Given the recent issue with my child's 4th grade class at Brethhard, elementary. As I wrote previously via email to the district. The district relies on to provide. Subs when the district cannot. They expect ess to perform due diligence up to their on their employees. However, I would argue that Es did not vet their candidates very well. Most recently. It took only a moment of my time to look at my child's substitutes, resume. Their unorthodox work history, which I was more specific about in my emails. To you. And I won't go into here. Raise my eyebrows. And I was surprised that someone who was working with children had this work history so easily visible. To me it showed a lack of professional judgment, and makes me question how thoroughlys is vetting. Adults who are sending. The adults that they are sent to the district overall. I will reserve my other concerns regarding my child's class for a second public comment. Thank you. Okay. And now we will go to the line. And the hand raised online is a phone number that ends in 780. State your full name, your municipality, and which Action item. You are speaking on. My name is Jeff Potowitz. It's 1411 authorizing educational facilities. Waiver please vote. No is recommended that the Board approve for classroom being utilized in the preschool program at the author, Lewis Administration Building that do not. Meet the minimum space requirements by by creating, by granting the waiver, the entire school can be dedicated as a preschool center for this community. The entire school. Interesting as far as I'm concerned, the spirit and intent of State law, federal laws and regulations and provision of a thorough and efficient education for the students of this district. The school district leaders say that's not going to be affected at all is not going to be compromised. I would say that it has been compromised already. By the way, you've gone headlong into preschool, and I think you've already harmed the students when you should have been focused on something else like like learning a loss. Alright. So I think I think you want to quote no on this, because do, because you, you basically have already compromised the things that you're not supposed to be compromising. Both. But knowing this, creating a a center for the community in in that building? No, that's wrong. And how much is it gonna cost us? How much is to to to facilitate this? How many, how many classrooms are you going to have? There are so many questions to ask. You're committing more money to something. When maybe you should have committed that money, and the time and the effort. On those other students, and providing them with a thorough. An efficient education, which I think you have not been successful in doing. Since. Covid. Thank you very much for listening. Vote. No. Okay, we go back to the room. If anyone else would like to speak on our action items. Please approach the podium. Please state your full name, your municipality, and the action item you're speaking on. Good evening. My name's Heather. Appreciate. I'm the principal at Camden Catholic High School, which is a non-public school in Cherry Hill. And I've been working with the Charry Hill School district for about 20 years. To administer the Federal and State non-public school grants for the students in my school. This is the 1st time I've come to a board meeting in 20 years. And I'm here today regarding item 14, which is bid. 2, 4, 2, 5, 2, oh. For non-public School Guards, and asked this board to extend our current monthly contract, so the matter can be further reviewed. We were notified at our annual meeting in May that there will be additional parameters to the nonpublic schools would have to follow when spending our Grant dollars. Because of the amount our Security Guard service was going out for an Rfp. In August, after the 1st proposals were collected. They were all rejected. A bid was written by the district for the service, and we were told. It was going to be awarded to the lowest bidder. There was not meaningful consultation at this point between the district and the non-public school. When this bid was issued. Having the contract go to the lowest bidder meant that there were no consideration about the company. Qualifications or services. We certainly understand and believe that Cherry Hill is following purchasing laws. But we do not believe the nonpublic school laws around the school grant are being followed. The law states that the public school should consult with the non-public school to agree upon security services, equipment, or technology to be provided to students of the non-public school. Within the limits of the funds that are available. It should be noted that our school's use of security guards does not exceed the security Grant allotment for the students at our school. It's our school's responsibility to choose a vendor that provides these services for our students. Who, we believe to be most qualified. We do not consider awarding a contract to the lowest bidder fulfills this. We did appeal to the county superintendent in August, and while we know conversations have happened, we've yet to receive a written response in this matter. Having a security guard is not a decision. We come to lightly. It is not like what public schools do. This is not a security camera we're putting in our building. It's a person we are literally and figuratively. Giving the keys to our building. Charter School, who sorry the district has put a dollar amount on the service. And it cannot go to the lowest bidder. It's our job to do its best for our students. And we're here to put our position on record and look forward to a. That prioritizes student safety. And it tears to the processes prescribed by non-public State law for grant funding for our students. Thank you. And we go back to the line. And I do not see any hands raised online. So we come back to the room. And we. Please approach the podium. Please state your full name and your municipality. When the timer starts. And the action item you're speaking on. Rick Shorty Hill, Action item number 13. My question is this, I encourage you to vote. No. On this add action, item. Mr. Short, which one specifically 13. At 13 point. It's the one with the restorative practices. Restorative practices. Yeah, conference attendance. Thank you. Alright and these are the following reasons, one is the 1st is the amount of increase in violence that's occurring in Cherry Hill schools, and second reason is the amount of wasted time with restorative practices that are occurring. Number one due to Dr. Morton's student voice. He has accepted restorative practices. Which, in 2022, 2023. 76 incidents occurred. Increased. Allege increased. That involved. Let's say, 5 people. The victim, the other person. And some other family members. It also involves 9 board members to review. It also involves. Other administrators within the district. So you were looking at about 1,292 people that have to look at each one of these hibs, or know about it. And the last following school year you had 200. You have an estimated 267 with Alleged which involves now about 2,941. People that have to get involved. And these Hibs. So my question is, why would you vote? Yes, for more restorative justice practices, if there's more violence that's occurring. Did you hear about the punch thrown at this. Possible prompt punch that was thrown at the Soccer game. Done by a freshman. Why did that happen. Why are we? Why are we approving something that's causing more violence. Why would you vote? Yes, to cause more violence? You've had 2 years. A restorative practices, and violence is going up. Violence went up the 1st year. Mr. Separo said right here. He said, on Mike, way up. That was 81. Last year there was an estimated 184%. Increase in violence. So why are we saying yes, to have 15 more people trained. And what about the amount of time that's wasted. Academic time wasted. We are talking thousands of. Hours wasted. And you're all going to prove wasting thousands of. Education hours for a program that's not working. And I'll finish up with Parkland. Park. Link got rid of it. Parkland. 17 people died from it. Broward County's done with it. Restorative justice. Okay, when we go back to the line and I don't see any. We do 1 1 hands online. I see Natalie Stevens, if please, if you could. Please state your full name, your municipality, and the action item you are speaking on when the timer comes up. Hi! My name is Natalie Stevens. I am the parent of Nina Mink, and she goes to Bret Hart. She's currently. I'm sorry, Miss Stevens, could you please state the action item on our agenda that you are speaking to tonight? I'm sorry. I don't see the action item. Okay. So if you could kindly call back during our second public comment, when you can speak on any school related topic that happens at the end of our meeting. Thank you. Okay, we come back to the room. If anyone else would like to speak on any action items. Thank you. Not yet seeing Don't see any hands or anybody at the Podium. And I don't see any hands online. So I'm going to. Those public comment And I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Green for a moment, and then to Dr. Morton. Thank you. Madam President, with respect to the issue that was raised with regard to Camden, Catholic, and the Security officers. The district did share the specifications with the school and offer them an opportunity for input. But, most importantly. The successful bidder this afternoon, advised us. That they are hiring the 2 individuals that are currently assigned there. By semper security. And they will take over, and they will become employees of the new company, and will be assigned to. So that they will continue, have the Security guards that they currently have at that location. I did reach out to their attorney, who had emailed us earlier this afternoon and have not been able to reach him yet. But. Based on the company's representations. It's our recommendation that we go forward with the bid award. Thank you for that. Update, Mr. Green. And I go. We go on to Dr. Morton for superintendent comments. Hopefully clarifying some accurate factual information. Absolutely, absolutely. I'd be happy to. Anyway. Thank you very much. I just wanna say congratulations again to Miss Morella. And the students who participated in national history day. Competition at Rosa. Very exciting to see those children out today. And have an opportunity to be celebrated. Yeah, actually had an opportunity to sense the energy. And enthusiasm from Miss Morella as well. Just imagine being in that setting and that type of classroom to experience that so. Truly truly a joy. Thank you to all those who've made the 1st month of the school year very successful one. The the things are rolling right along. We are firing on on all cylinders. Just wanna say thank you to our administrators for the effective planning. Thank you to our support staff. And preparing each and every school. For the return of students. Thank you to our Transportation Department for working diligently to ensure that. Routes are rooted correctly, and that issues are corrected as soon as possible. Of course, thank you to all of our teachers for being true. Difference. And creating positive. Environments and experiences to students and the environments that students relish. And environments that they deserve, as well. Most importantly, thank you to our students. For your positive energy and cooperation. I actually thought that there would be more difficulty in the implementation of the cell phone policy. And students have been amazing at both high schools at. Our middle schools, certainly at the elementary schools, as well. Things have been outstanding and we heard a number of accounts and anecdotes. This evening from board members, and from others. About just how positive things have been. That's real. And that's a lived experience. So that's that's wonderful. I'd also like to say to our parents and guardians. And caregivers for sharing your best with us, and you know your best are your children, you know, is absolute pleasure. And honor to have the opportunity to interact with these young people on a daily basis. Like to wish happy Hispanic heritage month. To all those celebrating from September 15th through October 15, th we recognize. The contributions. And the culture of Hispanic and Latino. Americans and citizens so happy. Hispanic heritage! Month. We have the. Latinos at West do their tour. Coming up very soon. It's always. Something that we look forward to, and it's a wonderful thing as well. There is a spirit of collaboration that is permeating throughout this district. Spirit of collaboration, and people working together, and unity. As I sit here and I look at our student board reps is represented right in this room, as we typically only have one board rep that that typically would come out to board meetings. But I've noticed that that's changed. This year. We see a partnership. This collaboration reflected right here through our students as well, but that spirit of collaboration, again, is permeated throughout the schools themselves. Doesn't mean everything is perfect, but it means working. You know, to help to make things better. To refine our ideas, to to come up with the best solutions. And it's a wonderful thing our district's collaborative efforts were featured, and national education associations. Website this this past week. It's a tremendous honor for us. Nea's largest labor organization. In the country, you know, with over 3 million members. And to, you know, have Cherry Hill. Mentioned. There is. Is, is is a good feeling, definitely good feeling, so positive things that are happening. Just to clarify some misinformation. Our preschool, waiver. Is a waiver that is needed for this, for the. The classrooms that we currently have. Stationed here or housed here, and the facility. Due to the construction concerns over at the Discovery corner. Simply is is simply the waiver is needed because. There are space. Space criteria, that that. Identify that each classroom space needs to be 950 square feet. I believe our classrooms are slightly. Below that. Consequently we need to apply for this waiver. And receive a waiver. We're not moving forward, or we're not having conversations. We're not actively considering making this facility until a preschool. It's not a conversation that's happening all right. So. That's 1. In reference to the hib statistics that were just presented. They're just grossly, grossly, grossly inaccurate. Mr. Short, I did respond to an email. On August 20, second. Attempting to clarify the incorrect numbers and incorrect data. That you that you had. But yet this information continues to be presented. There was not an 184% increase in alleged hibs. There was not an 81%. Increase and allege hibs, that is grossly. Incorrect. The Hib process itself is one that's designed to protect students. An alleged hib does not mean that they're. Was a founded HIV allege means that someone made an alleg. Someone believes That the Hib policy may have been violated. And there's an investigatory process that takes place to determine if that's the case or not. So the numbers that you cited that were incorrect. Were for alleged cases. It doesn't mean that they were founded. Further, it doesn't mean that there were. Violent incidents that occur again. That's just grossly. Grossly incorrect. I'm happy to clarify anytime. I'm happy to have a conversation. I'm happy to provide. 2 substance and true Information. Anytime that you know you. You're seeking truth. Last thing I'll say about it is that the information that you cited was not for last year. 2,02223 was 2 school years ago. And I attempted to clarify that, and. Hopefully. I can clarify that for you this evening. Last thing I'll say is, thank you to zone. Pta. For hosting a great candidates forum. On Sunday. They also followed up yesterday with an in-person Pta meeting. It's a packed room here. Great conversation. Wonderful meeting. I enjoyed participating in that meeting very much, and so appreciate. The involvement of our community and our parents. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Martin, for your comments, and I want to just express my appreciation as you model what our teachers do, which is. Our teachers teach our children how to understand and discern information, understand. Fact versus inaccurate information. You just modeled that, and I know I've had the privilege at. Different levels of, you know, attending with my own kids, my own back-to-school nights, and talking to teachers. Just, in fact, how exactly that is that is performed on a regular basis. To make sure our kids grow up with. The best skills they can. To learn. So thank you for modeling that, too. And addition to providing clarity, we move on to our action. Item. We start with our curriculum instruction, and Mrs. Winters, can you please move the Cni agenda? I would love to, the superintendent recommends, and I move the following 13.1 approval of attendance at conference and workshops. The 2425 school year, 13.2 approval of out of District student placements for the 2425 school year, 13.3 approval of services contract with Nj. Commission for the blind and visually impaired for the 2425 school year, 13.4 Brookfield Schools educational services, program, 2425 school year. 13.5 resolution approving a Professional Services agreement between the Cherry Hill Board of Education and the Cooper Health system to provide services at Pollit Day School, 13.6 resolution approving Professional Service Agreement between the Cherry Hill Board of Education and Cadill Learning, Llc. For the 2,02425 school year for nursing at Pollard Day School. 13.7. Approval of Professional Service Agreement between Linder consulting and the Cherry Hill Board of Education for the 2425 school year. 13.8. Approval of readings, curriculum. 13.9. Approval of Master's research project and. 13.10. Approval of dissertation. Do I have a second, Miss Stern. Are there any questions on the CNN this evening? Now is the moment. I don't see any board member questions. So, Miss Sugars, will you please open the voting. Board members, you may cast your votes. My sugars. I'm recusing myself from 13.5. Other than Mrs. Chirane's recusal. On item 13.5. We have a unanimous yes vote. Okay, we move on to business and facilities. Mr. Green, can you please move the B. And F. Agenda. Thank you, the superintendent recommends, and I move the following. 14.1 approval of minutes, boardworking sessions, special action meeting minutes and executive session minutes, dated August 13, th 2,024. 14.2 approval of minutes, regular meeting minutes and executive session minutes, dated August 27, th 2,024. 14.3 financial reports, 14.4 resolutions, 14.5. Resolution for the award of bids. 14.6 resolution for the award of competitive contracts. 14.7 Njoe. Project, application and Schematic plan. Submission for Arthur Lewis. Administration Building project. 14.8 resolution for the award of transportation, 14.9 approval of Cherry Hill, Mckinney, Dcpn. Students going out of district for the 2425 school year. 14.10. Alternate method of compliance, toilet rooms for early intervention and pre-kindergarten, authorizing educational facilities, waiver. Do I have a second. Mr. Mayor, any questions. Mrs. Trefe. I have 2, so one I know, Dr. Morton. You've already. Said this, but just to be consistent, and I already promised I was going to ask this question. So can you please just not really clarify, but. With 14 and 14.11. This is not foreshadowing to make this school. A preschool. This is just to waiver the students that are actively here. The requirements for this, the space in the toilets for the students that are actively here waiting to go back to the discovery corner. Correct. And the waiver that we had to do for here at for the students at Lewis. For the bathrooms in the classrooms is the same waiver that we do annually for the malberly childhood center there is no difference, and we do not anticipate having. Preschool. Here, after mid-october. Everyone whose office was displaced is looking forward to going back. Thank you. And then my second question was not an original question, and I'm not sure who to direct my question to. But would you be able to just. Briefly go over what has happened with 14.5, because I'm very confused as what to just went down with that. Security award there the the complaint was with respect to the The nature of competitive bidding, which is that. It has to go to the lowest competitive bidder, lowest, responsible bidder. The school raised concerns with respect to the qualifications of the officers. And we're concerned that they would get security officers who perhaps. None of the caliber that they previously had. By the new bidder agreeing and committing to hire those individuals. We've taken care of that issue. Okay. Thank you. Mrs. Winters. Mr. Green just to follow up on that. You said you were still waiting for correspondence back from their lawyer to make sure that that was a finalized agreement. We, you know, we just received the letter this afternoon and I emailed him this evening. Once we got the word. You know we have not had a chance to communicate. But at this point. It's a question of, you know, if the Board wants to, you could certainly hold off on awarding the bid until we know for sure that this is worked out. Is there any negative to holding off on. This bit until the next meeting. I think the only difficulty is that. You know there's there's a temporary contract in place with Semper to continue on. And now that the bids come in, there's some concern about continuing that contract on. Once we have the bid, but we certainly could. We have 60 days to award the bid. I don't know when it came in. Probably earlier, this month. So you know you could. Hold off. There may be some concerns from the successful better, but. I think we could certainly hold off if you prefer to. I think it may create issues for the successful bidder in hiring. If we do that. Mr. Greenba, may I have to add something? Sorry? It's Dr. Mayhem. I just wanted to remind all of the Board members that this particular item relates to grants that. As the school district. We work with all of the nonpublic schools. And one of our obligations is to consult with them. So I know every year it comes up like, Why are you working with Camden? Catholic resurrection. You know the other non public schools within cherry Hills purview so. Annually. We meet with all of the nonpublic schools. We work with them on everything from title one, title, 2. Title, 3, title, 3, Immigrant Security Textbook, funding, Nursing Aid Idea, Funds. So there are number of grants which across the business office and. My office in the curriculum office. There are Grant managers. And we each have a role in trying to ensure a smooth process. So just in case you're wondering that piece of it. That's why that also came up. The other thing that I'd like to add to that is that we went through the Federal monitoring process. And the result of that Federal monitoring process was that we had to change some of our practices. And so this particular bid is an indication of one of the practices that we had to change. And so you know. We. We certainly are not looking to. Have our non-publics. Working with people that they don't want to work. But, on the other hand, we still have to follow. We are the arbiters of the money. We are in charge of the money we have to follow. District purchasing practices legally. And so unfortunately, that doesn't. You know, our non public are not used to that sometimes, you know, it's difficult because. They can work with who they want to work with. We, on the other hand, when we're spending above the bid limit which we are in this. Particular incident have to go through a process. So you know it's it's. Kind of working through those processes, it's, you know, making sure everybody's on the same page. We did share the bid specs with the schools that we're representing. We asked for their input on the bid spec. And so we moved forward with what we had. Mrs. Stern. Yeah, I mean, I just want to share. Just kind of refresh everybody. So in August. Was the board member, along actually with some of our students. Who attended the Esa stakeholder meeting, which went over all of our Grant processes and all of our grants. And that topic Dr. Mayhan was addressed in terms, and this is sugars in terms of the number of bids that have to be procured. We discussed it in Bnf. This new process, that that because we were seen, as in violation of not getting a second competitive bid, this came up with. When we when we were doing when we wanted to do training. The I think it was the math curriculum, and it's it's Eureka. Math is the only company that developed this curriculum, and they wanted to do our training, but we were still required to look for a second bidder to do the training on use in implementing math. I mean, these are just all of the examples of. This very high threshold that we're held to. With high level of regulation, and it's done. So that there is you know this so that we are good of public money. That's really what I mean ultimately, how I see the intention behind. All of that. That's really different from sometimes small private environments where maybe. There's a someone who's part of a private. School environment. And I've seen this myself. And I remember actually seeing emails come through about this. Where, you know, a private environment might want to hire a community member who has a company that provides a service. And they might want to. Just you know, they might want to hire someone that's known and trusted in their private environment. We don't have that luxury when it reaches a certain threshold. So that's really, if I'm understanding that properly, Mrs. Sugars and Mr. Green, we are then put in this position of, you know, and I think we have to make sure to do all of our due diligence to get all the input we possibly can absolutely give a sense of creating a conflict and a challenge in terms of the needs and the wants of the private. Schools. You know the non-public schools versus what our thresholds are. We just. It's just highly regulated, we are, and that's not a bad thing. I think it's a good thing to be highly regulated again. These are public funds, money from our community members from our, you know, on on a local state and national level. We want to make sure we're compliant. So I mean, this is. These are the processes we follow, and when we're not compliant or we're. Doing what we think is confined. We're seen as. We get, we get checked. So, you know, and there's a check and mountain. So I mean for me, that's just kind of how I see it. It's fantastic that this type of. Resolution. It seems like it's it's it's it's a positive overall. But it's hard, you know, can be hard for that. So. I don't know. That's my take on it, but. So you said that the better that we're we're voting on tonight, agreed to hire the people that already exist at the school. Correct. So is, if for some reason something happens between when they read your email and when you talk to them, if something happens where that does not take place. Is there a way to rectify that. After the fact. So if they're promising for whatever they fail to fulfill their promise, correct. Technically, no, because once you award the bid. They would be able to provide somebody else. And we're relying on their word. At this point. Okay. Nope. So I mean we certainly, if you wish to, we can defer it. I mean, we do have some additional. Can you explain what you were saying before, about what deferment would. You think could potentially do. My concern is that if they are, in fact intending to hire these people. That it would affect that process. That would be my only concern. You know if if, and my concern also is, as I've said before. We we could, you know, if we don't award this bid, and we put it out to bid again. There's still no guarantee that you're going to get the people that you want. Unfortunately. You know. So I would just be concerned that if. If 5 s. Has made arrangements to hire these people, we don't award tonight that it may affect that process. That's all. Sorry just trying to figure this out. So if we, if we defer this to next meeting, that essentially eliminates this or negates this whole process, and we'd have to rebid. What do you look at? No. Okay. Yeah. The concern that Mr. Sugars has expressed is this row Monkey Wrench into the new company, hiring. Individuals. We don't know whether what or not, but that that's the concern we have. If I may, I think I think similarly, when we have people on our agenda, we've had this conversation in Hr. With Mrs. Lieber, when we have people who are. Toll, you know, like, okay, there's 1 more step in the process. It's happening. You're on the agenda, you know. It should probably be approved, and then they don't get approved. You know that kind of throws the whole system up in question. I think if I, Mrs. Sugars is that kind of. Similar to what you're saying that it could, it could potentially, that would be my only concern with deferment. Yeah, so I guess we don't. It's an unknown, but I think there's an expectation that it's moving forward and. If it doesn't move forward, then. They're currently working under a contract that we have. That is pending there. There's an interim contract with the prior vendor. With the prime vendor, who. Was not the successful bidder on on this bid. Can they eliminate their jobs like tomorrow? If we push, I'm sure they'll continue. I would expect they would continue having them working there. You know, for the time being. But there's no guarantees, you know. Okay. Any other questions. Mrs. Stern. I just wanted to ask kind of along the lines of clarification about the approval of the waiver for the toilets. Could you talk? Speak, Dr. Morton, a little bit about. The process we went through, or perhaps Dr. Mayhan. When getting close to the start of school. Why, we ended up moving. The preschool here, and what. The considerations. What were alternative considerations if we didn't open up classrooms here? What were alternatives to for those families and those students. So I'll start with the last question. The alternative would be that we would not open, and families would be without childcare. So we did not want to have families in that position, because we had promised that we would be opening all of our. Preschool classrooms. As we got closer to the beginning of the school year, it became evident that construction at discovery would not be completed. And we immediately put a plan in place to accommodate. The approximately 60 students who had seats. Discovery with that. Within 72 h we moved. Many people out of their offices. Relocated many individuals. Redirected all of our deliveries from Lake Shore, learning to the Lewis Administration Building, and we. Put together 4 classrooms. Very quickly, so that we could open students and ensure that our families would be happy, and that students would be. Receiving access to the High Quality Preschool program that we. Promise them. Thank you for clarifying that those were basically our 2. The 2 options and the Administration chose the option of making sure the kids could start school on time, and that the families. Who we're expecting to start school and have their. 3 year olds and 4 year olds. Receive education could do so. A very logical choice. So thank you for clarifying that. So again, so we, this is why we. Simply want to approve that those students can be in this building. During this time. Thank you. Thank you for that. Thank you, Mr. Green. Thank you. Are there any additional questions or comments. Sorry. I think I just like to make a motion to move that item, that agenda item to the next meeting. Did I just formally do that correctly. I I think you would just vote. You would do that during the vote. You could, you could move to amend, or if there's consent, you could just pull that item from there. Agenda. If if the Board is willing to do that. Mean. There's the formal way, and there's the informal way. There's a consensus to remove the item from the agenda. We can do that. Christopher. I might eat it. Yeah, cause you would formally make a motion to amend to. Postpone consideration of that particular item to the next board meeting. I'll go with option. B. Right. I'll go with that option. Can I just clarify here the the reason you want to delay it is because you want to ensure that those individuals are being hired correct. Because, quite frankly, even if they're not, I don't know, Mr. Green, if we have grounds not to award this bid. That's my only other concern. I mean, we'd have to look into that. I mean, the the grounds would have to be based on a. A desire to further materially revise the bid specifications. You can only reject this which we're not rejecting tonight, but. Ultimately, if you're going to reject the bid. It would have to be on a limited number of basis, and the only one that we would have here is to materially. The concern that was raised was that. The individuals at the school should have prior police experience. Which my understanding is, we're not in the original specifications. So you could have a challenge from from the successful bidder here. That is a potential. Terms of that, they would have a right to challenge the rejection later. We're not dealing with that tonight. But that is, that's a potential issue. The further question is, Mr. Green. Do we have jurisdiction over who they hire and don't hire. At this company we have jurisdiction over whether or not they are the company that gets awarded the bid which is. They have been this successful bidder, according to all the processes that were mandated to follow, correct. You made an effort to. Find a piece of yeah, a solution to the the concerns that the school raised right. However, we have no jurisdiction over who gets hired, and or whether, even if they're offered a position where they accept a position correct, right. Mean, I guess I just feel like we're digging very deep into a process that we're not really. Part of necessarily our part is simply whether or not we. Award a bid according to the process that is, our district is mandated to follow. Yeah, I mean as Dr. Mann. Said, we are obligated to cooperate with the private schools and on public school, to to come up with that process to. Determine the specifications, but once the process is invoked, then. You know we do have to follow the bidding walls in terms of that. So I take that I don't have a second. Yes, Dr. Ruth, I'm just gonna inject. My 2 cents here. Does it? Everybody else seem to. Something to say. My feeling on the matter like I. If if it's gonna go up, go to the next agenda. I could see maybe doing that. But what if they don't hire those people in the next 2 weeks? Are we gonna push it again. Like. I I like, I think we would have to say, has to be voted on like it would have to be voted on. And it sucks. The the lowest, bitter rule has always infuriated me. That's why we have. That's why state buildings crumble. That's why State universities always have. Infrastructure problems because we have the silly lower system. But it is the system, and we have to abide by. It's it's law. And so you know what I'm what I'm sort of hearing is like. What we want. We want different treatment, and I don't think that. It sounds like what I'm hearing from our legal counsel is that. We can't do that. We have to go the lowest bidder. That's the process. So we either vote to approve it now, or we vote to approve, you know. Approve it next time, or we or we reject it, and put it out to bid again, which. Probably is a terrible idea. So so where I'm where I'm coming from, like. I don't see why I wouldn't approve it. As we're fall, we, the bidding process was followed, and we're following the law by by pushing it. You know, we're just giving the company a chance to hire 2 people, so that. The school is happy, and I do want that to happen. I do want the school to be comfortable with the people that they have. But I I don't know that holding the vote really changes anything. So. So that that's my that's my opinion. I. I would I would You know I wouldn't second it, but. If that's the choice, then you know, if other Board members. Want to do that, then I'd be willing to. To go along with you. On that because I could. I could see that at least making some. People feel more comfortable with the bid. But I just don't see it changing the actuality of the bid. So that's it. Yep, this is calendar. So I think just to click everybody's. I'll put my note. I guess my issue isn't necessarily the the hiring of the of the 2 security members. It's just, you know, like. We? We go through the agendas. I know that we have pass throughs, and I understand that there are bidding. Criteria that we have to follow. But generally people don't. When people come for public comment. And it'll it alerts me to something. And then, as we were going through it, I looked to see if we'd received more information, and. You know we hadn't. So it. For me. It just struck a huh! Maybe I don't. Maybe I don't have all the information that I. Would need to make the right decision. Not necessarily that if this votes delayed by 2 weeks it wouldn't be this, you know, it wouldn't be an approval then, but I guess for me it was just like someone brought it to our attention. And now I'm like, maybe I don't have the information. That I need. That's that's that's where I'm coming from, you know whether it's the 2 people are hired or not. Right. So so it's that's. For me, I would second, because. Maybe it's a matter of us feeling comfortable. Approving it versus. All approving it hastily, not really feeling comfortable with that decision. Just your fame. So yeah, I think it's not so much. I don't want to undermine the work that went into this and derail any kind of process, or prevent anyone from being hired or anything like that, it's more of just. There is conversations that got us that led us to the point where, when. Forming some sort of formal communication about hiring these people, so I feel as though this. Was presented at some point. But I'm just now in the moment finding out about it. And it's just it's a difficult thing to make a decision on the spot about, I trust that everyone's doing their job. And this is how. And I agree, and I get it that we have to go with the lower bidder, which is like the food service issue it. There's many issues like that. But it's m- it. That's why I'm saying that it's more of. The conversation got to the point where there was a purposeful decision made to hire these people because of concerns that were presented, and I feel like that maybe should have been communicated. Just so. We were prepared. And knew that coming into this so that we didn't even have this conversation. We only found out about this right before the Board meeting. So it's not like we had a lot of advanced notice. And that's not typically information that we would share. Mr. Green, can I ask for some clarification. We had. A public comment. Ask them that we. Go back and not approve the lowest bidder. We have a legal requirement to approve the lowest bidder. Is it? Is there more to it than that? The only other consideration would be if the Board decides that there are grounds to reject and rebid. Which at this point. We'd have to look into it further. To make that determination otherwise. Yes, we are obligated to accept the lowest bidder, that unless we have one of those statutory grounds to reject, we cannot. So that's that's why we're at amounts to. Again, if there's a material revision to the specifications, then that would be one of the grounds. So that's that's where it stands. Thank you. It. It seems simple, but it's. Certainly not ideal, right. Okay, I appreciate that. Mrs. So I just wanna say that I think I agree with Ms. Gallagher and Mr. Feyn. I think that we need to. I don't. I don't feel comfortable saying yes or no right now. So if there's a second, then we need to vote as an entire board on whether or not we want to pass that motion or. Or not. And that would go through Bmf. Or that go through me taking, because, as I haven't done this since, I think I've been President, so. Before the body now, so it would be. Yeah, through the President. At this point I would say. Okay, so we will now vote on. The motion to reject. It's the motion is to postpone postpone consideration of that item. 14.5. So the motion is to postpone consideration or action on item 14.5. Until the next Board meeting. October 8th Board Meeting. Okay, so we will. Have! I think we'll do a voice vote. Probably, or. Do a voice vote. Just a roll call vote. Yeah, alright. So, Mrs. Sugars, can you please take a roll call? Vote. Mrs. Chirane. Yes. Mrs. Gallagher. Yes. Mr. Greenbaum no. Mr. Mayor, no. Dr. Rood. No, this is Niaz. Yes. Mrs. Tong, no. Mrs. Winters, no. Ms. Stern, no. Okay. So the motion did not pass. And now we go back to the Brought the I defer back to Mr. Green. To continue to continue to move the B. And F. Agenda. Thank you, and I appreciate the spirited discussion on this. This is certainly new ground for me. So where were we? Are there any other questions or comments on other agenda items. Seeing none, Mrs. Sugars open the voting, which I think you did about 10 min ago. So thank you. You may now cast your votes. I'm gonna abstain from 14.5, and I'm gonna vote no on 14 and 14.11. I will also abstain on 14.5. Mrs. Sugars. I'm gonna recuse myself of. 14.3 2. Conflict of interest. And I'm also st- staining from 14.5. Mr. Sugars. I have to recuse myself from 14.6 for a conflict. And Mrs. Triggers. I have to. I'll abstain from 14.1. As I was not at that meeting. Or Mrs. Sugars, Mrs. Niaz, can I just confirm? It was 14.3. Was a recusal, and 14.3 was a recusal due to conflict of interest, and 14.5 was just an abstention. So we have an abstention on item 14.5 from Mrs. Gallagher. And Mrs. Niaz. We have a no vote on Item 14 and 14.11 from Mrs. Gallagher. Mr. Mayor recused himself from 14.6. Dr. Rud abstained from 14.5. 14.1, and Mrs. Recused herself from 14.3. And we have all yes, boots on all the other items, and the motion carries. Complicated. Thank you. All right. We move on to our human resources. Agenda. And the superintendent recommends, and I move the following. 15.1 termination of employment certificated 15.2 termination of employment non-certificated, 15.3 appointments certificated, 15.4 appointments, non-certificated. 15.5 leaves of absence certificated 15.6. Leaves of absence, non-certificated. 15.7 assignment change, non-certificated. 15.8. Approval of a job, a revised job description. 15.9 other compensation certificated 15 point. Other compensation, non-certificated. And do I have a second. Dr. Rube. Are there any questions about any of the items. Seeing none. Mrs. Sugars, can you do a roll? Call? Vote, please. No, no! The group, please. So this roll call vote is on item 15.1 through 15. Mrs. Chirane. Yes. Mrs. Gallagher. Yes. Mr. Greenbaum. Yes. Mr. Mayor. Yes. Dr. Rood. Yes. This is Niaz. Yes, but I'm going to abstain. Recuse myself from 15.4 15.6 and 15.7, due to conflict of interest. Mrs. Tong. Yes. Mrs. Winters. Yes. Miss Stern. Yes. So we have. Oh, you heard it all! I don't have to repeat. Motion, carries. We move on to policy and legislation. Mr. Mayor, if you could please move the P. And L. Agenda. Certainly superintendent recommends. I move the following item 16.1 approval of harassment, intimidation, bullying investigation decisions. 16.2 1st reading of policies. Those are policy 0 1 4 1 board member. Number and term 31, 60, and 41, 60, physical examination. Employment, 53, 37, service, animals, 53, 50. To do with student suicide, prevention. 20, emergency crisis, situations, 84, 67. Firearms and weapons. In 91 81 volunteer athletic coaches and co-curricular. Advisors and assistants. Those are first, st reading, second, reading. Also, item 16.3 second reading of policies, specifically 2,200 curriculum. Content. Item 16.4. Abolishment of policies. Specifically policy. 0 1 6 4.6 remote public board meetings. During a declared emergency. And policy. 72, 31. Gift for vendors, that one. Specifically as you recall. 2 weeks ago I'd mentioned. Those prohibitions are still an ethical prohibition still exists in other policies. It's just the specific policy has been. Finally, item 16.5 global edit to district policies and. Regulations. Do I have a second. Mr. Greenbaum, are there any questions? Mrs. Winters. For 16.1. Do we need to amend that to say that we are affirming the superintendent's determination rather than the language that's there. That appears to be. A correct reading. So, Mr. Through the chair. Motion to amend, item 16.1, to say, affirming the superintendent's determination. Thank you. We're doing all the Roberts rules, so you need us. Second. I'm sorry, Madam Chair, you need to find a second. Thank you. Mrs. Winters, thoroughly experienced with Roberts. All of Robert was that Mr. Green Bums hand? Who's up? That's a second. Thank you, Mr. Green. Mom. Okay. Mrs. Sugars, can you please do a roll call? Vote. On my my sheet here. Mrs. Chirane. Yes. Mrs. Gallagher. Yes. Mr. Greenbaum. Yes. Mr. Mayor. Yes. Dr. Rood. Yes. This is Niaz. Yes. Mrs. Tong. Have to abstain from 16.1 else. Yes. And this is the correct. This is to correct. We have, we have an error. So we're just saying, we're agreeing to correct. Okay, thank you. That's okay. Thank you. Have good thanks for clarification. It's good to be. Yes. Eastern yes. Ok. So now we go back to Mr. Mayor, please. Did we already? Sec we didn't. Was there any second? Now we're gonna. Mrs. Sugars, would you kindly open the voting. Other than Mrs. Tong's abstention. We have a unanimous vote. Okay, thank you. Well, I think Mr. Can hopefully breathe a sigh of relief. Except for running the clock. In a few minutes. Are there any items for new business from board members? Mr. Fain has new business, no surprise. I wanted to talk more tonight. I did have a couple of questions, and I promised Ms. Sugars. You don't have to be involved with any of this. I don't think. May maybe actually, that maybe that's not true. My 1st question is, I know, in one of our committees I can't remember which committee it was there was mentioned that we were gonna start looking at committee structure and maybe having discussions on restructuring or work behind that I was wondering if that's. A real thing and kind of where we we stood with that. So we started a process this summer. I took that request. I went to Mrs. Winters and Mrs. Gallagher, and both of you agreed. To start the process. I guess that was in July. We had that you 2 had that conversation. So and then Mrs. Gallagher sent me an email 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago. To get that going. Because I think the summer you just didn't have wasn't an option for you. So it it waited a little bit till now. So we are in process of Sorting out the next some of the next steps, and then we will continue long answer to your question. So yeah, no. The the main reason why I was asking is, I was hoping to maybe mitigate some of the issues that we saw tonight with information, and the way that it's delivered, and stuff like that. And I know that. Some of us frequently get emails from community members making just assumptions about why we vote a certain way or our intentions behind something, and I think there's probably opportunity to showcase that we do have good intentions, and that. You know we're not here to derail processes and stuff, but. Sometimes when we don't always have all of the information, or don't know how to. Certain questions or get the information I think it would be helpful, and one of the things I wanted to bring up is maybe a way to see how we can potentially Lmc discussions, because I think that that would. I would be more than happy to Volunteer more of my time for those meetings, as well. But that's the the main reason why I was asking the other thing. I. Had been watching a couple of other boards, and I have Acquaintances that are on other boards, and they spend time during correspondence responding to community emails and stuff like that. And I just wanted to put that suggestion out there that I thought maybe that would also be a good way to mitigate some of the misconceptions and things that people in the community say, especially since. We, as board members, don't have the opportunity to always respond to people, respond to people. I also wanted. I just found out today, and my apologies for being ignorant to this, that there is a week to. Book. What is it? Freedom to read? And I just wanted to. Maybe this this isn't Sugar's question. But maybe this is a non-board question. But I just wanted to ask more about that. I'm I'm not aware that Cherry Hill Schools. Pans books. And I'm just asking, is that something that we. Do as a district just from reading certain things. It seems as though people were assuming that we do that, and I was under the assumption that we don't do that. So lots of lots of things. I have lots. And I wrote these down. That's why I remember. It's good. It's good discussion. It's important. I really appreciate you bringing them and and. You know, I I guess. I remember when we went through the Just to respond a little bit to you're saying like how much there is to know. Right? I think that's like such a. Such a, you know. 11,000 students, 19 schools. And we're. Not people who have been. Involved in the day-to-day operations of the school district. So it's it's a lot to learn and understand. And I think it's very. The learning curve is long. It's a very, very long runway, I would say, and I you know I think you you see me as. You know tonight, you know. With Robert's rules, it's like, well, you know. So next steps, you know, because some things we haven't done before, and you know, even though this is. You know, I'm coming into the sunset of my second year as President I it's still like this. It's not something that we're used to doing all the time. I'm used to doing all the time, so. I really connect with what you're saying about that. You know, and I think it's it's I remember when we did the superintendent search, and you know, one of the things that was said to us is. You know, it really takes. A three-year cycle for a superintendent themselves. To really kind of. Get very grounded in the role. And that's someone who's been in education and. Been in school districts, so how are we supposed to? In a few short months, a few short years. You know, really comprehend and understand them all the moving parts. It's hard. It's a lot to learn. And it is a lot to convey which is. Communication piece is so significant, and it is a big thing we're tackling. And it can't. It's not just one piece of the puzzle. It's it's there are a lot of pieces of the puzzle by communication. So I'm very excited about our you know the. Audit and everything to really help us with that with that piece, and find new and innovative ways to. To really improve, overall. You know, communication and processes. So, you know, I think it's it's great points. All brought up. I guess, Mrs. Winters, maybe you're a better person. You're more connected with the library than I am. Maybe you can talk about. I mean, I know. We had discussions. Last year we went and. Saw some of the books that are traditionally have been banned, things like books, like. I'm going to date myself. Judy Bloom. Diary, V. Wimpy, wimpy kid! That's a book that's been banned in some places, and that's like shocking right? Because. I don't about you guys. But my kids love those books. So. But, Mrs. Winters, I think you can talk a little bit about the freedom to read, which is, which is what you've shared with us a little bit. So to answer your question directly. I am unaware of any books that are currently being challenged. In Cherry Hill. And so when we talk about booking and book bands, it's banned books. Week is the way that the American Library Association. Phrases. It's a national week. Across all libraries. But when you're talking about. Our school district, specifically. We have a policy to challenge books, but I am unaware of any books that have been challenged since I've been C and I. Chair, which is now. Ending my second year. It's more of a national concern, of things that are going on and trends that are occurring nationwide. And it's something that I feel strongly about as a board member. And for me with the library. It's more of just connecting with the Public Library as community partners. Because I think that access to books is such a fundamental key thing when it comes to education and being well educated, it's the freedom to read all kinds of different things. Things that bring you perspectives that maybe are different than yours, or that you've never heard from before. And challenging your mind with things that are maybe outside of your wheelhouse. So for me. That's sort of where it comes from. I. I personally went to the library today. Just to show support and connection. Between us and them, because I think we have a great relationship a good partnership. Dr. Malash, the previous superintendent, was on the board of the library. I try to keep that communication and that synergy when I can. They are extremely supportive of us when it comes to summer reading, which is something that falls under the C. And I. Committee. So I try to cross, promote between us. And them as a community resource. So that was the genesis of. Going to the library today, supporting them in. What's termed booksweak, but is really about book challenges. And just showing again support for community institution that promotes access for all. Excuse me, thank you. I I was more, I think, for me. I like in a. The you know, when we're talking about not having all the information. I thought it was missing something, because we've never really discussed this before. I also again didn't realize there was a week dedicated to this whole celebration. So I appreciate that explanation. But I was more just making sure that I wasn't missing something entirely that I don't. Think that we've talked about, but just making sure that there wasn't anything. I mean, it's something that I think. When I 1st came onto the board when I was appointed. I guess it was August of 22. There was some discussion about it. It's something that has been popping up more and more often. For school districts around the country. So at that time I was assigned to Cni and Pnl. And one of the 1st questions I asked, is a new board member was, did we have a policy around book challenges because I wanted to be sure that we had a policy in place in case there was ever a challenge. And we do so. That was excellent news. I. Like, I said. I think it's just me personally. My orientation. Towards Reading towards the library. Towards maintaining those connections is what led me to cross. Promote it tonight here at the board table, because I think it's an important connection that we have. But it's not a school. It's not a Cherry Hill public schools district thing. It's a National Library Association thing. That I just sort of made a connection with. If that makes sense. Yeah. Great great topics. Thank you. Do we have another? Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Margo, just. I can add just a little bit more. To your question as well. Soon after the policy we, I think, settled on a form That you know a parent could use if they wished to challenge a book that was that is available in any of our schools. At some point last year I call asking. Whether or not. Any of those forms had actually been submitted to any of the principles in any of our buildings, as of then. The answer was, no. Now I haven't. I have not. Renewed that request. Off the top of your head, Dr. Morton. I don't know whether. That has changed. I don't believe that it has. As far as far as requests. That any book be removed from any of the libraries anywhere. So is it a thing that's happening here? The answer. The answer is. No, and it has not. Great questions. Thank you for. Thank you. Good stuff, really good stuff, really helpful and and fresh ideas, good stuff. We move on to any other new business from board members. First.st We will yield to the student representative to give. Input. I just wanted to say that the freedom to read like, you know, the Book week is really important, especially now, because there's a freedom to read, acting its way through the New Jersey State Legislature. I know, because I lobbied for it, but it's just like really important to keep your eyes on that. I mean it's not, you know, going. Fairly quickly because of election season and all of that. But that's also why it's specifically relevant and really important to talk about in our community and to, you know, promote that. Thank you for that. Input, Rebecca. We always learn from our students, always. Always growing right. Okay. Any other. New. Business from board members. Which moves it moves us to any old business from board members. This is tongue. Oh, I'm trying to get my notes. I would like to Talk about the student comment, set time. Possible right after the pledge of allegiance. For consistent purposes, and so the student can. Set aside for their voice to speak up at that time. Otherwise we have presentation so many things, and they don't have a time. Consistency. I don't think we are persuading them from. Voice. Give them chance to voice himself. Mrs. Tong, can you just say a little bit more specifically how you would Because we've talked about this before, but you're raising it so how that would look in our board meetings. I'm not sure what that question meant, but I'll try to. Visualize from my own head. Like if we could set it right after pledge of lesions, maybe give them limited time. 15 min, so that it's important they'll split that 50 if we hear all about the same topic pretty much different. But we can give them 15 min for them. And then move forward to the presentation. So we they're consistent as well. They have more questions to talk. Maybe they have. Sec. The 1st public comment. Any topics for the student, they can still. Then, you know, comment at that time, but if we give them 50 min. That time. 6 30 to 6. Well, if they have any voice you know anything to talk about. That give them the time. And consistency, so they will not feel like they miss out. I don't think one makes sense to you, but that's what I'm. By thought. So it would be essentially a 3rd public comment period. It would be one with students. With. So I have a follow-up. And then our other 2 public comments period. So we'd have 3 total in the meeting. Correct. Yes. So my follow up question to you is, do we then. Provide students the opportunity to speak. Well, they have to. Really, if they're members of the public they have to have 3. They would have to have 3. Yes, that's correct. But say, student, at their you know time they may be all over, but if they have very important things to talk about that 15 min chance that student wants. And then we we could tell the presenters. Who's coming in 6, you know the latest time. We will start 15 min schedule. We want want to hear the student puppet coming first.st If any, maybe there's none, but we give them that time. And we have that time. I mean, we have discussed that many, many years ago. So I hope if I left this board. Yeah, this gonna happen? If not, if it doesn't work out. How somebody will, you know. Continue my voice. Any other. Responses or comments or items for old business. Dr. Ruth. I've I've been a proponent of. Of addressing student. A chance to speak at the mic a bunch of times, and I've we. Had the conversation multiple times. I've suggested myself that maybe we should do something at the beginning of the meeting. I, from what I have seen of late. I I feel like we haven't had that much. Student. Interest in speaking at the mic. There haven't been issues that have brought them in here. That tends to change. Toward the end of the year, when. When certain things get voted on. You know, when we start dealing with budgetary stuff that that tends to. Bring up some issues. So my feeling right now. Is that giving students the chance to speak first? st And to speak on any topic during the 1st public comment. Has mitigated some of that problem of students having to wait around forever. There are times where they have to wait. Presentation. You know, but that usually within the 1st hour. Of the meeting. They they're getting to their chance to speak. And and so I think that we haven't really had an issue or a need. To further address this. So I'm right now in favor of kind of the way we've been doing things. But one thing we did talk about. Is the ability to kind of, you know, be flexible, and say, if there is a controversial issue, that we know that students are going to be coming to talk about. That we can always. Give them an additional opportunity, or do something a little bit different. I think that's within our power to do. Mr. Green is shaking his head. Yes, so. Right now. I think that the way things are going are. Are pretty good, and we haven't really had the need. But it's but it is an issue that we do wanna constantly kind of be vigilant of our our students getting a chance to speak. Or and are they being able to do so in a timely fashion? That that's my opinion on the model. Mrs. Winters, Dr. Reed stole my thunder. I think the last time that we discussed this the consensus of that board was that. We would add. If we walked in here and saw a room full of students. That the chair of the meeting would have the flexibility to add at that point, because. The chair. He or they can reorganize the agenda to say, Okay, we've got a room full of students here who want to speak. Students. And to add that period I mean. I will say, for Mrs. Tong's proposal. If we were to have a standing. Public comment at the beginning of the meeting. I wouldn't be in favor of time limiting it. Because I think if we're gonna have 3 public comments. Periods. I think the meetings could. Even longer and crazier than they already are, so. But I even with that I don't know if I if I love that idea, I think I would prefer what Dr. Rood said, which is, if there is a need for. If there's a need for a lot of students to make comment that we move that right after the pledge. And we have the students all comment then, rather than, let's say, having a 15 min window. And what if your person number. 7 or 8, and you don't get to speak. Then you're waiting, anyway. That. That would. That seems a little bit problematic to me. So I'm pretty sure that was where we landed. But I'm open and flexible. I mean, the reality is the meetings that we've been having. I think you would open it for. The student, public comment, period. You might have no one. You might have one or 2 students approach the mic, and then we would close that and move on with the rest of the meeting. But yeah, I think we did agree that we could add one. I don't remember us ever actually implementing that. And maybe that's something that we could just. Be more mindful of if there's an issue like I'm thinking about the issue. The issues around budget. Where you have a lot of students coming in to speak. That instead of having them wait around that, we could just have them go first.st That way that they all get their chance to speak. And then they can move on, because we know that they have homework. And activities and jobs and all kinds of other things that they're also attempting to manage. Just a point of institutional knowledge. Mrs. Tying. You're on the board. When this happened. We didn't used to offer students the chance to speak during 1st public comment on any related topic. That was a change. We made specifically along those lines. And yes, Mrs. Winters, you are. Accurately remembering that we did say that in any given meeting, when we did have a lot of students. We certainly could pivot, and the Chair could offer that opportunity. In that specific meeting. For that reason. So I just wanted to add that, and then I'll come back to a comment that, Mrs. Gallagher, your hand was up, so I want to make Goodie first.st But I'm just curious, like, we're talking about students commenting. And we have students who could comment. I'm curious. What like do you feel like you're hearing like I'm just. You know how you know how often. Like, I'm just curious if, like as a as a student, is this something that. You see the need for, like our people, students talk about commenting at board meetings. Obviously, when there's when there's things that happen that makes sense, but like on just a daily basis, I'd be. I would just be curious to hear your opinion. To to any of our students want to respond to that. Jenna. On a regular basis. No. But when there are certain situations that raise concern. We do rally together to come to these meetings and. In a specific situation, I found. There was a bunch of track athletes. Came to a meeting a few. I think it was like last year. And we were waiting a long time. And a lot of people had places to be and had to get home to do homework or practice So it, you know, a lot of people couldn't stay that long. So I think. In the cases where there's big numbers, there should be a time at the beginning of the meeting. Because there is other, you know. Things like homework and outside activities. It's helpful. In my experience. I don't think a lot of students don't even widely know that it's an option to come here and like, say what kind of issues they're having. So to like for me, like I wasn't really aware of that until like last year, that you could even come here and say, even as a student, and like my parents. Because always working, they never came to board meetings. They weren't aware of that, so I never knew that was the thing. So by. Now I do believe that some students like SGA students or students who have parents who are involved. They're more aware, and they're more likely to come. And of course, like when there's controversial issues going on. There's students who would want to come. So yeah, I agree that for those special cases we should let them go 1st and not like. Make them wait. Okay. Marilyn, you want to add to that. I agree. I've actually had a few students come up to me recently. Here and there and ask me when the meetings start, and if they're able to join online. And I think our online joining option is definitely a feature that. Students use a lot because we're very well versed with, like we did school online for a few years personally. So I've had some friends that they like. We'll just join online. And I'll just like. Message them like, Hey, now's the time, because it is a lot to wait through, and it can be like. I don't even know what they're talking about, especially if you're like joining in. And you're like they're just saying a bunch of numbers. But I think that if we do notice that there's a heightened issue, because usually students are only. Coming to talk or talking online when there is a controversial issue like you said. But I think that those should be times when we prioritize getting quickly to the 1st public comment. When students can speak. Or students come late. Even just like notifying them that they're not like in the wrong place, or they didn't miss something that there still is a second public comment to come, because, like you said, like many students. Either they don't know this is an option, or they're confused with the protocol of it all, and seeing a board notes online might not be the best. Like easiest way for them to understand. So even just letting them know, like we will have a second public comment later to speak. If you see, like a large group of students come in after 1st public comment. I think that could be beneficial. Denna, did you wanna add a little bit more? Yeah, I agree. I think. We don't promote enough that students can come here and you know, speak about issues they care about. I didn't know this was a thing until I. You know, interviewed to be a board rep, and I like to think I'm very, you know. Involved in the community. So I think promoting it to high school students like, Listen. You guys can come here, speak your mind. I think that would be a really pivotal step. Amplifying student voice more than we already have. And I think. You know these, a lot more students will show up. And so, yeah. So, hopefully. Middle schoolers. Because now we have a required civics, and our middle school level, which. Did not exist when y'all were in middle school, and anyway, you all were in middle school during Covid. So hopefully. Those students are a little more aware of open public meetings. Like which I, we read at the beginning of every open pub of meet open public meetings, act. So hopefully they'll learn a little bit more. But it's great. I just want to say it's fantastic that you all like. Promote that to your fellow students and. Provide. You're the conduit, right? You're providing the education, the information. You know, and I certainly think that. It sounds like. You know, very strong interest from us in terms of being able to pivot, and and, as Mrs. Winter says, it's. Actually the at the pleasure of the chair to make that decision, and I think certainly I would support that. So if it happens while I'm. Here for the next few months. I'm more than happy. I'm committed to doing that. Whether or not we make a full change. We'll see. You know, certainly happy to. It's a very easy thing, and very easy. Ask. I do. I will say. You know, I was actually remember being really upset when we had a. Who waited in a long line to speak at second public comment. And I think I said 3 times that night saying it. If you're a student. Please approach the podium. If you're a student online, you know, you put an S after your name and like. I'm gonna be really honest with you, like, I looked out into the into the public and. At 3 quarters of people were on their phones. And one of one of the people who commented. Came up to the microphone and said, you made students wait. And didn't give them the opportunity. And I was like. I don't know why you didn't hear the 3 or 4 times that it was announced. But you didn't, and maybe the student didn't. And sometimes students are uncomfortable coming to the front. They don't want to be the center of attention. So that's also something. I think we maybe I would lean into you for to kind of. Help us problem. Solve that a little bit, because. You know, if they're here and they want to comment. I want them to be comfortable. Right like I want them to feel like. They understand that they're the priority. You guys are the priority. So just like some thoughts from my seat just sharing that back to you guys, as we all talk this through. So anyway. Mrs. I'll make it quick. I just had a thought when you were saying that a lot of the students don't know the opportunity. Maybe we can better utilize the time that we spend at the schools when we go out, whether it's back to school night or the 8th grade nights and stuff like that. Being more of a presence and explaining who we are and what we do say. There's many people that walk by and are like, Hi, who are you? And I'm like Hi, Renee born. And they're like, Okay. So maybe like. So maybe spending the time that we are there for those of us. Maybe that are newer or whatever like, if we? There's a a very standard presentation or something that we say that people know and like. At the 8th grade there was a lot of students there, and they did a great job presenting what's gonna happen in high school. But you know, you're saying that a lot of these students don't know that this is an opportunity. Maybe we can utilize some of those. Spaces to just explain that students are encouraged to have a voice. And things like that. This is Winters. Just 2 other thoughts we had gotten to the habit. I guess about a year ago, of going to Pta meetings. And I feel like that's a much more informal and less intimidating. Than this to have, and at a Pta meeting you can have more of a back and forth conversation. So maybe to throw that out there again as a way to connect with families, including students in their schools, which might be. An easier setting to access. A board member, and have a conversation. So that was just one thought, because I'm thinking of my own daughter. There's no way that she would get up. On that on that mic. That's just not where she is right now. But then, how could she talk to us? So I I feel like a lot of the times like I remember, even when we had the Preschool Town Hall. We decided to have it at the Malber Building, because I felt like that would be more. Accessible for preschool families to come into their school, where they were comfortable, and we went to meet them where they are. So maybe just to open that invitation again, that if any Pts are interested in. Having a board member, or to come and attend a Pca meeting, and maybe that's an easier way to connect with students and families that's not so intimidating. And the other thing is to just. Say that there are other ways to talk to us besides coming. To the podium. And my kids tell me that email is for old people, and I believe it. But that is a way. If students. Are unable to attend a board meeting because they have conflicts. They have other things going on. They're busy, they're working. They can't wait around all night. They're anxious about getting up on the mic. Students can always email us. And even though individual board members cannot respond, the Board President responds on behalf of the Board, or directs the email to the appropriate person to respond. So I just wanted to throw that out there as another option to our. Board reps as you go back to East and West to talk to people, because, as you go through your year, people will realize your position, and will come up to you with a thought, a question of concern, or an idea. And if they're unable to come to the meetings. That's another choice. You could give them that they can always email us. Using. We all have C. Hclcs, and we do love hearing from students. I mean, I think if there's anything I want to say about this. It's that it makes my heart happy when students are here. Because that's why we're here. So I would love to see more student participation, whether that looks like a standing. Student public comment at the very beginning for a limited amount of time, or whether that looks like. Making decisions. If we see a lot of students in the room to prioritize student public comment and put them at the very beginning of the meeting, so they can make sure their voices are heard. Before we move on with the business of the board. I think either one of those are good accommodations. But to also expand our idea of what student voice with the board looks like to include those other mechanisms that I think. Might be more easily accessible to students who are living there. Their lives, and for who, coming to a board meeting, is one of 10,000 things they're trying to juggle. During the day. And I mean, I think, to our student you are the collective voice. That's why you're here. Right. You're here on behalf of your of your classmates. Right? So. I mean truthfully, I think we can do all those things that we're talking about. And I think they're really good. Ultimately, you know, you guys are the best conduits for that message. Right like you, you with your classmates, and you know you're the ones. And you're you're already doing it because people are asking. You know, they didn't know it was a thing right? So I mean, I think. You know, not to put pressure on you. But you wanted the role. And so here's the role right. So I'm Erin. I think you had something to say. I also just wanted to say as like words of encouragement. I didn't know that the 1st public comment wasn't always open to any comment by all students. So he like I that caused me to kind of reflect on my personal experience coming here for the 1st time, and I do think of students come to the front. Students come to the front that like really makes as a student, it makes me feel like my. Voic matters a lot, and saying that we can say anything at the 1st public comment. I think those things really instill in me that, like the student voice, is really valued here. So I do want to say that, like. Those things you guys are saying do impact students. And they make us. Feel like we matter and what we have to say. You guys want to hear. So I will say that. Dr. Morton, a member of the Board, our 10th member. Yeah, absolutely. Now, now I'm voting. Thank you, Mr. Green. Absolutely fantastic conversation. And I I love it. I I think you know student agency is Of Critical Importance on student Voice of Critical Importance. Items that are main and specific to student experience should be vocalized. By students. The only one thing I want to caution. Students, understanding that you want to be able to distinguish and differentiate between what the matters are that you want to discuss. Matters that relate to the day-to-day operations and experiences that you have maybe your schedule, a decision to. Alto room and and lunch. Those are things that fall under the purview of the administration, so that those would be things that you discuss. Directly with your building principal. You can discuss it with one of the directors. You can discuss it with myself as well can let the Board know. But that's not necessarily boys role to to schedule lunch and home room and things like that. So. But great conversation. Great conversation. I love it. I'm Mrs. Tong. You can feel good hopefully about as you're as you sunset your tenure. Oh, I hear so it's hard to make every decision. Everybody happy. So, whatever fits the caliber of needs at the time. I think it's always good. They could always put an Sga. I think that's a good idea. If we cannot make that happen. Hey, look! If we could make it happen just 50 min. I think it's. Fabulous student will know that there is opportunity for them. We're not pulling them out. And we also set the time so that the presentation can go on without worrying about. Where do I start? Where do I go? You are struggling. You don't know if the student may not be here, but online. So if you put them 15 min, let them know consistent basis to the Don't they have a student email something? Tell them you have 15 min to speak, that if it's very important, speak up that 1st 15 min. Allow you, and then the West will be the second 1st public coming. The public comment, because we only have that time. We have other things. Our business have to conduct. So they have to type and not every student is available. 6, 30. I know there's people at 7, 39, 30. And there's so many options available. So I'm happy. Whatever works for the. The Board of Education, the community, the family. Then I'm okay. Alright, thank you, anybody else. And either this topic or any other old business. And we will move to our second comment, period. Gonna have myself get a little excited about it. Okay, this is our second public comment period, where we members of the community. And the public have an opportunity to comment on any matter relevant to. The operations of the Cherry Hill. Board of Education and School District. Uppers and school district, and the Charity Board of Education. If you would like to speak now, we will absolutely start with students first.st If there are any students who want to comment. If you're in the room. Or if you're online, we will absolutely start with you first.st If you're online, please put an S after your name, so that We know that you are a student, and we will call on you first.st Public comment is the opportunity for members of the community to comment on matters relevant to operations of material, public, school district, and. Or within the authority of the Chair Board of Education. The Board welcomes diverse opinions on relevant matters under established Federal law, governing reasonable restrictions on speech and public forms. Statements which demean individual community members or groups. Or which are irrelevant to the operations of the school district, or our repetitis will not be permitted. Community members who would like to present information not relevant to the school district are always welcome to communicate directly to the District Superintendent Board. President. And all board members via old people's email or other alternative means. Sorry just had to say it. If you would like to speak. Now, please approach the podium. Please state your full name, your municipality. And we will alternate between people who are here in the room and those who are online. You will have 3 min to speak, and the timer behind me will indicate your time. So we start in the room. Whoever would like to speak, please approach the podium looks like there's somebody standing so. You're waiting for students. Thank you. I don't see any online to be. And I would go to student online. Palanieres. Cherry Hill, chair of the Fairfund Committee, a subset of zone. Pta. This past week I did outreach to all of the principals in the district, and asked them to include the fair funding flyer. I believe that it was sent out in most of the weekly emails from the school, so that. The general public of the school community would know that there is a fair funding meeting on Thursday at 7 PM. As an introvert who speaks regularly at public comment. I like to keep my meeting short. This will be the longest meeting of the year, because it is the 1st meeting of the year, and we plan for the year. Just in case there is a funding shortage. Come February, so that we, as a community can help the district. That funding and those needs. If you would like to attend, and you don't know. How to attend. It is virtual online. You can find the link on our Facebook profile, Facebook, page, Instagram profile. Or you can email fare funding C. hps@gmail.com, and I'm happy to include you on the regular emails. I send. And give you the link, and I hope someone from administration will be there, 'cause I know Miss Williams is reti-. Wilson is retiring. Thank you. Thank you very much, and we will go to the line. And it's a phone number that ends in 7 8. Name is Jeff Hodson. I live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 1st again from 1411, because I wasn't misleading anyone. This is exactly what it says by granting the waiver, which is what you did. The entire school, Arthur Lewis Administration Building can be dedicated as a preschool center for the community. That's specifically what it says. No misinformation. That's what it says. And do that fine. But that's what it says before you basically say, someone that's someone spreading this information. No, I'm not. That's what it says twice, not once. 2 from comprehensive annual annual report for the year-ended June 32,015. You could find that online in the DOE website. That's that's comprehensive. Annual financial report. What it does say is that back in 2,014, 2,015, school enrollment average daily was 1,100. 11,244. That's. Greater than today. Back in 2,005, 2,006, 11. 775. So I'm going from page 2, 3, and 4. You will also note in the beginning what it tells you that when you look at the percentage of proficient and advanced proficient on page 2. On assessments for math and language arts. Our district was comparable to Dfgi averages in prior years. We did really well 10 years ago. That's important. Now you could ask yourself what is going on now we're comparing ourselves to every district. Back then we compared ourselves. To some of the wealthiest districts in the State. What is going on, what has happened are free and reduced. Lunch. It stayed about the same. So ask yourselves what happened. Since back. Then higher population and educationally on those standardized tests. We did better. Now, we're not doing as well. We compare ourselves to every district. I want to thank you very much. Fair funding is very, very important. My disagreement is that that the data straight across said said that our A was a certain amount. It wasn't. It fluctuated our uncapped aid. So our uncapped aid was actually was actually greater than 29,000. What I like to be a part of it. Yeah. I have different data than they have. I have correct data. So yeah. I can tell you some like, I said. I'm a person that knew that we are. We're getting our aid cut, and we will continue to get our aid cut, probably, and I know that we need to focus on a to special education. Your time is up. Thank you for calling in. That aid Catec oracle, special aid. Move back to the room and to the next person who would like to speak, approach the podium again. If there's any students just wanna shout out to the students. No. Students, okay. Good afternoon. Everyone 1st of all, Harvey Vasquz, Trevi Hill. I wanna make clear, though I'm a Board of Education candidate. I am speaking as a special education, parent, advocate today. Though I wholeheartedly agree with cell phone policy. I asked the district and administration. To consider making these transitions easier for our special education. Community. Those some items, such as heading headphones Medical equipment that may have Bluetooth access. Are considered tech Tech items. Okay? But they don't necessarily transmit. Items to communicate with. So not sure why the district is asking. That these students, who already had these accommodations, either verbally. Going to 5 or 4 plans and accommodations. To do a reassessment and evaluations. In order for them to approve those items that they already had. On the Ips of I go for it. So I would ask, did you take a look at that. Because this has some disruption to some members in our special education community. Thank you very much. Okay, we go back to the line. And I hope I say your name right? We're gonna restart the clock, and I think it's Marissa or Marisa, if you could please your full name and your municipality. Marisa, if you could please unmute. Okay. If you could try to unmute, otherwise we'll go on to the next name, and then we can come back to you. If you'd like to raise your hand again. Okay. So we now will go on to. If we could restart the clock, the timer, please, and we're going to go to Elizabeth Foster, please state your full name and your municipality. Elizabeth Foster, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I'm bringing my concern in regards to my son's 4th grade class at Bret Hart. The teacher that was assigned was Mrs. Wilson, and it has been noticed that she is on leave of absence until December or January. There is great concern about the qualifications of the staffing. The teaching staff in this classroom. As a parent alumni and community member. The ineffective and unstable teaching presence is causing limited ability to effectively communicate with the staff as a parent. The unstructured and non productive learning environment and the delay in education for my student has raised great concern. My son is new to the district as a transfer student, needing resources for a 5 0 4 and Iep evaluation. There is history that my son is struggling with benchmarks for the grade level. Education. And also my son has been unable to be evaluated for the necessary resources, because the current teaching staff is lacking. The accessibility to the curriculum materials and the district programs. The district is failing this class, while other 4th grade classes at Bret Hart are flourishing in the new curriculum. I'm asking the board to reevaluate for a qualified long-term sub. Or to allow this class to utilize Google classroom to stream academic lessons from the other 4th grade teachers that have the ability to fulfill the necessary evaluations and follow the district curriculum. To improve the academic success for my student. I asked the Board to make it a priority to find a certified long-term sub, or maybe look at the universities, such as Rowen or Rutgers, teachings. Students to fulfill the necessary roles. That's all I have. Thank you. And we go back to the room. If anyone else would like to speak, please approach the podium. And the timer restarts. Please state your full name, municipality. Jessica Fingerman, Cherryhill, New Jersey. I'm speaking on behalf of my child, who's a 4th grader at Bret Hart. Elementary. Her teacher of record is on a leave of absence until at least January and. My child has had a day to day sub throughss. Who is mistakenly being referred to sometimes as a long-term sub. Neither. The sub who was removed from my child's class last week. Nor the sub that they have, that she has now have the qualifications to teach a class, and they are not long-term subs. It's not good enough, and it's inequitable, as the caller before mentioned, that the other 2 classes they're doing well. They're moving forward with curricula. And our students are being left behind. In addition, the new curriculum that the board approved. It can't be taught with fidelity. Because the person doesn't have the requisite training. To be a teacher, much less to be a teacher of this curriculum. Our kids are going to be miles behind. I'm also concerned about ieps and 504 implementation. And the risk exposure that leaves to the district. I would like the district to consider the following. Solutions, one. Commit to regular communication right now. We cannot communicate with this sub. They are not a district employee. They do not have a district email. They cannot view Ieps, 5 plans, health plans, etc. We found out that our 1st sub was leaving when she sent us a remind text, And that was a message that she sent, and we did not receive communication from the school or district until the following business day. The district coaches could. Option number 2. The district coaches who have been popping into the classroom and supporting. The class. I would ask that they at least one of them, be reassigned to teach the class. You can't support a person who doesn't have the fundamental knowledge of how to be an educator. Right. A day-to-day sub only requires 60 credits and a clean criminal record. The 60 credits does not have to be an education. I would like HR. To Calles and offer them appropriate compensation to help our children on an emergency basis. Right. That's the 3rd option. If parents are willing, this is a possible 4th option. To allow our children to be transferred to another school where there's room in a 4th grade class. 5th option to evaluate whether section of 4th grade is somewhere in the district can be combined to free up a teacher, and that would be a forced transfer. Unfortunately. One of the specialists in the school. Perhaps this is a 5th option or 6 option, I should say one of the specialists in the school with the appropriate certification, because I know that a lot of our educators are doubly and triply certified. Could take over as an emergency measure. Number 7 increase in recruiting, as the previous caller mentioned. Where are we calling? Are we reaching out to you? Please feel free to email if you have further comments. Thank you. No, I would. Fair. Okay, we go to the line, and the name on the line is Leah Silverman. When the timer goes up, please state your full name in municipality. Can you hear me? Yes. Okay. Leah Silverman, Cherry Hill. I have a current 4th grader at Thomas Payne, elementary, and I would like to address a concern regarding the. Class sizes specifically for 4th and 5th grades within our district. I'm aware that the cap sizes for kindergarten. Through. 3rd is 22 students and 26 students, one. Once they. Go into 4th and 5.th I believe that the 4th and 5th grade should also be cap of 22 students, because 26 students is just way too many kids. This is a significant problem that needs immediate attention and creative problem solving. The school year has just begun, and already the current 4th graders and my daughter's school are feeling the disadvantages of a maxed out class of 26 students. Her grade is very boy, heavy and full of behavior problems. Time is spent more on managing behaviors than teaching. The noise and chaos with such a large class, is distracting and causing a lack of focus and concentration. You don't have to look far to find research and facts. Smaller class sizes have many advantages. Individualized attention. A higher level of class participation and improved behavior. Outcomes are just a few. It also fosters a more supportive and engaging environment, which is crucial for academic and personal development, especially in grades where foundational skills are being solidified. And we're personalized. Attention can make a significant difference. Since redistricting plans are underway for the elementary schools, I feel that addressing this concern is well timed and an excellent opportunity to make a class, size policy, revision. Lowering the cap to 22 students in 4th and 5th grades would make a valuable impact on our student and our teachers. Equally. These large class sizes have made it debilitating on the teachers. How can a teacher effectively alter instruction to support all of the different learning styles with 26 kids. How can a teacher possibly build meaningful relationships with 26 students in a chaotic environment? Even the most seasoned teachers are struggling. They receive minimal support in the classroom, because educational assistance are spread thin between the entire grade. There are reasons for the current educator shortage, the demands and expectations. When teaching a large class is definitely a factor of teacher Burnout, we cannot risk losing our dedicated teachers, considering the need to ensure that every student and teacher have the opportunity to succeed. I urge the Board to prioritize this matter. Thank you. Okay, we come back to the room. If anyone would like to speak, please approach the podium. When the timer goes up, please state your full name. Honor, my Palaima Mori, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. So I didn't plan on speaking today because I've been so angry. And refuse to attend the meeting, and anger. But I will say that I'm very frustrated and incredibly disappointed in everything that's transpired in the last 3 weeks. Every august parents and students wait in anticipation to see who their teacher will be for the year. This year was no different. But for one class at Bret Hart parents were told at the last minute. That we'd have a sub until January. That's half of the school year. And that sub would be identified in the coming weeks. So when we identified, we didn't even know the subs name. My husband and I chose to remain in Cherry Hill specifically because of the school system. As an educator, especially in New Jersey. I know that the teacher, Pipeline, has been a challenge across the State. But I also imagine that living in Cherry Hill. The mishaps, lack of communication and plan. And plain disregard of our children's education would never be a problem. Board, Miss Winters, you mentioned the excitement you felt about your second grader. Having knowing about the excitement you felt about what your second grader was learning. That's not happening for almost 25. 4th Graders at Bret Hart. Elementary. The 1st sub disorganized. Really set up the fail by the district. Especially if because she was sent there to be a long-term solution. She had no resources. The lack of engagement and communication from school leadership is disheartening and disappointing. Now we now have another sub as my parent partner. How we were notified about it. The second sub is a daily sub, with no qualifications to teach this grade. Other than he has met the requirements to be a sub. My son needs consistency. Consistency of learning. He's not getting that. He's not getting that, and there seems to be no plan in place. To rectify the situation. Solutions and communications right now are slim to none and appear to be reactive and based on the multiple gripes of parents. Equitable learning. As you mentioned, Board, President. Is not happening for all our kids in this 4th grade classroom. Proposed solutions, as my parent has mentioned, have, are all good, and I'm also suggesting the least disruptive is to split the current class between the 2 sections that currently exist. With the 2 permanent teachers that are there until a real solution is found. Dr. Morton in your address a few minutes ago you thanked us for sharing our best with you and the district. Our best being our children. When someone shares their best of anything. The most honorable, respectful, and loving thing to do is to reciprocate that very best. I walk away from this podium with the hope and belief. That from this moment forward that the very proactive solution will be provided for. My Elijah. But the Sianas for the Bennys. And Zachary Zacharia's of the 4th grade class feel free to email any other Comments that you'd like to make if you didn't get to finish. Okay, we move on to the line, and we have Laura Clark, if you could please state your full name and your municipality. Okay, looks like we no longer have that person. So now we go back to Mrs. Sugars. If you could please restart the timer, we're going to go to believe it's Marisa Snyder. If you could please state your full name in municipality. If you could please, unmute. I don't know if his Miss Snyder or. Your hand is up next, and you're still muted. Okay, I think we will now, and I'm sorry. Miss Snyder, if that's you, because you. Are you okay? Now the name is gone. Now we have a new name, and it is Amy Roth. We're gonna restart the timer, and if you could please state your full name and municipality after you unmute. Hi, my name is Amy Roth. I'm a member of the Bret Hart community. I also have a child, and Mrs. Wilson's 4th grade class at Bret Hart. I share the concerns that the parents before me have spoken about. We are looking for an increase in communication. We are looking for the educator who's in our room to be certified. We are looking for them to have access to the curriculum, to be able to properly teach our children, and we are looking for increased levels of communication, so that we understand what the expectations that they're supposed to be learning. We understand what homework they're supposed to have. Cause. Right now there is confusion in the classroom, and the children are falling behind. We seem to have different that is, being taught by other classes. We have a science test when other classes aren't having those similar tests. We've had different homework than the other classes, and I want to make sure that our children are not falling behind. We are looking for the district to find a long-term solution as quickly as possible, and in the interim until there is a long term solution. We are looking for a commitment to have certified teachers come in to be able to teach the core curriculum of math and English, whether that's specialists, whether that's other teachers within the school, or whether a. Certified T-shirt from within the district can be brought in temporarily, while the district finds a long-term solution. Looking for an option that's going to better the situation of these children. We wanna make sure that we are supporting them, and we are looking for your help in supporting these children. We, you know, I share the concerns that have been shared before from the other parents, and we are looking to partner with the school district and find the best solution to better serve these children. Thank you. Okay, we go back to the room. If there's anyone who'd like to speak, please approach the podium. And please state your full name and your municipality. Rick, Short, Cherry Hill. Dr. Morton, you're a. Your statements about my numbers being misinformation is incorrect. Sir. We all make mistakes. In August you wrote a Email about the promotion of Miss Staffin, and you called yourself been acting superintendent when you were superintendent. So what I propose to do is, I'll come back with the chart. But just let me give you the initial numbers because they're right exactly from the. From the from the short. That's repetitious. If you want to pivot to a different topic, please feel free. But yeah, it's just repetitious. No, it's not repetitious, because I won't go into detail, because I don't want to be called misinformation. Ms stern. I don't want to be called details. I'm providing different details. Yes, exact details. And again you. Interrupt me. Okay. Back to thing in January first.st Of January 6th and 21. There was a story in the sun about. The journey, of how great restorative justice going. And that idea came from student voice because we listened to student voice. And sometimes students don't know anything. And we're really supposed to be teaching students. So the 2022, the 2022, 23 numbers are 170. A alleged hibs. Now, if you compare that. To 2018 numbers of 94. That is an 81% increase. And H. An alleged hibs. That means there was more. Yes. Can't deny it. There was more violence and more. Wasted, time. By administrators and by teachers and by School board members. I mean, you're involving approximately 192 different people. Every time these things go up. So restart of justice is not working. Ladies and gentlemen, it's causing. More violence, and you're trying to twist my numbers, and you're trying to discredit me. And it's right here. It's on 24 min. On December 19.th It's right there, the numbers are there. So if you take 90 and 90. If you go, if you go, if you have 90 and you get an extra 90, that's 100%. So. Yes, Dr. Morton, you are wrong. Flat out wrong, but I will be back again. With the whole thing. So let's move into what's. Want to get to talking a little bit about Patina love. I've asked you this 3 times now. Patina, love, she's working with the district. And her one statement. She says. Our comrades on the inside. And please read the sign here. Because why are we working with her? Why are we working with her. And we go to the line. The next name on the line is Debbie. If you could please state. Your full name and your municipality. When the timer restart. Hi Debbie, Donzelly Dolch, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Thank you for giving me the time to speak. Tonight. I'm speaking on my son's behalf. He is also in Miss Wilson's 4th grade class at Bret Hart. As you know, she's out on maternity leave, and we still do not have a certified teacher in the class. We were led to believe that the 1st hired was going to be filling it as a long-term sub. Last week she was abruptly let go and replace with 2 substitutes and no plans. On what is gonna happen next. These subs are not qualified teachers that can nor should be responsible for teaching a curriculum or making modifications for students needs, even though they were shown the student's ieps and 5 0 fours, and are given daily lesson plans. My son's 5 0 4 modifications are not being met, and his learning is at a minimum. You cannot expect 5. 0 4 accommodations to be implemented by an untrained, inexperienced teacher! Behavioral issues have also developed in the classroom. My son had to sit in the hall to complete his work, because the class was too loud. No schoolwork has been returned this year. We have no idea what materials being covered in school, and what my son may need extra help in. Who's evaluating these kids. My son is constantly confused on what the homework is and what he's doing, and why he's doing things in class. The reading or math. Specialists might come in to teach a lesson, but nobody knows how often, or if they're going to return, we don't know if they stay and help the kids one on one. Do they make 5 0 4 accommodations. Small reading and writing groups were where my son made the most progress he can. How can creating and implementing these groups be possible without a real teacher? I have no teacher to reach out to discuss these concerns. We have no email and no lead teacher. No communication has been made about the student, about when or how the student schedule will be modified. To ensure proper teaching. One can only assume that nothing is being done to address these immediate needs. Are you being aggressive in finding a certified teacher to cover the class? Have you reviewed all the certified teachers in the district to see if there's a way to shift teachers around with minimum impact on. Other students. Did you reach out to the retired teachers in the district to see if they could come back for a few months, offering them a salary that indicates their value. Have you considered rotating the other 4th grade teachers into Ms. Wilson's room? I want my child to have a constant. Teacher. I don't want to impact other students, but more substitutes in the room is not helping. Please don't settle on any after a rough start. These kids deserve someone that is up to the high standards of Cherry Hill. Thank you. If you'd like to provide any more comments, please feel free to email. And we go back to the room. If anyone would like to speak. Please, podium. The timer goes up. Please state your full name. Good evening, David, Cherry Hill. I am running for seat on the Board of Education. A ballot position number 8. And I just like to make a comment. It's really just a thank you to the Zone Pta and the League of Women Voters. You know, as as a candidate I was at the Forum. Informing voters of my position. On various questions and topics that were. Pre-submitted. And you know, I encourage anyone listening to. Really, if you didn't get a chance to view it, it is available on Youtube. It's a great way to learn more about candidates. It's a great way to learn more about our positions. And I am actually pleased with all the candidates. I don't think. Our our township can go wrong. This election cycle. But I do ask for anyone's vote who is listening. And thank everyone for your time. Okay, we go to the line, and the name is Laura Clark. If you could please state your full name and municipality as soon as the timer. Yeah, go ahead. Hi! Good evening. My name's Laura Clark. I am a Cherry Hill resident, and my son is a second grader at Stockton. Elementary. I wanted to bring a situation to your. Attention and try and get some feedback. My son is a. Special education student, and has been identified and tested twice under the wrong. Name and student identification in 2 different circumstances. And this summer. There was an issue with him being placed on a bus that he did not. Need to be placed on a bus. I'd emailed Dr. Morton Caitlin Mallory Mallory, who is the director of Special Education, and Mr. Spotter, I believe, who is the Public Safety Officer. With no response back. I'm asking for someone to get back to me because I don't want another child. Who may be a nonverbal placed on a school bus which was terrifying to me. And to my son that could have got lost, and could have also. Been really detrimental. I did see the new policy for wireless communication, and I thought that an apple watch would be a great way for him to communicate with me. Because he does. Travel an hour on the school bus to and from. Each way, and I also wanted to keep my daughter with him. However, due to open enrollment. There was no Open spots available. So I was just asking for someone to look into this and help me advocate for my child, because I want what's best for him. And also don't want this to happen to any other student in the future. Thank you. Okay, we come back to the room. If anyone would like to speak, please approach the podium. And I know uncharago, New Jersey. I don't know why, but I. Kind of used to having the. Board of Education. Candidates introduced early in the. Agenda. But that hasn't happened so far. When it comes to the Njsla. Scores have the parents. Had? Have the parents. Been informed of the scores. That their kids received. Because that presentation was done at least 3 or 4 months ago. And apparently there's many parents that still don't have their scores in place. 15.8. When can the public see the new job description? And I'll raise the concern that I raised time. You close the applications for that position. And now you're revising. The job description. So. Under General HR. You would go back and revisit the applicant's. That you allowed to have. And interview, I guess, but. How much did it change? Thank you. Okay, we go back to the line, and the phone number ends in 3, 6, 1. If you could please state your full name and municipality. We'll try this again. My apologies from before. My name is Marissa, and my daughter is in Mrs. Wilson's 4th grade class at Bret Hart. So I'm just going to kind of. Say what other parents have said. Mrs. Wilson is currently on maternity leave, and from what we understand, she will not be returning until January. Make a long story short. A long term sub was hired 2 days, yes, 2 days before school started. She did not have the proper teaching certificate. And her Linkedin resume, stated that she was most recently a hula hoop instructor. He owned a company called Orgasm, a day. And she was a romance consultant. This is who the district, or maybe es. Hired to teach a 4th grade class. Mrs. Burns came and went very quickly. She was apparently let go mid last week. And now we have a building sub filling in. So this classroom is being led by yet another uncertified teacher. We are currently in the 4th week of. The district is failing, our children. So there really has been no plan in place. And very little, if not any. Communication to the parents. We actually found out from the teacher that she was let go from her. And the kids found out from her as well. Via the Google classroom, not from a principal or the district. These kids need a consistent teacher, let alone a teacher with proper credentials. Something needs to change, and it really needs to change. Now. The other 2 4th grade classes in the school are operating business as usual. The 23 kids and Mrs. Wilson's class are being left behind. So we ask you the board. To do something to make a change for our children, and to please do it today or tomorrow. Thank you. Okay, we go back to the room. If anyone else would like to speak, please approach the podium. Please state your full name and your municipality when the timer goes up. Sara, Jocelyn, Cherry Hill. Today, when I was riding on the turnpike listening to the radio, I heard Jenny pooh! From Hoboken. She is the. Librarian of the year. And she was talking about band book, week. And what she informed me is that. They have a sanctuary. In Hoboken, and my friend told me that Cheerio Library is a sanctuary. This is part of the freedom to read. Program. And so I do want to just. Raise up about the benefit of having a sanctuary, because, again. Freedom to read is fundamental. There was some comment here about well, what about banned books in Cherry Hill? My children grew up in this district, and I can't tell you which era it was. But I remember there was a very distinct and heated discussion at a school board meeting. And while they may not have banned the book. They definitely removed it from the curriculum. So I'm just saying. These things do happen. And I'm not coming on either way, one way or another, on it. But I'm saying the importance of having a library that is a sanctuary where children could choose. What they're reading is extremely important. So I want to thank you again for all the comments that have been said. I hope that the. A 4th grade. Students and Bret Hart do receive the teacher that they deserve. Thank you. Okay, we will go back to the line. And the the next name online is Penny and Mintz. And when the timer resets, please state your full name. And your municipality. Sure, Dr. Planams, Galloway. Thank you so much. I'd like to ask the Board of Education if the meeting of education in Cherry Hill Schools changed. The question, the primary question. Why is academic excellence not included in the Cherry Hill schools? Strategic plan. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. As we know, 41% of students in Cherry Hill. School districts are not proficient in reading. While 56% of students are not proficient in math. That's inexcusable. The cost per student inherit schools is in excess of $21,000 per year per student. It's about $9,000 higher than the national cost per student of 12,000 across the country. So the question is, how did we get here? Why are we paying so much more money and getting so much less. Is the class time devoted to the 3 R's? Or is the class time devotedly on all types of cultural proficiencies, restorative justice, anti-bullying, and climate change and student voice. Who is attending Cherry Hill schools. Are the schools primarily serving Cherry Hill residence. Our children are being served from other towns, from other countries, and so on. How are taxpayers? Dollars being spent. Is the public informed. How, every single dollar being. Spent. It's very hard to find that information. Who controls the school. Is it the Board of Education. Is it the taxpayers and parents. Or is it the Department of Education. The Teachers Association. Universities, hospitals, etc. And the question of safety, who is safe. And the privacy and the privacy in Cherry Hill schools, girls, bathrooms. Is it the girls. Do you really protect girls? Privacy and the bathrooms. Who is disciplined in Cherry Hill schools. Is a defender, or is it the victim. And so on, and so on. There's so many questions that we have, and we are not getting any answer. Week after week after week, it is time for the Board of Education to hold. The schools accountable, and to represent the public and the taxpayers. Thank you. Go back to the room if anyone would like to speak, please approach the podium. No one's at the podium. I'll go back to the line. There is one hand up and I apologize. I'm gonna do my best to say your name properly, but if you could please state your full name and municipality. The name I see on the screen is Paraglao. I hope I probably said that wrong, so please state your full name. Please unmute. Can you guys hear me? Not very well, but please speak up and say your full name. Okay. Yep. My name is Frog Polyro. I'm a resident of Cherry Hill. My daughter goes to Bret Hart. Elementary. In 4th grade, and this is Wilson's class. I'm sure you all have heard some of the concerns. So I just wanted to reiterate the same things every day. My daughter, when she comes to the house she's like I have no clue. What's going on. We have a different teacher almost every day. Doesn't have a good control on the class. Lot of time is just spent time to discipline the class and making sure that there's. Quiet and peace, so that the kids can actually do some learning. So we really appreciate if the Board could do something about this, maybe find a permanent. Until we, until Mrs. Wilson is back from maternity. We have someone who is certified that can fill in. For Mrs. Wilson. I know some of the parents have suggested some other options where maybe. Splitting the class and having them join the other 4th grades. As as an option, but. Something needs to be done because our kids are. Thank you. Okay. We go back to the room. There's anybody else in the room. Please approach, in. And we will go back to the line, and the phone number ends in 2, 3, 4. If you could. Please state your full name and your municipality. We cannot hear you. If you are there, please state your full name. Your phone number ends in 2, 3, 4. Okay. Looks like that person's hand is down. Do not see anybody at the podium. I do not see any hands online, so I will close public comment. And I will turn. It over to Dr. Morton for superintendents. Thank you very much, Miss Stern, and thank you every for everyone who made comments. And second public comic. Just a a couple of notes and clarifications. So wireless communications, policy. So there's obviously there's an exemptions provision that's listed within the policy. Students who have an Iep. 5 0, 4, or health concern actually are able to obtain an exemption. To that policy so that they're able to utilize a wireless communication device. For students who did not have. An accommodation listed in their Iep. They had to be a process that we put into place to ensure that we had the accommodation added to the Iep. Any student that had an accommodation for a wireless communication device. Listening to Iep 5 or 4 or any other type of health record, had that accommodation carried over directly at the start of the year. For those that did not have that listening. IP. We're working with those students and expeditious manner to process those requests and to get those requests in place. So I want to be clear. Students that have. An accommodation, listened in their iep. 504. Or other health records. Have the accommodations, and have had their accommodations from the start. Of the year. For all those from Mrs. Wilson's class. And, Bret Hart, I feel I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. Loud and clear, I can tell you, just to give you some more insight into the situation. We learned that, Mrs. Wilson. We process Mrs. Wilson's leave of absence in late June. In the summer, Mr. Burgess. Hired an Lts that would get us through until January. Unfortunately, plans change, and things, you know, change for individuals, and the Lts. That we had hired for the classroom, vetted and hired. Backed out of the contract. So it put us in a difficult position where. Without much time we had to identify. An individual to cover that class. We work with Ess, and we were able to identify an individual through Ess, as has been stated here, has there has vetting protocols that we rely upon. For individuals who who come to us. When situations are brought to our attention that are questionable. And that are of concern. We take the matter very seriously. I take the matter very seriously and quite frankly. I heard from a number of parents. And address the situation according to how. Thought it should, it should be addressed. Nonetheless, that brings us to where we are now. There. So there's a building sub that has been assigned to the building has been with the building from the beginning of the year, and that individual. Was was sent to cover the class. To mitigate, you know, any, or offset any negative concerns. We have had the literacy coach. Go into the room to to support and co-teach. And we've had the math coach go into the room, the co-teach as well. We're currently in the process of interviewing. For the role. There were interviews that were conducted today. Mr. Guy himself, who was with us. Conducted those interviews. Along with with Mr. Burgess, as well. We have posted the position in a number of different places. Nj. School jobs, Linkedin handshake. On the district's website. We're working directly with colleges and universities. To do exactly as you said, to get the position filled. We recognize the concern. I make no excuses. For you know what's occurring, and you know I can. I can just tell you that we're working. In earnest to to get the classroom filled and covered as quickly as possible. But thank you to everyone for your comments. And again. I'm I'm with you. I I understand the concern. There's a comment, Miss Ernie, Laura! Ernie made a comment and referenced our transportation. Concern. Mrs. Clark, I'm unaware of that transportation concern. I have not received that email. I I am aware of the last email. From August. That was corresponded with. Miss Miss Mallory. I did respond to others on behalf who. Reached out on behalf of Ms. Clark, but we can follow up. If there are additional concerns, feel free to reach out to myself. Miss Mallory, as well. And we will be in touch. I think I'm gonna end right there. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Martin. I actually have a follow up question. If if you could, please, clarify. Regarding the situation with the 4th grade. At Bread, Hart. It sounds like, obviously there a lot of concerns which I think you address. You know very specifically regarding the actual teacher. There's also, and the who is teaching the children what they're learning or. Struggling to learn. There's also a great concern about communication. Can you just address that, please, in terms of you know. Where you see that going forward. Yes, absolutely so. So. Communication. Of a of a great magnitude, obviously. Requires additional oversight. So you know, there was. There was a communication that was that did come out in reference to the classroom itself, and the placement of a teacher. We intentionally sent that out. At a certain time point. After all the information had been communicated with within the building. Mr. Burgess had a personal situation that had occurred within his own life. I can't get into great detail about that. Which impacted his ability to be able to communicate directly with families. During the week, but I can say, you know, for moving forward. It is our commitment, it's our responsibility, and it's and it's our goal to make sure that. You know, communication is transparent as it can be. And it will be, and moving forward. Thank you, Dr. Morton. I think we talk a lot about. How hard it is sometimes. Obviously communication, but also specifically how hard it is. Sometimes when we have. A specific person whose job it is to do certain. Deliver, and something. May interfere with that. So you know, I think we're we're always trying to. Improve that as well, so make sure that it's. We have backup systems, I guess, and that's something that I know. We're always working on. Yeah. And and then, if there's confidentiality, obviously, as relates to personnel issues you know, which compound the. You know, ability to communicate with great specifics as well. But no excuses at all. Appreciate all your You know, very forthcoming information and and answering specifically, because obviously, we're here for the students. And so are you. We're all here for the students. Thank you. All right. I make a motion to adjourn. Do I have a second. Dr. Rouge, all in favor. And motion carries meeting is adjourned.