Welcome back readers,
Here are some updates from the last BOE meeting on June 24th.
BOE President Coakley led the meeting and thanked all the educators involved in all graduation and moving up ceremonies this year as well as thanking them for all they do for their students.
He stated that he had shared a link with board members to a board self-evaluation, where the board evaluates themselves each year.
NJSBA is reviewing the self-evaluation, Coakley asked for feedback on the review which he can share with NJSBA.
Board Retreat is scheduled for July 24 in Lincoln 6pm. The public is welcome to attend. There will also be training on several topics including ethics.
For those that remember, last year’s Board retreat (you can listen yourself here) was quite interesting. The board engaged in a conversation regarding ethics and morals, and the following was said.
BOE Member MacGregor- “I have an obligation to vote a certain way because of my own personal beliefs.”
The board attorney stated that the Attorney General has made certain mandates and courts have sided with the AG when boards have gone against those mandates. She talked about JFK being president and people questioning if he could represent all people due to the mandates of the church. She stated that when elected you represent the interests of the public and all students, and that can involve conflict, but your obligation is to the law and the best interest of ALL students.
BOE member MacGregor responded “Something that is the law doesn’t work for everyone. You can tell me something is against my religion or mandate it and some are going to say no, I answer to a higher power. That doesn’t work for me.”
BOE member Purcell stated “There might be 10% who approve of these books, but 90% are saying absolutely not. But the Governor is saying -oh absolutely so. So, it’s putting us in a bad predicament, because I am voting in my conscience for the side I want to vote with.”
BOE member Scheneck stated that the code of ethics requires them to uphold all laws, rules and regulations
BOE member Purcell then stated “Yeah, we know the rules. But we don’t WANT those rules”
BOE member Colucci agreed.
BOE member Scheneck stated – I know but we have to uphold them.
BOE member Purcell- “to a certain extent”
BOE member Scheneck then discussed that ethically they had to follow state laws about closing schools in the pandemic, which some disagreed with.
BOE member Purcell – “A lot of people break ethics”
BOE member Colucci agreed many people break ethics.
BOE member Scheneck then reminded everyone of the importance of following the board ethics, so that they can be trusted by the community. She also stated that they are required not to be influenced by special interest groups and exercise independent judgment and do what right for all the children of the district, not just a small segment.
As a listener this was quite a wild ride to follow. For BOE members to publicly declare that they are unable to follow the code of ethics due to personal beliefs should shock everyone…. But then again, it’s been admitted to in public online forums as well.
Be sure to pay attention to when M4L aligned individuals will claim those they disagree with are violating ethics, because remember, ever accusation is a confession!
A board member M4L endorsed publicly admitted they will vote based on their personal beliefs (which is an ethical violation).
We shall see how this year’s board retreat goes!
Here is the Code of Ethics that board members agree to each year.
Back to this month’s meeting!
BOE Member Milde reported on the NJSBA Delegate Assembly event he attended in May. He discussed that a resolution was debated in regard to HIB laws.
He stated that in the past, the board has been presented with “HIB situations that by law are founded, but by common sense, they are difficult situations.” The law as written does not allow for intent, and that is being reviewed.
You can read more here.
Superintendent Santora then gave his report. He congratulated all students who completed their year of school, especially the graduates. He also thanked staff for their hard work and hoped they enjoy their summer.
He discussed his superintendent coffee event where he discussed portrait of a graduate student survey results, School report card, comprehensive representation of how our students are doing.
Business administrator Mondanaro discussed finances, and the good news that 45% of the state aid that Roxbury lost, got back. ($837,000). Unfortunately, we did then lose $160,000 of from ESEA grants, which pays for 6 paraprofessionals. He reported that it was being worked out in the budget for next year.
The Soccer Team for EMS was approved to begin on a three-year trial basis. Congratulations to all who worked and advocated for that to happen!
BOE member Scheneck discussed attending graduation which she stated is a highlight for board members. She also discussed attending the Top Ten dinner, where the top ten students select a teacher that had a great deal of influence on them. BOE member Scheneck spoke of the importance of good teacher, and mutual respect of teachers and students. Students at the event discussed how important teachers were to them, and how they were inspired by teachers. BOE member Scheneck stated that teachers can have such a profound impact in a student’s life.
BOE member Colucci stated that it takes a village to raise a child, and that it takes a village to educate a child.
We could almost agree, but there are certain people who should not be involved in children’s education, and that would include extremist groups like Moms for Liberty.
Stay tuned for updates from the next meeting and board retreat!
Roxbury BOE Watch 
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