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Email To The BOE on the Proposed OPRA Custodian of Records PositIon

Berkeley Heights BOEEducation

MORE MONEY OUT OF THE CLASSROOM FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS

In an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, the District is trying to add yet another position to the Business office while using the cynical and Machiavellian ploy of blaming residents who are using OPRA to request information from a District that has progressively clamped down avenues of input.

Remember that OPRA has been vital in exposing many bad actions in the last three years. Hence, it is natural to question the real motivations behind the position and the narrative surrounding its need.

Below is an email I sent to our BOE on this issue – it is brief but to the point.

“Good Morning,

I am writing to express my opposition to this new position.  I found Dr. Varley’s misinformation about the volume and costs of OPRA requests and her attempts to influence the BOE two meetings ago highly inappropriate. 

We know that many of the costs associated with the District’s current approach to OPRA requests has to do with an overuse of attorneys and unnecessary and potentially illegal redactions. This is not about volume of requests but rather, in my opinion, an attempt to cover the labor and cost associated with improperly responding to OPRA requests.

The volume of OPRA requests can be much higher and still not justify this position.  Ms. Kot already has an assistant – at some point we have to start asking questions as to why Ana is able to perform her job so effectively for the town while our District is now seeking yet another position to perform what are the standard duties of a Business Administrator.

Thank You”

Related Articles:
POLICY 8310: CONCERNS ON TOP LEVEL DECISION MAKING, USE OF DISTRICT DOLLARS AND LEGAL ADVICE CONTINUE TO MOUNT

PEELING THE SPIN: A CONDENSED LOOK AT OPRA REQUESTS

TOM FOREGGER SAVES THE DAY AGAIN

01/19/2023 BOE MEETING- WHAT PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF GOING IN TO THIS MEETING

OPMA & OPRA: WE SHOULD FEARLESSLY DEMAND TRANSPARENCY

THE DISTRICT PUBLISHES OPRA REQUESTS ON WEBSITE

OPRA, ATTORNEYS AND AWARDS CEREMONIES

OPRA: The Final Line of Defense

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