Founded in 2021, NJ21st (formerly Berkeley Heights Community Watch) emerged in direct response to the secretive and poorly executed reconfiguration of Berkeley Heights Public Schools — a decision our community is still paying for today. We began with a clear promise: to hold every Board of Education member and the Superintendent accountable for the consequences of that process. We kept that promise — and in return, we were banned from local organizations and social media groups.

Since then, we’ve grown in readership, credibility, and scope. Our reporting has been cited in public meetings across New Jersey, referenced in legal proceedings, and featured by respected platforms. We’ve earned a reputation for asking the questions others won’t.

In 2025, we formally registered as a nonprofit civic journalism organization. We are not currently accepting donations.

So why take this step?

Because the issues we cover — public funding, education, transparency, and local governance — are too important to be brushed off as just “activism” or “opinion.” Incorporating gives NJ21st a formal structure, a legal foundation, and the ability to grow in a way that protects both the work and the people doing it.

We exist to document, explain, and investigate.

We’re continuing this work with a formal nonprofit foundation in place.

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