Outgoing Berkeley Heights BOE Treasurer Raises Concern with Missed July–August Payment Authorization

Berkeley Heights BOECommunity Voices

Harold Kessler is the Treasurer of School Monies for the Berkeley Heights Board of Education

My name is Harold Kessler and I have been the Treasurer of School Monies for the Berkeley Heights Board of Education for the past seventeen (17) years.  It has been my honor to work for the Board of Education and report directly to the Board monthly with the submission of a Treasurer’s Report.

This report is an independent report that reconciles  the many accounts used to operate the Berkeley Heights Public Schools.  My position has been recently been eliminated, which is the prerogative of the Board of Education.  This will result in an annual savings of approximately $7,200.  I applaud the Board for carefully reviewing the annual budget and look to provide savings when possible.

My position will end on August 31, 2025.  The concern as Treasurer, is that the Board of Education at its June 26, 2025 meeting failed to pass a resolution that would have the districts pay its bills during the months of July and August, 2025!

I have been in school business administration for nearly forty (40) years and have NEVER heard of a Board NOT paying its bills.  I’m appalled that this is happening in the last two months of my tenure.

The impact of the decision will be felt in a variety of ways.  The district may be charged late fees, may have existing vendor contracts and other relationships terminated.  This will have a direct effect on students as they return to school in September.  Will supplies be delivered, will contracted services be retained, will vendors continue to serve the district?

After watching the Board meeting of June 26th, I was unable to ascertain the ‘reason’ for this dramatic action.

My June report reflects the following account balances:

Account Balance
General Fund $10,194,672.43
Special Revenue Fund $86,137.63
Capital Projects Fund $1,312,150.22
Debt Service $0.38
Enterprise Fund/Other $7,302.60
Trust & Agency Funds $1,030,496.76
Total $12,631,056.27

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of NJ21st.

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