The reorganization of the BH Board of Education set the tone for the year with displays of leadership, decorum and inclusivity, as intended.
Terrero acquired the seat of President with a 5–3 vote, with the dissenting votes coming from Stanley, Bradford and Akiri. Joly acquired the seat of Vice President with a 6–2 vote, with the dissenting votes coming from Stanley and Bradford. This portion of the meeting was different from the last two years and was an early positive sign for the new Board.
The night followed with regular Board business setting the course for the year ahead. Discussion circled around meeting dates, committee structure, enforcement of the 48-hour rule and Board liaison positions. Newly appointed President Terrero demonstrated her ability to listen and work around personal and professional schedules to accommodate everyone in a fair way, offering amendments and ideas to move forward. While discussion became contentious and at times petty, Terrero enforced her authority and commitment to civility at Board meetings, warning Stanley of adjournment due to her inability to follow direction from the presiding officer to stop talking.
The discussion on committees and liaisons was longer than it needed to be, but the mostly collaborative discussion about the needs and desires of members resulted in a structure that should function well under the new leadership. Terrero and Joly worked together in what appears to be a strong leadership pairing, something that will be necessary to keep the focus on student achievement and success.
One point of mention that I have raised previously is the role of the Mountainside liaison, currently Dillon, to the Berkeley Heights Board of Education. There was a lengthy discussion about finding a new day for the preliminary budget presentation due to a work conflict with Dillon and his emphasis on the importance of advocacy from Mountainside. While I agree Mountainside should have a seat at the table, I remain concerned about how strong that voice and vote should be in a structure where nearly all decisions carry a financial burden for Berkeley Heights residents. The continued concern is the perception of tunnel vision from Mountainside when the business of the Board should embrace the full scope of budgetary, student and facility needs, not just those affecting Mountainside.
Outside of budget planning and presentation, other major items on the docket for this year include the referendum, ongoing custodian contract negotiations and BHEA negotiations.
The meeting ended on the same day it started, which leaves some optimism for the future of this Board, particularly given the plan for an average of two meetings per month, which should help avoid marathon BOE meeting nights.
See All Articles on BOE Agendas and Meetings
Support NJ21st and Stay Involved
Your support helps keep local and state government transparent and accountable.
Make a Financial Contribution
Your contribution fuels our reporting, public records work and statewide transparency projects.
Contribute Your Writing and Get Involved
Have insights or documents about local or statewide issues? Become a community contributor and help strengthen public understanding.
|
Related Articles
Clock is Ticking: New Providence BOE Gives Public Less Than 48 Hours to Review Agenda….again
John’s Notes on the 02/26/2026 BHPSNJ BOE Meeting
