The trend of timely meetings ending at reasonable hours seems to be settling in, and this is a good thing. Unlike Town Council, the BH BOE has proven (once again) that healthy and necessary discussion and deliberation can happen during a regular meeting that ends at a reasonable hour.
Akiri was absent from the meeting and Stanley showed up just in time to cause a bit of a ruckus with policy discussion. For the record Ms. Stanley does not like the use of the word “moneys” and Dr. Foregger schooled her on the word (monies) as being a legal term identified in the English language (this banter was funny, but not needed – but it wouldn’t be a BH BOE meeting without some random discussions having nothing to do with education or students).
The Superintendent’s report included a performance from the a cappella group, Glissando – although the microphones could barely pick up any sounds – but I have heard them in person and they are fabulous so BRAVO to the talented singers at GL! Feltre honored BOE members for Board Recognition month and closed her report with a statement regarding sport team fundraising at GLHS. Feltre reiterated that any fundraising efforts are voluntary and at no time will a student or a student’s family be obligated to fundraise for the district or a sports team. She also made it clear that all fundraisers, especially for sports teams, have to go through the Athletic Director.
The Board Attorney read an abbreviated settlement regarding a case against the District, BOE and Melissa Whitfield Varley. The Plaintiff and BHPS parent, took to the first citizens hearing to read the settlement in full – as was to be done by the BOE per the legal settlement agreement. The Plaintiff spoke again during the second citizens hearing, again about the case and recent settlement calling out Stanley for idly sitting by Varley’s side while she cast the Plaintiff and his allegations in a negative and false light. Plaintiff also mentioned his frustration with Foregger who had also been a BOE member at the time of his claims and failed to take action. Ultimately, Plaintiff urged the current Board and Administration make safety of students a top priority while also understanding that parents have a right to know what is happening in the schools, especially when there are threats being made, as stated in the settlement agreement.
The Business Administrator reported on the District moving along with the budget planning process and Joly commended the Business Office for their work, attention to detail and their communication throughout the process.
The Board moved through business fairly seamlessly with normal and appropriate deliberation and discussion. All resolutions passed, with the exception of a grant for a regionalization study, which was tabled until more information is obtained.
The Curriculum committee reported on the ongoing research and discussion to maximize direct instruction at CMS in core area classes. The Mountainside committee, tasked with the negotiation of the send-receive contract with Mountainside, reported that conversations have begun pending an upcoming meeting with Mountainside. The biggest discussions came with policy, along with the late arrival of Ms. Stanley. Specific language was deliberated and ultimately resulted in all items being approved for first reading, with a few policies undergoing further discussion and review in committee.
January is a time for a reset, and I am, once again, happy to see the direction the Board is going in. Outside of a member or two this Board and Administrative team is working very well together. I especially commend the Administration for always being open to honest and real conversations. This level of engagement is a long ways from where we were, and will hopefully clear way for any more costly and unnecessary legal cases.
Related Articles:
Policy 7230: A Necessary Correction to BHPSNJ’s Athletics Spending and Privacy Gaps
Transparency First: Berkeley Heights Moves Toward a Regionalization Study
Laura’s Notes on the 01/22/2026 BHPSNJ BOE Meeting
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Related Articles
Policy 7230: A Necessary Correction to BHPSNJ’s Athletics Spending and Privacy Gaps
Transparency First: Berkeley Heights Moves Toward a Regionalization Study
