
Only Two Weeks In, Superintendent Faces Strong Arm Tactics from Mayor Devanney and Recreation Committee
Part One in a Series on the Township’s Coercion Campaign on the CMS Lease Agreement On the Agenda for this week the Township Council has, as an agenda item the execution of a Lease Agreement on the CMS Field. This is likely to be another theatre on the part of the mayor and council as we are aware that...

The Ongoing Issues with the BHPSNJ Business Office & Recent Audit Findings
John’s Notes on the 01/28/2025 BOE Agenda For years, families in Berkeley Heights Public Schools (BHPSNJ) have expressed frustration with the Business Office, citing a lack of transparency, accountability, unprofessional behavior and political partisanship. These concerns existed before Dr. Varley’s tenure, but they worsened significantly under her leadership and have not improved with the addition of the current Business Administrator...

2025 7-District Budget Dashboard in Pictures Part Four: Transportation and a Note on Special Needs
Transportation Per Pupil Cost Break Down for Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield Part Four of our effort to break down the 7-District Budget Dashboard in supporting residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield provide more informed feedback to their Boards of Education during the upcoming budget process. Transportation In...

Help Us Shine a Light on Local Government
NJ21st is dedicated to expanding its reach and bringing fact-based, independent reporting to more communities. As a nonprofit platform, we focus entirely on local government—Town Councils, Boards of Education, County, and State—ensuring residents stay informed and engaged. We’ve had great success in Berkeley Heights, helping residents stay up to date with local governance, and we want to extend the same...

BHEA and Community Await Details on BHPSNJ Facilities and Funding Plans
Earlier this morning, BHPSNJ families received an email from Dr. Feltre regarding the first step toward a potential referendum. The email stated: “On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm, a presentation will be held on the referendum process. Architects, bond counsel, and financial advisers will be present to discuss the debt rolling off, potential tax implications, timeline, and next...

Notes on the Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting – February 18, 2024
Speed Limits, Nokia, and Community Concerns The February 18 town council meeting covered a range of key issues, including a heated discussion on speed data collection, debate over grant fund allocation, and growing concerns about community development. Tensions ran high as residents and council members challenged decisions regarding traffic studies, financial oversight, and affordable housing expansion. Traffic Study Raises Questions...

2025 7-District Budget Dashboard in Pictures Part Three: Special Needs
Special Needs Per Pupil Cost Break Down for Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield Part Three of our effort to break down the 7-District Budget Dashboard in supporting residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield provide more informed feedback to their Boards of Education during the upcoming budget process. Special Education...

2025 7-District Budget Dashboard in Pictures Part Two: Administrative and Legal Costs
Administration, Support Services and Legal Services Per Pupil Cost Break Down for Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield Part Two of our effort to break down the 7-District Budget Dashboard to help residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield provide more informed feedback to their Boards of Education during the upcoming...

Three Berkeley Heights Myths About Special Needs Students
The following is a response to myths in our community that have been advanced by BOE Representatives, Candidates, their Operatives and problematic Administrators over the Years who have tried to pawn off responsibility for their decisions onto students. These arguments come out any time the Budget Process approaches, NJ DOE Performance Reports get published or poorly informed candidates are running...

Breaking Down The 2025 7-District Budget Dashboard with Images Part One
Enrollment, Cost per Pupil, Instruction and Administration Spend for Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield Over the next few weeks, we will be analyzing the 7-District Budget Dashboard to help residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham, New Providence, Summit, Millburn, Madison, and Westfield provide more informed feedback to their Boards of Education during the upcoming budget...