Parent Questions to Angela Penna on Busing Cuts
Email exchange between a parent and the BOE President on the controversial cuts to subscription busing. -Jessica Lesperance With the recent notice about subscription busing, I thought it would be helpful to share correspondence that I started with administration regarding courtesy busing back in March. As you will see, I eventually got one response but never any follow up after...
From Our Inbox: 08/06/2023
Will CMS no longer offer sewing or cooking classes? Recently a Community Member sent us the following message: I am wondering if the middle school parents have been informed that there will no longer be any sewing or cooking classes offered to students? I know Top Chef was a big hit in the past. Based on our sources this is...
Expanding World Language Programs Nearby Leaves Berkeley Heights’ Students Behind
An Educator in the Community Offers Insight into Our World Languages Program At this moment, a seventh grade student taking World Language (Spanish, French, Italian) at Columbia Middle School (CMS) only receives half-year of instruction. Whereas for the remaining half of the school year, CMS students take another elective or in many cases, an unstructured study hall in a noisy...
‘Here is Where The Lying Begins In Earnest’
BHCW Video Presentation On The District’s Bizarre Attempt to Prevent Public Access To The White Wash of The BHPSNJ Declines Related Content: The Saga to Attain the Proficiency Analysis Report that “Doesn’t Exist” The Administration’s Response To Our District’s Declines Was Everything We Expected and Less! All of BHCW’s Video Presentations This Article Made Possible by OPRA…Learn How To Protect...
Resident Presentation During the 06/22/2023 Zoning Board on Westminster
We are better served when we use evidence to hold expert opinion accountable… In this clip, a resident provides the Zoning Board with important information about the environmental impact of the Westminster project. Listen carefully to how the expert responds to the resident’s presentation and how the resident counters with on-the-ground knowledge of the area. One thing I would advise...
Steve Mondragon’s Position on Transparency And OPRA
Steve Mondragon candidate for Berkeley Heights Town Council adds his voice to the local discussion on proposed legislation seeking to change OPRA and Transparency -Steve Mondragon Trust is a fundamental principle in a representative democracy. Without trust, the system doesn’t function properly. That trust is earned, not given. It takes time to nurture and cultivate, and needs constant tending to...
Berkeley Heights Township Council: Urgent Reflections on the Proposed Redevelopment Study
Town Council Candidate Edmund Tom Maciejewski on 311 Springfield Avenue Resolution – Edmund Tom Maciejewski Our township of Berkeley Heights faces both an opportunity and challenge with the old nursing home situated between TD Bank and Thaitanium restaurant on 311 Springfield Avenue. This property, recently sold for around $900,000, is primed for development. However, the proposed redevelopment study demands careful...
Add Music to the List of Casualties Under Dr. Varley’s Reign of Error
Dr. Varley Continues to Build on Her Incredible Record of Harmful Decisions -Ekin Najarian Instead of using the opportunity of two open Assistant Superintendent Positions to prevent further cuts and teacher transfers, the District has decided to compromise our Music Program. Ms. Lim teaches Music at Woodruff and Mary Kay and is highly regarded by families in both schools, The...
Your Voice, Our Victory. Thank You
Steve Mondragon and I stand completely humbled and honored by yesterday’s shared victory in the Berkeley Heights Primary for Town Council. This win isn’t a personal accolade but a reflection of a community united behind a different way of governing. To work well, local government must be pragmatic, issue-focused, and open to all perspectives. We must move on from...
Parent Concerns About Budget, Survey and OPRA Violations
-Karin Sicoli Our Berkeley Heights BOE’s first job is to “protect the herd” not to be mistaken for protecting: students, teachers, substitute teachers or parents. As it turns out, stakeholders are a necessary evil only. Protecting the herd, themselves, is their first concern. A question, by a board member was asked, about how this reduction in staff would impact students...
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