Follow Up on Teacher Concerns Regarding Summer Curriculum Writing Rates
I published an article before the 4/18/24 Board meeting regarding a sidebar agreement with the BHEA proposing a flat $50/hour rate for summer curriculum writing. (Sidebar Agreement Article) Several teachers had contacted BHCW unhappy with this sidebar agreement noting that curriculum writing has always been paid a per diem rate – a rate based upon a simple equation based upon...
Special BOE MEETING TOMORROW – 4/24/24 Budget Presentation
Please be aware, per the district website, under “events” there is a Special Board Meeting on the schedule for tomorrow, April 24 at 7:30 pm (public session). The main purpose is the Budget presentation and public discussion. Here is the Meeting Agenda BHCW was made aware of this meeting from inside sources then verified this information on the district website....
BHCW Night Watch Ep. 29: We Have a Big Fight Over the Busing Issue
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2024 BHPSNJ Budget Survey Results Released
A New Acting Superintendent and New Finance Chair Deliver on Family Input and Transparency in Connection to the Budget While it was an imperfect survey, it was the first asking for family input into the budget process. Not only was there a survey, but the public obtained results without having to submit an OPRA request and then go to court...
CMS Students Want the Tiger Back
Helen Gabara Without many in the community realizing it, the school they graduated from, Columbia Middle School had its mascot changed from the Tiger to the Highlander. It was done late last school year by the new principal, Mr. Kobliska, who was handed a survey done by the previous principal, under the former Superintendent Melissa Varley. At the announcement of...
A Possible Solution to the Busing Issue
Just an Idea… Subscription Busing Tier 1 Household not on a hazardous route and makes at or above the median income for Berkeley Heights Households – $1000 Tier 2 All Caregivers demonstrate proof of employment, do not live on a hazardous route and make below the median income (basement of 80%) for Berkeley Heights Households – $500 Tier 3 All...
The Courtesy Busing Vote & Where We Can Go From Here
Berkeley Heights Still Has Time to Fix This The transportation discussion within the BHPS District is multifaceted and, at the same time, all-over-the-place. There are underlying issues and some serious concerns on both sides of the spectrum that need to be addressed and properly understood. Concerns of safety are legitimate; no one in their right mind would argue that safety shouldn’t be at the forefront of discussions surrounding...
Resident Letter to BOE on Courtesy Busing
The following is an email provided to BHCW from Berkeley Heights Resident and Parent Michael Leblond to the Berkeley Heights Board of Education. Dear members of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education, Like many of the issues that have plagued this district for years, the bussing discussion continues to revolve around one main problem, secrecy. Instead of releasing all the...
“Slim Empirical Arguments”, “Pulling out the Rug” and “State Aid”
Level-Setting the Community Discussion on the Transportation Policy I encourage every parent to get involved, regardless of how they feel about the transportation policy or any policy for that matter. It is important for different voices on all sides to present their arguments – even if it is an opinion -opinions are important – they offer a perspective or a...
Child Safety is Being used as a Shield to Push through a Disturbing Policy Precedent
And Another Great Example as to Why OPRA is so Important… Before October 2023, the NJ Department of Education published the DRTRS summary report that anyone could access. Unfortunately, after multiple Berkeley Heights residents raised questions on the discrepancy in the number of Courtesy busing students reported to the state department of education and by the district last year, the...
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