Pam Stanley et al. Appeal School Ethics Decision: Students, Teachers & Taxpayers Will Cover Their Bill
When Robert Cianciulli stated, at the most recent Berkeley Heights Board of Education meeting, that the recent finding of ethics violations would be appealed, I had hoped he was just making noise. Sadly, it’s true. Faced with a decision by the Office of Administrative Law and the School Ethics Commission, Pamela Stanley, Robert Cianciulli, and the rest of the former...
Leadership Under Pressure: How Five BOE Members Stepped Up
Laura’s Notes on the 02/27/2025 BOE Meeting The concerns I raised in my agenda summary—politically motivated Board appointments and a questionable committee structure—were on full display at the February 27, 2025, BOE meeting. The comments and behavior in the room only reinforced these issues. It’s often said that if you want to see someone’s true intentions, put them under pressure...
What is Gale Bradford Thinking?
Pam Stanley Slated for Vote as Finance Chair Following NJ21st’s initial OPRA request for documents previously provided to community members under OPRA, a correspondence was revealed from a BHPS employee—whose name has been redacted—to the Board President and Acting Superintendent, urging action on a matter of concern. In this correspondence, a teacher alleges that Ms. Stanley willfully violated the Code...
The 02/26/2025 BOE Referendum Presentation in a Snapshot
Laura’s Notes on the 02/26/2025 BOE Meeting Planning a successful referendum revolves around three critical factors: Scope, Budget, and Tax Impact. The District’s Debt In 2005, BHPS successfully passed a referendum, with bonds issued in 2006. In 2014, the District refinanced its debt, leaving only one outstanding bond set to mature on March 1, 2026. When existing debt is nearing maturity, school...
Laura’s Notes on the 02/27/2025 BOE Meeting Agenda
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS Approval of Annual Committee Appointments Each Board of Education (BOE) member has been assigned to chair one committee and serve as a representative on two others, ensuring that each member is involved in three committees in total. This structure is logical and equitable. However, when it comes to liaison appointments, fairness seems to take a backseat. BOARD...
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...
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...
School Ethics Commission Upholds OAL Ruling and Recommends Harsher Penalty for Stanley, Cianculli, Hyman, D’Aquila, Penna and Young
In May of 2022, Berkeley Heights board of education members Robert Ciancuilli, Pamela Stanley, Angela Penna, Michael D’Aquila, Joy Young and Jordan Hyman kicked off a series of decisions that would lead to three separate complaints of ethics violations being filed by residents. Over the course of nearly three years, these cases worked their way from the New Jersey School...
Berkeley Heights Resident and NYC Educator Letter to BHPSNJ BOE & Administration on School Closings
Michael Leblond, a resident of Berkeley Heights, is a parent of children in the District and a NYC Educator Dear Dr. Feltre, I am reaching out again to express my concerns on how the district is handling communication and decisions about closing our schools with various weather conditions. In the last two weeks, the district has struggled to communicate effectively...
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