The Tyranny of the Minority, Part 3
by Steve Greguske In Part 1 we learned that our school has embraced the New Jersey Department of Education’s transgender guidance. To summarize, we learned that the Department has deliberately inserted school districts between the parents and their children if a child voices a gender concern. Per the Department, any statement made by the child is to be taken...
Responses to Constructive Feedback and Questions on BHCW’s Reporting on the Declines
During the 10/12/2023 BOE Meeting, I invited all BOE Members present and members of the Administration to a public debate on the declines. I am still waiting to hear from someone on my offer. Over the past month BOE Members and several community members on different forums provided BHCW feedback on our articles and I want to provide these concerns...
Latest Elementary and Middle School Rankings Not Encouraging For Berkeley Heights
The decline in rankings continues under Dr. Melissa Varley as Superintendent -Written by an Educator in the Community The following rankings are using the Berkeley Heights Community Watch (BHCW) seven-district data dashboard. These seven districts include Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Millburn, and Westfield. The methodology from US News & World Report states: “State assessment data determines how...
How Concerns over Present and Future Class Sizes & Increased Hiring of Administrators Turned into A Lesson On Parental Belittlement
-Michelle Phillippi My first inklings of something feels off this school year began in August. When my first two children began school in our district, I had felt a sense of ease and knew my children were supported in the classroom. Class sizes were smaller and there was much more teacher support in the classroom. But when my youngest entered...
What The New Berkeley Heights BOE Must Do In The First Three Months of 2024 To Rebuild Our District
A historically low turnout election still produced 2000+ votes, affirming change…..now what? While the BOE election was uncontested, the message was clear- the community wants things to change. While thousands were likely spent on the Town Council Election (something we will write about), it would be a surprise if the BOE candidates who garnered an overwhelming vote count given the...
A Small Step Forward
For the first time in a long time I am feeling hopeful. In my 15+ years as a BH resident, I was happy to experience the most civilized campaign season I can remember. There was no public mud-slinging, bashing, or trash-talking of the opposing candidates. The concession letter from Tom and Steve was classy, honorable, and heartfelt. This is Berkeley...
Natasha’s Remarks During Public Comment Portion of 10/12/2023 BOE Meeting
In this clip of the 10/12/2023 meeting, BOE Candidate Natasha Joly tackles a variety of issues in three minutes during the Public Comments section of the meeting: She challenges the narrative that policy 0164 intends to improve transparency, pointing out that it was likely a response to Dr. Foregger asking the BOE to have Dr. Varley present on the declines...
My Responses to TAPInto Questions
-Natasha Joly Introduction My name is Natasha Joly. My husband and our kids have lived in town for 10 years. Both kids are now attending Governor Livingston High School – 9th and 11th grades. What skills do you bring to the office? I emigrated from Ukraine when I was seven years old. My family came with nothing. My parents instilled...
BHCW 10/29/2023 Newsletter
What’s Important to Know About Berkeley Heights This Week….. This week’s newsletter presents even more concerning news about the District’s budget and the lack of due diligence on the part of the Administration and BOE Majority in connection to Shared Service Agreements with the Township. Republican Candidates appeared on NightWatch to answer questions on over-development, township committees, and the tone...
BOE Candidate Natasha Joly’s Remarks During Agenda Items Portion of 10/12/2023 BOE Meeting
In this clip, Natasha asks about how policies are approved (later in the meeting, Mr. Cianculli provides a response that assumes the public trusts that the BOE majority and Superintendent are following the written policies). Natasha brings up the $3800 price tag connected to an AASA conference/training Stephen Hopkins plans on attending. She also points out that members have repeatedly...
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