Three Paths: Former BOE Member Dipti Khanna on the $50M Berkeley Heights Referendum
- Former Berkeley Heights Board of Education member Dipti Khanna outlines three paths forward for voters.
- Explains what each path could mean for facilities planning, budgeting, and public trust.
- Highlights tradeoffs in timing, scope, and how priorities were communicated.
- Encourages voters to focus on clarity, accountability, and long-term impacts, not slogans.
Community Voices: Vote NO on the March 10 School Referendum
- An opinion piece urging voters to reject the $50 million referendum.
- Argues the proposal is misleading on costs and prioritization.
- Raises concerns about bundling essential repairs with “nice-to-have” projects.
- Calls for a revised plan with clearer accountability and better timing.
$50M Referendum Interview: Dr. Feltre, Business Administrator, Architect and Bond Counsel
- NJ21st presses district leadership on priorities, timing, and what happens if the referendum fails.
- Officials discuss why projects were structured into two questions and how debt roll-off shaped the plan.
- Conversation covers budget pressures, deferred maintenance, and inflation risk if the vote is delayed.
- Includes direct back-and-forth on trust, spending alignment, and the link between facilities and learning.
Email Campaign Circulating in Berkeley Heights Referendum Contains Misleading Claims
- Reprints a widely shared pro-referendum email (with identifying details redacted) and flags misleading statements.
- Challenges claims that a failed referendum would force repairs into the operating budget and trigger cuts or fees.
- Clarifies the distinction between operating expenses and capital improvement funding sources.
- Notes the role of capital reserves (including an estimated ~$3M referenced) in funding capital projects.
Fact-Checking the Flyer: Breaking Down the BHPSNJ District’s Referendum Claims
- Examines the district’s flyer claims line by line.
- Challenges the assertion that all projects must be completed regardless of referendum outcome.
- Separates urgent infrastructure needs from discretionary upgrades.
- Analyzes the claim regarding forfeiting nearly $17M in state aid.
Referendum Framing Continues to Raise Questions About Priorities and Process
- Tracks how messaging continues to evolve as public questions persist.
- Highlights concerns around prioritization, sequencing, and process clarity.
- Connects framing choices to voter understanding and trust.
- Flags gaps that remain unresolved ahead of key decision points.
What Montclair’s Cancelled Referendum and NJ Case Law Suggest for Berkeley Heights
- Applies Montclair’s 2024 court dispute to BHPS timelines and decision-making.
- Explains Board obligations under state law once a proposal is formally introduced.
- Outlines risks if planning, notice, or scope is changed mid-process.
- Shows how courts balance voter rights with district discretion in capital planning.
Laura’s Notes on the Referendum Portion of the BOE Meeting
- 99-page presentation offered no updates despite months of concerns.
- Critical MEP and roofing needs placed in Question 2.
- Former BOE leaders raised concerns about priorities and messaging.
- Motion to reorder questions failed despite public support.
- Recent failures at MP, CMS, GLHS highlight urgency.
Student Testimony Underscores Challenges in Referendum Structure
- Classrooms dropped to 56 degrees during heating failures.
- Coolant leaks displaced classes for weeks.
- Roof leaks threaten electrical systems.
- Instructional needs placed in Question 2, not Question 1.
Community Voices: Berkeley Heights Deserves Clear Answers
- Calls for full spending and state-aid breakdowns.
- Questions grouping of MEP needs with lower priorities.
- Dual-question structure may risk essential repairs.
- Tax messaging remains inconsistent.
BOE Representative Sai Akiri Responds to Questions
- Clarifies new debt always impacts taxes.
- Challenges “replacing debt = no impact” claim.
- Questions necessity of $50M borrowing given enrollment.
- Calls for full, honest accounting.
Dr. Feltre Responds to Questions
- Explains urgency tied to 2026 debt roll-off.
- Notes referendum avoids burdening operating budget.
- Calls for stronger transparency and clarity.
- Community feedback will shape improvements.
BHPSNJ Referendum Explained – Part Two
- Explains Question 1 vs. Question 2 linkage.
- Identifies low-priority items in Question 1.
- Highlights essential needs in Question 2.
- No contingency if referendum fails.
BHPSNJ Referendum Explained – Part One
- Identifies errors and unclear diagrams.
- Breaks down Question 1 scope.
- Breaks down Question 2 scope.
- Challenges “zero tax impact” claims.
Soft Costs, Maintenance and Inflation Risks
- Breaks down $50.3M estimate.
- Soft cost concerns over 20%.
- Missing inflation/escalation factors.
- Duplicated budget lines.
Statement from BOE Representative Sai Akiri
- No vote due to late-arriving financial data.
- Documents lacked clear state submission breakdowns.
- Timeline driven by referendum date, not review quality.
- Pushback on “no tax impact” messaging.
The 02/26/2025 BOE Referendum Presentation in a Snapshot
- Details why BHPS must issue bonds this fiscal year.
- Outlines 13-step referendum timeline.
- Explains March election cost of $30,000.
- Shows up to 34% state aid eligibility.
Dr. Feltre on Referendum and School Closings
- Inherited backlog of deferred maintenance.
- 2026 debt roll-off provides referendum window.
- Meeting aims to align architects & financial advisors.
- Safety & staffing guide closure decisions.
