A Statement from Candidate Hemann Regarding the Most Recent BOE Proceedings
In the past months, during which I decided to make a run for one of the open seats on the BOE, I have chosen – likely to the detriment of my “campaign” – to remain quiet, especially in the public sphere, on many of the topics washing across this page. I never wanted my candidacy to be centered on what...
BOE Candidate Running As The Parent’s Voice Attempts to Take Down Parent’s Letter…Again
In what is a long-standing practice of some BOE members, resident letters holding BOE members accountable are often taken down; usually one or two hours after being published. The reason for this, I believe, is for the letter to get spread and then taken down as a way of undermining the individual’s credibility. Usually, the objections are ridiculous, and the...
Challenger Champion Sai
John Leo Jr. Endorses Sai Akiri I love disagreements. Nothing could be more fruitful than that middle ground where two people don’t completely agree or vehemently disagree. Disagreement can yield results. It’s the playing field of productive discussion. The people I support for leadership roles usually fall in this category. Because I know I can challenge their ideas and they...
Angela Penna’s Candidate Statement v. Reality
I recently published a piece titled People Before Politics. In the spirit of meaningful slogans, I feel the need to discuss the misnomer of another slogan, “passion for education,” recently coined by a BOE candidate running for re-election. It’s a great slogan, don’t get me wrong – but it’s been three years, and I haven’t seen any passion for education...
Dipti Khanna Should Be On the BOE
A degree in Engineering and a career with a top company in a position that demonstrates evidence of all the skills one would want in a BOE Representative – these two qualities alone can be the basis to vote for Dipti. Dipti, however, is more than these two things. Dipti is a mother with children who attend different schools throughout...
Update On SEC Matter Involving Superintendent
Earlier today I emailed the Board of Education with regard to the ethics complaint filed against Dr. Varley surrounding allegations of Nepotism. BHCW became aware of this earlier this year when the parent who filed the complaint informed BHCW that the attorneys representing Dr. Varley (board attorneys) were attempting to block her access in a meeting with the OAL Judge...
Reset the Board of Education
With Berkeley Heights elections coming up in just a few weeks on Nov 8, I have been following the Berkeley Heights Board of Education. Recently it has been a chaotic and dysfunctional mess. The majority of the Board members have had ethics complaints filed against them from numerous parents. In addition, Pam Stanley, being funded by the Berkeley Heights...
Co-Teaching 2 different sections of Italian to 28 students IS acceptable…according to the district!
I received a response to my email regarding the unfavorable conditions being endured by 8th grade students (and single teacher) in Italian. You can read it in full below. Reasons provided why this practice IS reasonable and acceptable are: It’s been happening like this for over 23 years; It’s the only way to keep Italian (like French, or, it seems,...
BEYOND STANDARDIZED TESTS AND METRICS
GL hosted its curriculum night this past week to welcome and inform the current 8th-grade class. The presentation was impressive, and the leadership team highlighted the 27 AP courses, STEAM electives, and various clubs and activities with the slick video. It was a great event, and everyone who put it together deserves credit. What stayed with me after the presentation...
NATASHA JOLY SHOULD BE ON THE BOE
One of my votes will be going to Natasha Joly, who I met while her husband was coaching my oldest daughter’s softball team last year. I got to know her more during the Berkeley Heights French Revolution. Natasha presents as poised, composed, and informed. The evidence of this exists on tape at BOE Meetings. On Zoom Meetings On Calls for...