The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Questions on the District’s Data Collection Processes Involving Students Remain Surveys have long been used as a vehicle for collecting information for good. But surveys have, in recent years, become a hot-button issue in our District. During redistricting, stakeholders were promised a voice and to be included in a process that ultimately marginalized families in the name of full-day kindergarten....
Role of BOE Members and the Current Race Against Change
The current majority can embrace the benefits of a split Board instead of working feverishly to maintain control. During a recent Berkeley Heights Board of Education meeting, board member Robert Cianciulli appeared rather concerned about having a “4-4 board”. The implication here is that board members would no longer vote in a bloc, but would instead have differing opinions that...
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...
Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, and Jacobs Has Over 86,000 Reasons to Be Thankful for Berkeley Heights
I should start out by acknowledging that our District has taken a small step in the right direction by publishing the Bill List and Transfer Report with this month’s Board Meeting Packet. However, considering all the claw-backs over the past three years, we are far from where we need to be. So yes – it is a good step- but...
11/16/2023 Berkeley Heights BOE Meeting Agenda – Laura & Shauna’s Notes
A. District ByLaws – Study and First Reading 0155 Board Committees The President shall appoint members to any committee and require monthly reporting to Board President. Committees are not authorized to take action on behalf of the Board. The selection and interview process relating to the hiring of a new Superintendent or Interim Superintendent shall be at all times conducted...
Thank You
I’d like to say a heartfelt “thank you” to the Berkeley Heights community for your support. The fact that so many people turned out and voted in a contest that was seemingly a done deal means so much to me. The message of Education First! underpinned by transparency and accountability truly resonated with many. As a board member, I will...
Thank You, Berkeley Heights
I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support I received over the past three years. It has not been an easy journey for many parents who have been vocal about change. I am grateful beyond any measure for the number of people who came to the polls in support of change. Words cannot adequately describe how Berkeley Heights united for...
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...
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