
They Could Take Our Last Tool For Transparency
Legislation being proposed at the state level casts a darkness on government business -John Leo, Jr. In four bills just last week presented to the NJ Legislature, A5613-5616, the mechanisms by which the public can gain public records are destined to be severely changed- some good, some bad. OPRA (Open Public Records Act) being the only tool we have to...

BUDGET, NEPOTISM & TEXTBOOKS
In this clip, a parents asks questions surrounding three areas: (1) Budget Process: Last year, the Budget Process was the subject of much criticism as the total budget was not disclosed to the public (until BHCW obtained it through an OPRA request to the State) and because there was no public meeting before initial approval. Last year the BOE hinted...

Policy 0167 – Don’t Allow Them To Silence Your Voice
Sai Akiri Everyone attending a Berkeley Heights Board of Education meeting has fundamental rights, mainly the freedom of speech. Every resident or parent wanting to express their opinions, concerns, or questions is entitled to do so under the OPMA – Open public meetings act. There are two segments during the board meeting for residents to speak. The first is during...

Berkeley Heights School District Saddled with Current Attorney for Another Year
While it was clear at the end of 2022 that the Berkeley Heights Board of Education was not going to address calls to look into hiring a different law firm, it was still disappointing to see the firm of Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC renewed for another year with no hesitation or opposition. This law firm has given our district...

Berkeley Heights Administrators Remain a Wall of Silence
Parent’s continue to face an Administration that is short on answers concerning the Districts Difficulties with Math In this clip from the 01/05/2023 meeting, a parent faces yet another wall of silence after expressing a coherent fact-based commentary connected to the District’s continued difficulties with teaching math. Dr. Varley, responsible for this disaster, did not offer a single explanation, rebuttal,...

Varley, Kot and The Ongoing Obsession with Sai Akiri
Instead of trying to repair yet another mess she has created in our Math program, Dr. Varley appear to be using her time and her staff to continue her strange campaign against Sai Akiri The District has been using OPRA denials, requests and extensions to seemingly exert some power and even intimidation over parents. It now seems as if the...

The ‘Work Together’ Group is at it Again (Still)
The Berkeley Heights BOE elections are over. The district will have two new representatives, along with returning member Angela Penna, installed in less than two months. And yet, ‘we hate Sai’ continues to be the hobby of District leadership and the BOE Members who support them. Why? Who is directing this, and who benefits? Where is the collaboration? Where is...

District Leadership Appears to Play Politics Again.
In what appears to be a further attempt by District leadership to influence public opinion on elected officials, questionable minutes on the teacher’s contract sent out at the speed of light. This is the third time allegedly inaccurate minutes or inaccurate documents were made available to the public on a matter of great interest concerning BOE members who have been...

Simply the Best
Natasha Joly, Sai Bhargavi Akiri and Dipti Khanna for BOE Natasha, Sai, and Dipti are the best candidates the Board of Education can get. I have publicly demonstrated my support as my lawn is covered with their signs. And, if you do some independent research, like one of my friend did, you will also come to that conclusion. I am...

IS THE DISTRICT’S TOP LEADERSHIP SEEKING TO INFLUENCE THE ELECTION?
It has come to my attention that a post is circulating on the internet which involves an email from Julie Kot, BHPS Business Administrator, to Melissa Varley, BHPS Superintendent. The date of this email was 10/26/22 at approximately 3:45PM. The subject of this email was about “wasted funds” on a hotel room for a BOE Member who was unable to...