
THANK YOU, Berkeley Heights!
First and foremost, thank you to the Berkeley Heights voters for your support and confidence in me. From my Mama Squad, softball Dad brigade to the many Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who took the time to vote, my most humble gratitude. To the text groups who kept me laughing daily, with funny videos, silly jokes and even-keeled perspective (and you...

Sai Akiri (7-2) – She’s Earned Your Vote
I am happy to endorse Sai Akiri for Boe. Sai has consistently advocated for improving our District’s academic performance, involving families in decisions, and ensuring our dollars go where they belong – to the classroom. I have known Sai for many years. She is an incredible mother who has been a passionate voice in informing parents and protecting their interests....

Where We Go From Here
“The First Order wins by making people think they are alone. We’re not alone.” —Poe BHCW has, for over a year, provided a space for deep, fact based discussion about local government – especially our BOE. I have never been shy about expressing an opinion, but I have never done it at this level. BHCW was born out of the...

GO Out And VOTE!!!
First and foremost, this post is to encourage you to go out and VOTE. It is your privilege and right to have a say in local government. Although I have been opinionated and adamant in those I am supporting, I respect your decision to vote for the candidates you believe will best fulfill his/her role. So who’s on tap? MAYOR ...

Why I am voting for Sai Bhargavi Akiri for Berkeley Heights Board of Education, column 7-2.
Tisha Mannino My husband and I moved to Berkeley Heights with our two young children 12 years ago largely for the great schools. While we have had many fantastic teachers in the schools, we started to become concerned when we saw that our rankings were declining versus some of the schools in the surrounding area. This prompted me to start...

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...

Natasha Joly Has My Vote; Column 7-1!
I have know the Joly family for a few years, but have come to know Natasha very well over the last few months. We re-connected when the district announced it would abolish the French program – and from that moment on we have seen Natasha become a strong and vocal advocate for families, educators, our children and our community. Natasha...
Thinking Classrooms and Parent Concerns
I was one of the parents who attended the information session on November 1st. I’ve had some parents reach out to me regarding this methodology but I was surprised at how many parents were upset with impact it’s having on their kids and how the administration treated their concerns. I was happy to see that the administration communicated that they...
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THE CURRENT THINKING CLASSROOM MODEL
I attended the Building Thinking Classroom session hosted at GL last night and wanted to share some thoughts and the questions I submitted online for the session. I will start with some of the positive aspects I took away from last night’s session. 1) The Thinking Classroom encourages students to think and behave outside of their comfort zone, pushes them...
DIPTI KHANNA HAS MY VOTE; COLUMN 1!
I am more than proud to support Dipti as she will bring civility, data-driven decision making and transparency to the Board. Dipti has been a vocal advocate for the needs of our children, our educators and their families over the last few years. Dipti understands that it is prudent to have quantifiable metrics to fully understand the successes of our...