BHPSNJ Referendum Breakdown…. Soft Costs, Maintenance, and Inflation Risks?
The Berkeley Heights Board of Education has submitted a $50.3 million pre-referendum budget estimate to the New Jersey Department of Education for review. We requested this information through OPRA which led to another display of willful ignorance and petty bureaucratic power plays — but that’s for another article. One of the documents received was a Scope/Budget Analysis of what the...
Statement from BOE Representative Sai Akiri on the June 26 resolution to submit plans to the State for Approval
The Board was asked to approve one step in the process toward a referendum during the June 26 meeting—specifically, to approve submission of the applications to the state for review. Let me be clear why I could not support this. In the past, I have said it may be better to discuss issues as a full Board versus our current...
Berkeley Heights Administration Stuffs Referendum, Contracts, and Big Decisions Into One Quiet Meeting — Again
John’s Notes on the 06/26/2025 BHPSNJ BOE Agenda Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article indicated that the BA Salary was prorated – that was incorrect. The salary listed is the annual salary. On June 26th, the Berkeley Heights Board of Education is set to hold one of its most packed — and least transparent — meetings of the...
Refocus the Referendum: Spend Wisely, Not Widely
The Following Community Voices article was received from Helen Gabara who is a resident of Berkeley Heights and parent of a child in the District The PR firm told the BOE during his presentation, that the way to get the public to vote for the referendum is to include “something for everyone.” That is lousy advice. The temptation would be...
Progress Not Promises—BHPSNJ Needs Real Budget Reform
Fix the Budget Before Marketing the Referendum or Giving Away School Resources For too long, consultants and so-called experts have profited from advising our community while delivering little to no meaningful results. The time for talk is over—we need real action. The BHPSNJ budget is bloated and mismanaged, with efforts to reform it met with obstruction, harassment, and public ridicule....
The 02/26/2025 BOE Referendum Presentation in a Snapshot
Laura’s Notes on the 02/26/2025 BOE Meeting Planning a successful referendum revolves around three critical factors: Scope, Budget, and Tax Impact. The District’s Debt In 2005, BHPS successfully passed a referendum, with bonds issued in 2006. In 2014, the District refinanced its debt, leaving only one outstanding bond set to mature on March 1, 2026. When existing debt is nearing maturity, school...
Dr. Feltre Responds to NJ21st Questions on Referendum and Parent Concerns on School Closings
John received the following response from Dr. Feltre to his article on the referendum published last week. Good Afternoon Mr. Migueis, Thank you for your thoughts and insights. Your first question “A referendum for what?” is part of the reason for the meeting on February 26th, but the next step in the process. When I started in January, I navigated multiple...
BHEA and Community Await Details on BHPSNJ Facilities and Funding Plans
Earlier this morning, BHPSNJ families received an email from Dr. Feltre regarding the first step toward a potential referendum. The email stated: “On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm, a presentation will be held on the referendum process. Architects, bond counsel, and financial advisers will be present to discuss the debt rolling off, potential tax implications, timeline, and next...
BOE Members Respond to Questions on Facility Concerns
As a follow-up to questions connected to facilities, NJ21st received responses from two BOE Members: Sai Akiri Hi John, Thank you for your email. Your concerns about the long-overdue facilities repairs and the urgency of addressing them are well-founded, and I completely support the call for actions that are well-planned and swift. You raise important points about the availability of...
Distortions of Truth at the Berkeley Heights BOE Meeting
Shauna’s Notes of the 01/27/2025 BOE Meeting The Union County Superintendent, Daryl Palmieri again selected Gale Bradford to fill the role of President of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education, and the meeting opened with Mrs. Bradford sharing a directive given by Mr. Palmieri that the board work together. A relatively straight-forward vote elected Dipti Khanna to the position of...
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