DON’T GIVE UP NOW!!!
Last night the Board of Education held a Town Hall meeting.
They claimed this meeting was to engage the community and obtain feedback. To say it was a disappointment does not even begin to echo the thoughts most had following the meeting.
Here is a summary:
1- The Board President did not allow any Board member to respond or comment- He claimed this is in the Bylaws- Yet one parent looked at the District website and no By Laws are posted. Another looked at the NJ ByLaws and it clearly states, “All statements, questions, or inquiries directed by a participant to another Board member shall be received by the presiding officer who shall determine if such a statement, question, or inquiry shall be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board or by the individual Board Member”.
So to be clear the President of our Board of education censored the entire elected board and did let any individual speak.
2- The President openly stated there will be NO Consideration for Scenario 3 which many gave feedback on to offer this would show and reflect the board is listening. Instead, they continued to push ahead with their desired agenda and what they are calling choices but really aren’t, now or later? So why were they calling this a feedback session if all they did was dismiss all feedback given?
3- The numbers- 31 individuals spoke last night. 5 Spoke in favor of the current plan, but it should be noted 3 of the 5 have kids who have already graduated or are currently at GL they do not have little kids or even realize what this past year has been like raising little children during a pandemic. The remaining 26 individuals spoke out opposing scenario 4 or 5. There was an unwillingness by the Board president, or the Board to even engage in a discussion about Scenario 3 or for that matter any concern that was brought up.
4- The Board president said the survey is coming out to only elementary parents. Individuals asked why the town is not being given an opportunity to vote again dismissed.
Community- we witnessed a dictatorship from our Board President and his effort to suppress honest dialogue and feedback from the community which elected him. A sad moment for our wonderful town.
Those of you who have elementary children received the survey at 9:07am via email. Wait please do not fill it out until after the next board town hall meeting. There is no rush.
Like many were left to wonder- What I can do now?
It is time to let the board know you are not willing to stand for this, they are our elected officials. Write to each one, TODAY Write to Tapinto TODAY let them know you are UPSET, FRUSTRATED and what we witnessed last night is UNACCEPTABLE on so many levels.
Do not be afraid to mention to each one their reelection is going to be very difficult if they feel the way they have handled, operated and or are going about this whole process is acceptable. It is not and it is time to put them on notice. Being direct is VERY IMPORTANT they clearly were direct with us last night they showed they do not care. Continue to show them we DO!
Thank you to all those who spoke and continue to write to the Board, write to Tapinto, and spread the word. Dialogue is great and we need to continue. If you have not taken the time, please read the recent articles submitted. There is a lot of very valuable points being shared by many parents.
We need more SIGNS into yards- need exposure!!! Are you willing to put a sign, know someone who is? PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Especially looking for individuals on Park Ave, Plainfield, Snyder, Mountain, and Springfield. Please let us know.
We still have approximately 20 left and NEED to get them out ASAP.
We need to hear from you!
Please send your address and a team member will stop by with one.
Please send your address to:
EMAIL: parentsofberkeleyheights@gmail.com
Please stay tuned into these updates and there may be upcoming planned events to show our displeasure.
WE CAN DO THIS!!!! Thank you for speaking last evening!!
BELIEVE, be INSPIRED for your CHILDREN to make a DIFFERENCE!