Happy New Year everyone! First of all, there is an important update due to disturbing information published by "Anonymous" user in one of our local social media groups. Everyone must read and see for yourselves and call out on the majority of current BOE members silencing and denying jewish members of Fair Lawn BOE of their religious and civil rights! Read in quotes:
"One of the re-elected members of the Fair Lawn Board of Education, who claims to be a strong supporter of the Jewish community and even identifies as Jewish himself, has just bashed a motion proposed by another BOE member (52:40 mark). The motion was simple: to change the date of a 2026 BOE meeting from December 10th to December 17th to accommodate the Hanukkah celebration.
Instead of supporting it, he denied the motion in the most dismissive and cruel manner. He referred to Jewish people as "them," as if he was not part of the community himself. He even suggested that he needed to check with an Orthodox rabbi to see if it's “allowed” to work on Hanukkah nights — questioning something as basic as lighting candles or having family dinners on the holiday.
This behavior is unacceptable and disgraceful. Every Jewish person deserves to know who they’re voting for in positions of power.
In stark contrast, at the 49:30 mark, you can see Mr. Wilkin Santana, a Christian member of the Board, standing up and defending the rights of the Jewish community.
Everyone needs to see this and share it. It's time to hold our elected officials accountable.
https://www.youtube.com/live/aKaHGNIEwyU?si=nzSWl8-27ESlUjRx&t=3222
To everyone who signed our petition and has been asking for updates, please refer to the emails we sent on 01/04/26 and 01/07/26, as well as the email we received from the Fair Lawn School Administration on 01/07/26.
These emails contain critical information regarding our ongoing efforts, and we encourage you to take action. Please feel free to reach out to the Fair Lawn School Administration and the NJDOE by phone and email. Get involved. Attend our local school board meetings, ask questions, and hold officials accountable — especially as high taxpayers and, most importantly, as parents: https://go.boarddocs.com/nj/flps/Board.nsf/Public
Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support!
"01/04/26
To: Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Fair Lawn Schools Cc: Fair Lawn Board of Education,
State of New Jersey Department of Education
Dear Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Fair Lawn Schools.
The motion to “adopt Jewish Heritage Month in the month of May” passed during the October 30, 2025 FLBOE meeting (see enclosed).
As the organizer of the Fair Lawn Schools JAHM (Jewish American Heritage Month of May) petition, and on behalf of our supporters, I would like to know how it will be implemented in May 2026. Can you please provide the details?
Thank you,
Dina M"
"01/07/26
To: Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Fair Lawn Schools
Cc: Fair Lawn Board of Education,
State of New Jersey Department of Education
Dear Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Fair Lawn Schools.
Since I have not heard from you, I'd like to follow up and kindly ask for your official response to my email - please see below.
Thank you,
Dina M"
"01/07/26
Dionisio, Rui<RDionisio@fairlawnschools.org>
Central Office With Rebecca V;Mahan, Julie
Thank you for your email, Ms. Malen. The leadership team is in the planning process for heritage recognitions for the remainder of the 2025-2026 academic year, similar to prior years. We will provide an update once plans have been finalized.
All my best,
Dr. Rui M. Dionisio
Superintendent of Schools"
SIGN & SHARE this petition link to show your support for a diverse and inclusive education that honors Jewish American Heritage Month in our public schools:
https://www.change.org/p/incorporate-jewish-american-heritage-month-may-into-fair-lawn-schools-curriculum
Get involved and show you support in person during FLBOE meetings:
Fair Lawn Public Schools
37-01 Fair Lawn Ave
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Phone: (201) 794-5500