A parent emailed the BOE requesting clarification on District Policy concerning electioneering on school grounds and forwarded the email to BHCW for publishing.
The email concerns Ms. Angela Penna and asks 4 questions about the BOE Vice President (who is running for re-election):
“1. What was Angela Penna, who is running for re-election, doing inside and outside of William Woodruff on the first day of school greeting families as they entered/drove up? Campaigning on schools’ grounds is unethical and not permitted.
2. What policy allows Board of Ed members to attend our schools and aide in the day-to-day operations?
3. Are all incumbent Board of Ed candidates permitted to attend our district schools or just Angela Penna?
4. Like last year, when it was brought to your attention that Pamela Stanley was attending PTO meetings at CMS and Mary Kay without being invited, introducing herself – but rather silently listening and watching – what is the policy for board members attending these types of events without prior knowledge or invitation from our building principals or PTO presidents?”
BHCW Contributor Laura Kap received a photo from a Woodruff Parent who was also concerned about Ms. Penna and electioneering on school grounds. She submitted it for inclusion in this article.
Historically, Berkeley Heights BOE Members have made up reasons to engage with parents just around the time they are up for re-election (except when it involves responding to emails or questions at BOE Meetings).
Last year, the District canceled a Coffee event sponsored by the District that involved the former BOE President during his re-election bid after community members criticized the decision.
Electioneering on school grounds is an ethical violation and given that Ms. Penna is now subject to numerous ethics complaints with the SEC and has not spoken out against the District’s decision to not allow LWV debates on school grounds as it is considered “partisan”, one has to wonder what she is doing within 10 miles of any Berkeley Heights School during her re-election bid.
