The Penna Bloc Shows A Crack

Laura’s Notes from the 03/30/2023 Budget Meeting

The 3/30/23 Board meeting was a thing of beauty. People were passionate, and the Board majority voted in a way that reflected some glimmer of compassion for those who spoke. Okay, it had some embarrassing and dark moments. But we saw some resistance to the Administration, so I’ll take any movement in the right direction.

Let’s talk about community – OUR community. Yes, Berkeley Heights, it was amazing to see parents, children, educators, and Administrators come out supporting our Supervisors. But it wasn’t just about our supervisors; it was about another attempt at a poor process and people standing up and speaking out in opposition. I was proud of my community when we rallied around the Township Administrator. And I was proud to see my community rally around our schools’ very essence and primary focus: supporting what is in the best interest of our students and staff.

The 03/30 vote was about doing the right thing for the right reason. Has Dr. Varley ever put herself in the shoes of a parent in this district, a student, a Principal or a teacher?

No.

That is clear, and her actions and attitude continue to be self-serving. (Side note: Does anyone notice that when Ms. Akiri gets up to speak, Melissa needs a bathroom break?)

As one parent pointed out, our schools are not a corporation where our goal is to meet some quota; education decisions should not be based on the budget. The budget should be based on the needs of our students and teachers. We are people, and it’s about time Varley and the Board realize they work for us, and need to answer to us.

Some other notable notes from the 03/30 Board meeting:

-The BHAA read their email sent to Dr. Varley and the Board (in which they did not receive a written reply or have any answers provided last night). In this email, they state that they were not advised or consulted regarding the porposed motion to abolish Supervisor positions. Instead, they requested a meeting to COLLABORATE and troubleshoot regarding these positions. Ms. Nardi (Hughes Principal) calls upon an earlier remark by Cianciulli (regarding courtesy bussing) in which he states that he wants to take the proper time and work to create a comprehensive plan and not rush into any significant decision. She asks for the same due diligence when it comes to voting to abolish the District Supervisor positions.

-Dr. Varley threatens the Board with cutting teacher positions if they do not approve her motion to abolish Supervisor positions.

-In a 5 to 3 vote, the motion fails. You can ask Penna, Cianculli and Stanley for their rationale, but it’s clear they don’t care about their vote.

-Several students speak on behalf of Supervisors and to get answers regarding AP courses. We have Dr. Varley on record, at the last Board meeting, saying that courses with low enrollment will likely be cut, and also stating (on 3/30) that AP classes would never be cut – so, which one is it? Pam Stanley also stated that “important” classes will never make it to the chopping block – let’s hold her to that!

-Several parents question why teacher and Supervisory positions are getting cut and why Julie Kot and Melissa Varley have yet to offer to trim the excess from their department. How many administrative support staff can fit on a fiscal cliff? – Apparently, 23!

-Robert gets hella angry that Dipti asks intelligent and important questions. It’s ok, Robert, we voted Dipti into that seat for a reason, so let her talk without the condescending remarks, please!

-#PIZZAGATE wasn’t mentioned last night, but the entire community already knows that saucy story. For those who don’t yet know, last week a supervisor (who is, ironically, a huge advocate for DEI) became verbally aggressive with a teacher while students were present. Apparently taking a slice of pizza from the wrong box is considered criminal and grounds for belligerent rants.

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