MKM Principal’s Resignation Letter to Dr. Varley and The Berkeley Heights Board of Education

Will they finally listen?

BHCW has obtained the MKM principal’s resignation letter submitted to the BOE and Administration.

It isn’t pretty:

June 15, 2023

Dear Members of the Board and Dr. Varley,

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire from my position as school principal with the Berkeley Heights School District. After much consideration and reflection, I have concluded that it is time for me to move on and preserve my physical and emotional well-being.

Over the past four years, I have encountered numerous instances of unprofessional behavior,disrespect, and hostility from district level leadership. Additionally I have been tasked with supervising the K-12 ELL program (a position previously held by the World Language and Social Studies
Supervisor) beginning in September, a role that does not tap my expertise or knowledge base.

As I approach the end of my career, I have come to realize that I deserve to spend my time in a positive and supportive work environment where I am respected for my contributions. Unfortunately,that is not something that I have experienced these past four years and I cannot continue to subject
myself to the negativity under the current administration.

To the Board of Education, knowledge avoidance and willful ignorance when confronted with facts you disagree with have superseded your search for the truth and inhibits your ability to make fully informed decisions. Relying on a single source of information and refusing to collaborate with the administrative team is detrimental to our students and community. I hope the Board will take the necessary steps to
address the culture that has driven me away.

I will be retiring from my position effective September 1, 2023. I will work with my colleagues and MKM staff to ensure a smooth transition and tie up any loose ends before my departure. I wish the Berkeley Heights School Community all the best.

To the MKM Staff, principals, supervisors, parents, and the thousands of students I’ve been privileged to know during my 14 year tenure as principal of MKM, thank you for your support and friendship. I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Annie Corley-Hand

We can assume that the reference to a single source of information pertains to Dr. Varley and the BOE Majority’s reliance on her narrative in the most recent budget/reorganization meetings – over the suggestions provided by the BHAA, Teaching Staff and Parents.

We did not realize that roles once held by our OPRA Custodian were pushed onto Ms. Corley-Hand.

We obtained this letter today along with information that the District’s Business Administrator is pursuing a new position in Ridgewood, NJ.

Resignation Letter:

Related Content:

MKM Principal Resigns From Her Position
Have You Had Enough Yet?
Reassignments, Resignations and the Berkeley Heights Public School District’s Decline


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