Sai’s Notes on the 06/29/2023 Agenda

More Secrecy, More False Crises, More Potential Violations…….More of the Same

Per our policy 0162 on notice for board meetings, a special meeting can be called for.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-9, upon the affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members present, the Board may hold a meeting notwithstanding the failure to provide adequate notice if:

1. Such meeting is required in order to deal with matters of such urgency and importance that a delay for the purpose of providing adequate notice would be likely to result in substantial harm to the public interest; and

2. The meeting is limited to discussion of and acting with respect to such matters of urgency and importance; and

3. Notice of such meeting is provided as soon as possible following the calling of such meeting by posting written notice of the same in the public place described in N.J.S.A. 10:4.8.d., and also by notifying the two newspapers described in N.J.S.A. 10:4.8.d. by telephone, telegram, or by delivering a written notice of same to such newspapers; and

4. Either the public body could not reasonably have foreseen the need for such meeting at a time when adequate notice could have been provided or although the public body could reasonably have foreseen the need for such meeting at a time when adequate notice could have been provided, it nevertheless failed to do so.

Look at the agenda for tonight, it’s packed with items that do not meet the criteria listed in our policy.

Why does the five-year shared services agreement that starts on September 1, 2023, need to be voted on at a special meeting?

When bills CANNOT be approved at a special board meeting, how is it acceptable to approve a five-year shared services contract and a long term key administrator position?

Why do certificated staff and Help staff appointments starting in late August need to be voted on tonight? Why can’t these agenda items be on the regularly scheduled August 10 board meeting?

Why the urgency to vote on the director of elementary education when the Berkeley Heights Administrators Association BHAA has Indicated its opinion on this position?

Historically our board used to interview all prospective candidates along with representatives from the teachers and parents. Can the public get information about who interviewed for this key position? and the selection process? There is clearly a lack of transparency and communication from district leadership which has led to a public outcry. 

Many questioned the interview process for Superintendent Varley, now every key position she tries to rehire seems to be shrouded in secrecy and a weird sense of urgency.

Are the public expected to just pay taxes that fund these key positions but keep quiet?

Policy 0162

06/29/2023 Agenda

Laura’s Notes on the 06/29/2023 BOE Meeting

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