What should have been a focused Budget adoption meeting of the Board of Education turned into another marathon, with tensions boiling over.
We have published content on the transportation and bussing issue ad nauseam, so this meeting recap will not address any of those concerns or discussions.
The budget was passed with all members voting in support of the 2024-25 proposal.
Dipti Khanna, chair of the Finance Committee, oversaw a budget process that finally allowed public access to the budget prior to the meeting along with an additional meeting.
All in all, there was nothing of serious note regarding the final presentation or questions. Several residents interjected their opinions and personal feelings about the transportation issue during the Budget only public session.
The Board accepted Ms. Angela Penna’s resignation from her Board seat. Applications to fill her seat will be accepted until May 22, 2024 at 2PM to the Business Office. The term would be until 12/31/2024 and will be an appointment by the Board.
Resignations and retirements were briefly recognized in a motion, including the resignations of all staff members from BHPS.
Assistant Superintendent Anthony Giordano was a last-minute addition to the list of resignations.
Late into the 11th hour (quite literally) Board discussion seemed to go around in circles with regard to the contract with NJSBA, the firm that has been hired to conduct the search for our next Superintendent. Ms. Akiri had issue with the fact that Ms. Bradford had signed the contract without the Board discussing the stipulations and expectations set forth in the contract. Ultimately the full Board moved on to accept the contract.
One resident asserted blame on “the four” Board members for the resignation of staff and Administrators. Comments commuted to reflect that blame should be at the hands of “the four” who had voted to not pay teachers in January and, as a result, would likely reflect more resignations in the months to come.
BHCW has already dispelled this misinformation multiple times, but the narrative about teachers not getting paid still seems to be circulating. The Board does not have the power to withhold paying teachers, they are part of a union – their paychecks were never, ever going to be withheld. Also of note is that many in the community, including teachers, do not feel all the administrative positions are necessary.
For the first time in recent BOE history, Ms. Bradford allowed residents to get up multiple times during a single public hearing and even allowed residents to get up to clarify questions and ask follow-ups. This is a step forward in involving stakeholders and should be the norm going forward for all residents.
For the second time during a regular meeting, the new Board attorney was present and provided legitimate, timely, and accurate counsel to the Board.
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