Without any prior notification, the zoom access for the 5/30 BOE meeting allowed for remote participation. However, the new version of Zoom does not let attendees see who else is on Zoom. Regardless, this is a major step in allowing for stakeholder involvement.
Presentation of District Goals with all Administrative members present. Of the presenters worth noting, Mr. Hopkins spent significant time discussing his role in this district and a lengthy history of DEI in BHPS. At no point was he asked to move his comments along or interrupted, like we see later on during the Board discussion in regard to the language in new and amended policies. Hopkins admits that (25:48) many times [during small group activities] we are preaching to the choir.
Bussing Update (1:01)
239 applications were received for enrollment in subscription bussing. It was reported that upwards of 300 seats were available and that these seats were route-dependent. However, Mr. Nixon remarked that the transportation department is working those out now to accommodate all students.
New Board Member Appointment
Ruth DeBang, Steve Greguske, Kelly Huffnagel and Deborah Terrero all submitted applications and participated in a public interview for the fulfillment of Angela Penna’s open Board Seat. After a nearly 45 minute executive session to discuss the Board appointed Kelly Huffnagel by a unanimous vote. (1:44)
Curriculum Writing (1:48)
Ms. Stanley commented that the resolution to approve the sidebar agreement with the BHEA for the summer elementary curriculum writing had been put on hold; no further explanation was provided. Applitrack currently has the job posting for these positions, noting that “teachers will be paid the 2024-25 per diem hourly rate.”
Policy Updates/Comments
The Sportsmanship policy is also on hold after feedback from the athletic department.
The Public Participation policy now includes remote participation in BOE meetings. Ms. Stanley commented that she has asked staff to find details on remote access (1:52).
Discussion regarding the language of the policy, specifically the removal of “legal guardian” (Guidance Counseling Policy) and concerns raised with new language giving NEA authority over disciplinary actions and procedures (Ethics Policy). Board members also commented that the new policy changes did not provide a track change record, which has been previously provided so that members and the public can see what is being amended in a policy. Mrs. Stanley interjects to remind the Board of the time to curtail discussion on policy discussion, a committee in which she is the Chair.
Public Comments
Agenda Only
No in-person stakeholders presented. Mrs. Bradford opened up zoom remarks, and one person spoke about policies and also recognized and commended the Board for the collaboration during the first part of the meeting. Following the zoom comments, a member of the public attempted to participate in the citizens hearing but was told that the in-person portion of the hearing had concluded and that they could come back at the second hearing. Ms. Akiri noted the low attendance and participation in the citizens’ hearing and requested the President allow this stakeholder to speak. Ms. Akiri’s request was denied. (2:08)
All Topics
The CMS counselor spoke during the citizens’ hearing about her bewilderment at the Board’s overturning of the founded HIB cases from the May 7 meeting.
Two additional in-person commenters mentioned Berkeley Heights Community Watch – is it me, or do you feel the growing popularity!
The first of the two commenters had no comments regarding BHPS business but focused on BHCW – asking the community to be mindful of “special interests“.
The second participant expressed concerns about Ms. Hufnagel’s social media comments about the DEI survey design and implementation– he was asked by Ms. Bradford to refrain from disparaging remarks about their newest member.
The speaker raised concerns about the technical matters being deliberated during meetings and the time it took to get through material that can be managed prior to the meetings.
As an aside to these two commenters, the invitation to dispute and debate any content on BHCW/NJ21 is withstanding and available to any and all members in Berkeley Heights and Mountainside (including, now, surrounding communities).
The last public participant was our very own John Migueis. John responded to the two remarks and offered them the opportunity to provide opinions or content on our community website, as we receive upwards of 5,000 views per month (he later corrected it to 14-18k a month) and allow anyone in the community to publish content. John also remarked about what he feels is an excessive amount of money and focused on what he believes are the ineffective approaches to safety that focus on investigations and punitive measures and encouraged the BOE to consider diverting some of these resources to Mental Health, DEI, and initiatives like Restorative Justice.
