Endorsement: Vote for Tom Foregger – Accountability

It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Dr. Foregger for re-election to the BHPSNJ Board of Education. Over the past several years, Dr. Foregger has proven to be a steadfast advocate for transparency, family engagement, and accountability within our school district, consistently standing up for what is right in the face of significant challenges.

Dr. Foregger has been instrumental in leading efforts to improve transparency in decision-making, particularly during the difficult times of the 2021 reconfiguration of the district. While others dismissed the voices of families, Dr. Foregger has consistently stood up for parental involvement, recognizing the essential role that families play in the educational process. His commitment to open and honest communication was demonstrated when he objected to the decision to lock social media comments and limit public input during board meetings—decisions that worked against the very essence of community engagement.

Under the previous leadership, we saw repeated violations of transparency laws, such as the Open Public Meetings Act, and a general unwillingness to involve the public in crucial decisions affecting our schools. Dr. Foregger, along with his colleague Ms. Akiri, was one of the few Board members who actively resisted these actions, ensuring that the community’s voice was not silenced.

Dr. Foregger has also been a champion of responsible governance, speaking out against improper budgetary processes and mismanagement. He was one of the few who objected to limiting the public’s ability to fully express their concerns during board meetings, advocating for open dialogue rather than arbitrary restrictions.

Perhaps most importantly, in 2024, as part of a new majority, Dr. Foregger has helped usher in a wave of positive changes for our district, including the restoration of remote participation in BOE meetings, the reinstatement of board correspondence in meeting agendas, and the publication of subcommittee minutes on the district website. These are concrete steps toward rebuilding trust between the district and its families, and they would not have been possible without Dr. Foregger’s leadership.

In a district that has too often sidelined public input, Dr. Foregger has been a consistent advocate for open communication and engagement, never losing sight of the importance of community involvement in education. His integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the families of our district make him an invaluable asset to the Board of Education.

I strongly endorse Dr. Foregger for re-election and am confident that he will continue to fight for the values of accountability and family involvement that are so vital to the success of our school district.

Herb Waddell