In response to Mr. Leblond’s Letter to the District on Facilities, the Data Breach and BOE President:

From Ms. Akiri:

Thank you for reaching out, Mr.Leblond.

I share your concerns regarding the PowerSchool data breach.

I have contacted the district administration to request a detailed review of the specific information stored in PowerSchool for Berkeley Heights Public Schools (BHPSNJ). Obtaining a comprehensive report on all stored data—such as students’ dates of birth, pictures, grades, home addresses, teacher information, teacher recommendations, and parents’ email addresses—would be highly valuable.

In my opinion, the district is obligated to communicate the student information affected by the data breach.

Additionally, I believe PowerSchool is liable for the breach of this sensitive information.

I strongly encourage the district to reassess the types of student and teacher information stored in PowerSchool and similar platforms. This includes reconsidering the need for annual updates of student photos and teacher information.

In regards to an CMS fire alarm, I agree we need a review of all longterm infrastructure needs in our schools which would potentially fall under capital projects. I believe one of our neighboring towns Madison had a similar issue with a fire alarm system due to which they had to shut a school down for a day.

Please note these are my thoughts and opinions as an individual and do not represent the opinion of the Berkeley Heights Board of education.

Best Regards,

Sai Bhargavi

From Ms. Bradford:

Mr. LeBlond,

I have received and read your email. Thank you for contacting me.
Best,

Gale

From Mr. Dillon:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mr. Leblond.

Dr. Feltre provided two updates to parents on 01/17/2025 and 01/23/2025

John wrote to the Business Administrator and Finance Chair about the the District Audit:

Good Morning Dipti/AJ,

AJ:

It is my understanding that the audit was due to the state on 01/15/2025 however there is no evidence of its completion on the state website. Additionally, as was the case last year, it appears the District has already determined that it will again submit the audit findings to the state prior to reporting it to the community and it’s elected representatives.

Out of the 23 Districts in Union County, we are one of six that does not appear on the county website.

Last year the reasons cited were that you came to position soon before the audit process and OPRA requests were taking up your time.

As it appears that you have outsourced OPRA requests to attorneys and this is your second year as BA, there may be other reasons for the delay.

Can you please provide a detailed explanation as to what issues you are negotiating with the auditor that is creating the delay?

Dipti:

Is the finance committee aware of the reasons for the delay; have you been privy to communications between the business office and auditors?

The ACFR is a critical tool that residents can inform their feedback during the budget process and can be a basis to evaluate whether our resources are being put to good use.

The first response was from Ms. Khanna:

Good morning.
The Finance committee has not been privy to the communication between the business office and auditors.

Best Regards,
Dipti

The Next was from the Business Administrator:

The audit will be sent to the state by the 31st this Friday. There are items I need to send to the auditor that I have not had a moment to finish.

Thank you

Read More on the BHPSNJ BOE

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