THE DISTRICTS WAR ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES: THE 2022 LWV BOE DEBATE

The League of Women Voters was born out of the American women’s suffrage movement.  For over a century they have maintained an important role in the national discourse of American government by sponsoring debates, working to reform elections to benefit every American (HAVA), launching VOTE411 all while remaining non-partisan.

The LWV has been critical in helping our small community learn about it’s leaders – providing probably the most meaningful opportunity for residents in our town to learn about the individuals that seek to represent them. For years our schools have opened their doors and even used their media resources in helping the LWV provide this service to the community.

This year it appears our District has deemed facilitating the LWV BOE Debates as a violation of policy as it prohibits “partisan political activity”.  This interpretation of policy is new and strange.  BOE elections are non-partisan.  Debates are NOT campaign events but rather an opportunity for everyone in the community to become more engaged in their government.  There is no better place to demonstrate what is good about our system of government than in our schools.

From Former BOE President John Sincaglia:

“Change of location for BH Board of Education candidates night.

The date is still Sept. 19 @ 7pm. But instead of GL cafeteria it will now be held at the municipal building.

The reason for this change is that the school district has denied the League of Women voters permission because they say it violates Policy 7510 which prohibits “partisan political activity”. Of course, the school board is legally non-partisan and all candidates are invited to participate. Also, GL as well as Columbia have been used many times for many years for candidates forums, both for BOE and Mayor and Council and the high school has taped the proceedings to be rebroadcast on Cable TV. Not to mention that the League of Women voters is non-partisan and never endorses candidates.”

It appears our District administration is making this a partisan issue and using the debates as a means of meting out yet another petty punishment to a community that has been shocked and vocal about the developments over the past three years.

Fortunately, our municipal government stepped up to the plate and has allowed the LWV to hold the BOE debate at the Municipal Building.

As the leadership of this District is continuing its no holds barred campaign against transparency, accountability and engagement – it is important for voters to understand that it appears they will leave no stone unturned in quashing the proud and longstanding tradition this community has in being involved with our local government.

Related Reading:
BOARD ZOOM MEETINGS
THE BERKELEY HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 12-MONTH PATH TO LESS INPUT AND ENGAGEMENT
THE BERKELEY HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS FRENCH CONTROVERSY OF 2022: A WRITTEN RECORD OF EVENTS
THE BERKELEY HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL 2022 BUDGET CONTROVERSY: SYNOPSIS
DEI: AN OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

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