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Board receives ethics training from NJ School Boards Association; district recognizes two student 'Unsung Heroes'
Summary
Jean Cleary of the New Jersey School Boards Association provided the board with a detailed ethics refresher covering the School Ethics Act, disclosure requirements, prohibited acts and social media guidance; the superintendent also presented Unsung Hero recognitions for two students.
The Berkeley Heights Board of Education received annual ethics training Thursday from Jean Cleary of the New Jersey School Boards Association, who reviewed the School Ethics Act, enforcement by the School Ethics Commission, mandatory training, financial and relative disclosure statements, prohibited acts, recusal, advisory opinions and handling of social media as a board member.
Cleary emphasized that the School Ethics Act is intended to preserve public trust in local boards and that enforcement is by the statewide School Ethics Commission rather than by local boards. She walked the board through practical examples, including cases that led to reprimands, censures and, in extreme cases, suspension or removal from board service. Cleary highlighted the use of disclosure statements to identify conflicts of interest and urged board members to consult their attorney when in doubt.
Cleary also discussed social-media pitfalls and offered a recommended disclaimer that distinguishes personal speech from board representation; she warned that a disclaimer is not a guarantee against an ethics finding if statements create a reasonable perception of compromised independence.
Separately, the board recognized two students — Michael Healy and Eduardo Nascimento — who were selected to receive Union County School Boards Association Unsung Hero Awards. The resolution notes those students will be honored at the county awards ceremony on March 11, 2026.
The training was positioned as educational (not legal advice), and Cleary urged board members to use advisory opinions from the School Ethics Commission when appropriate. The session covered practical governance topics such as chain of command for complaints, the difference between board policymaking and administration, and obligations to recuse when conflicts appear.
The board thanked Cleary and reaffirmed ongoing attention to disclosure, training, and maintaining public confidence.
