Union president urges board to reconsider 25 educator non‑renewals as trustees approve personnel slate with exceptions

The Bayonne Board of Education approved the superintendent’s curriculum and personnel report covering A1–A6 and B1–B34 after trustees recorded several abstentions and item‑specific exceptions.

Jean Woods, who identified herself as president of the BEA, asked the board to reconsider decisions not to renew 25 educators listed under personnel item B28. "When you take the salary of one of those [new positions] that's being proposed ... that money could be used to bring back at least four of the 25 who were not being renewed," Woods said, urging the board to share any needed cuts "equally." She said the district has faced a multiyear educator shortage and cited a $2.1 million loss of state funding.

Woods also criticized creation or splitting of some administrative positions that she said "do not have a true impact on the entire student body," arguing those funds could preserve classroom staff and services students rely on.

During the roll call on the motion to approve the superintendent’s slate, several trustees recorded exceptions. Trustee Burke said he would "abstain from…security in B28." Trustee Casayas voted no on the slate. Trustee Gdeski Rodriguez expressed difficulty with the choice but said she would vote yes, and Trustee Gonzalez said he voted yes with the exception of item B28. Vice President Majio said she would abstain on B34 and vote yes on the remaining items. President Desmond also said she would vote yes "with the exception of B28 … and B29." The motion carried with those recorded exceptions.

Board members asked the administration to consider staff needs going forward. "I ask and implore the administration to consider all the needs of the staff in this district," Trustee Gonzalez said during the vote, emphasizing a desire not to sacrifice student services.

What happens next: The superintendent’s report and personnel actions were approved with exceptions noted on the record; the transcript shows item‑specific abstentions and no votes on B28, B29 and B34, and board direction asking administration to consider staffing impacts. No additional formal motions to rescind or revisit specific non‑renewals were recorded in the public meeting.