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Berkeley Heights board returns from closed session, approves hires and a slate of policies; geometry textbook passes amid objections
Summary
At its May 15 meeting the Berkeley Heights Board of Education returned from executive session, approved personnel actions including a new Hughes principal, advanced a package of policies and adopted a new geometry textbook despite a board member’s objections about content and presentation.
The Berkeley Heights Board of Education reconvened in public on May 15 after an executive session and spent more than four hours on reports, personnel actions, textbook adoptions and an extensive set of policy items.
Student representative Olivia highlighted end‑of‑year events at Governor Livingston High School, and Superintendent Dr. Feltry explained a public concern about reported SAT scores, saying the district used a different data source (Naviance) than the school performance reports and vowing to note sources in future presentations.
The board approved a slate of personnel actions that included the hire of Chris Derfinger as the new Hughes School principal; Derfinger publicly introduced himself and was welcomed by outgoing Hughes principal Jessica Nardy. The board also accepted several retirements and authorized searches for replacements, including work to identify an interim business administrator.
A contested education package that included a new geometry textbook was approved. Board member Dr. Forer said he would vote against the geometry adoption and read a memo in which he said he had found “math mistakes,” “unclear or incorrect definitions” and that some proofs were presented only in video form, which he warned could limit students’ ability to review derivations. Curriculum committee members and several board members said the new textbook and online supplements provide updated standards alignment and digital tools that should help teachers and students.
On finances and business items, the board approved standard resolutions and the bill list but flagged one vendor invoice (check #212230, Hazmat Diagnostic LLC) for which the business office must provide a readable backup before payment is finalized. The board also added and approved a shared‑services resolution (AL) with the Township of Berkeley Heights covering contingencies for Lower Columbia field maintenance and tennis‑court access.
The meeting included robust public comment. Tamar Tier, a district bus driver, asked the board to clarify an athletic‑driver job description and requested consideration for a route‑driver role; Shauna Williams urged the board to evaluate an ongoing ethics appeal. Several residents praised staff and retirees.
The board adjourned at 11:10 p.m. and scheduled its next regular meeting for June 5, 2025.
