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After heated public testimony, Berkeley Heights board approves CMS 'Prism' club stipend
Summary
Following extensive public comment—including testimony from students, parents and staff—the Board approved recognition and a stipend for the Columbia Middle School ‘Prism’ club, a student support group for LGBTQ+ youth; the debate included questions about parental involvement, club processes and budget trade-offs.
The Berkeley Heights Board of Education voted to recognize the Columbia Middle School Prism club and approve a stipend intended to ensure an adviser for the student-led support group after more than an hour of public comment from students, parents, staff and residents.
Tracy Prasini, a Governor Livingston staff member and co-advisor of the Saga club at GL, told the board she was "quite shocked and upset that the Prism Club was not approved to become a formal Club at the June 20th board meeting" and said a petition now has "over 700 community signatures in support of establishing the club." (Tracy Prasini)
Sophia Judica, a 2023 GL graduate and former Saga president, framed formal recognition as a prudent financial decision, saying a modest annual stipend would help guarantee an adviser and could reduce tuition losses from families who might otherwise send students out of district. "Establishing Prism as an official Club is a wise financial move for the district," she told the board.
Opponents and some board members raised process questions: whether the club’s paperwork was handled differently than other clubs, whether parent involvement at the middle-school level was sufficient, and whether advisers had provided a meeting/activity plan. Board members asked administrators to confirm that the club application and adviser documentation followed district procedures and to clarify how stipends and club approvals have been handled for other clubs.
Board discussion noted that the Prism club is student-run with an adviser in a supporting role; several members emphasized the district’s obligation to provide safe spaces for students. The board president urged the administration to provide clearer communication to families about club procedures and parental involvement where appropriate.
After deliberation, the board approved the club recognition and the stipend to secure an adviser for Prism. The administration and advisers were asked to follow district procedures for club operations and to provide follow-up communication to families about scope, meeting expectations, and adviser role.
Next steps: Administration will ensure paperwork is filed consistently for clubs districtwide, clarify expectations about parent communication, and report back to the board if any implementation or supervision issues arise.
