School Board Members

 

Tamar Blumenthal - Recently elected

She ran on a platform that suggests "Children Matter Most"  

"..As a clinical psychologist with a PsyD, Tamar Blumenthal would be a welcome addition to any school board. Having worked extensively with parents and children from all backgrounds throughout her career, she has spent much of her time helping them overcome the challenges and obstacles they have encountered within their school systems. From writing up 504 and IEP plans, to working with special needs students and their families to make sure their needs are being met, Tamar is thoroughly familiar with the complexities surrounding educational issues and has dedicated her career to easing that burden for both children and adults. Tamar, as a mother of four young children, sees this chance to become a BOE member as a way to give back to the city she calls home. “I work a lot with children and parents who are navigating various issues within their schools. I thought this would be a unique opportunity for me to be able to contribute to my community given the specific skill set that I possess.”..."  The JewishLink

It remains to be determined what this Campaign Slogan actually means to this newly elected Board Member. She began her membership with a request that the previously scheduled meetings for this School year be changed to accommodate her religious Holidays.

Bill Feinstein -

"...Today I formally kick off my campaign for the Englewood Board of Education.

I was born and raised in Englewood, attended the Englewood Public Schools and am a proud graduate of Dwight Morrow High School. As Director of Human Resources for an International Hospitality Company in New York City, I possess a specific skill set that will be beneficial in developing effective policies specifically in areas of training & development, talent acquisition, labor relations, culture and organizational change.

I am running for the Englewood Board of Education because we must do better, as a district, to provide a quality education and experience for EVERY child. Year after year, the Englewood Public School District continues to struggle and fall short in meeting the needs of students to provide the highest quality education. This year has been an unprecedented time for all of us. COVID-19 has disrupted the norms of our lives, especially for our children. The necessity of virtual learning has highlighted the continued challenges that many of our student’s face, including the lack of necessary technology, resulting in students falling further behind academically..."

Englewood Residents watched as Mr. Feinstein ran repeatedly for a place on the Board of Education. He did not give up and go away, like so many others before him, after NOT being elected. He tried again and again until he was elected. When the State of Academics in Englewood was presented, Mr. Feinstein was the only Board Member who asked for a plan to change outcomes.

 David Matthews -

David Matthews is a veteran when it comes to School Board Membership. He is also the only member who has had Ethics Violations filed against him by other School Board Members and a Superintendent of Schools. He has served as School Board President in the past (2002) and was lauded as one of the highest vote getters in Englewood Board history. David has been around since before the Englewood School Board became an Elected Board. His 2 children graduated from DMHS. He was one of the most dedicated supporters of Superintendent John Greico and the Englewood Academies. He remains overzealous in his support of this program.

''The elected board has been a godsend to the whole city,'' said David Matthews, president of the school board, who was appointed six years ago and who was initially against an elected board. ''It's brought some fresh blood to the board, some new ideas, people willing to look at things that weren't fully looked at before.'' The New York Times

It is not entirely clear why the current President of the Board no longer wants David Matthews as his VP. This Resident and voter thinks that the entire Board should concentrate more on Academics. The Academy has not been evaluated since it opened. It has also "not changed" since it opened. Contrary to this anomaly the Parent School, The Hackensack Bergen Academy, has changed numerous times in scope, methods and courses taught. My niece was in the Academy, I removed her and sent her to a Private Boarding school. The Academy program needs to be evaluated.

 Mr. Matthews should spearhead that effort instead of blindly defending it. A recent presentation of AP Scores demonstrates that this program is not beyond criticism academically.  Students educated in Englewood continually score lower than students from other Districts. The Establishment of the Academy has illuminated the difference between the Academic preparation of Englewood students and those educated in other Districts. More attention should be given to our homegrown students before they enter the Middle School. Mr. Matthews remains under the mistaken opinion that the Academy Program makes money for the District. For years since the Academy started the Residents of Englewood have paid to have them transported to and from School. I am sure that many of you have seen the numerous school buses lined up at the high school waiting to take them home. Fact of the matter is that the Residents of Englewood have been supplementing the Education of School Choice students since the beginning. The cost to educate students is higher in Englewood than in any of the Districts that send students to this Choice Program. That is a problem for this writer.

Dr. Suzanne Mullings -

"...As a registered nurse, I have a commitment to improving health outcomes. This is the same obligation I have to improve the educational outcomes for the children of Englewood. I have been educated in areas of healthcare administration, financial management, quality improvement and information technology. I possess characteristics that would provide value to the Board of Education, such as willingness to engage in decision-making processes, inter-professional teamwork and developing strong relationships with the community..."  The Northern Valley Press

This Resident is wondering why this registered Nurse has not questioned the District's non-compliance with Chapter 40 of 18A in the midst of the current Medical Crisis. Many parents, me included do not have confidence that the District is doing enough to keep our children and their teachers safe in this National Medical Emergency.

Angela Midgette-David - 

"...My name is Angela Midgette-David and I am running for a position on the Englewood School Board. I am a homeowner, a mother of three daughters who were born and raised in Englewood and currently attend our public school system. My husband was also born and raised in Englewood and is a 23 year veteran currently with the Englewood Fire Department.

As a product of the Public School System, my educational accomplishments are B.A. in Organizational Management from Ashford University, M.Ed in Special education from Saint Thomas University, CPM (Certified Property Manager) Designated from New York University Continuing Education and NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker

As a staple in our community, I know our community is based on ethics, values and a strong educational system. My family has benefited greatly from the Englewood school community and I know our Englewood children can also benefit. It takes a village to raise a child and my fiduciary responsibility is to make sure all children are given the same opportunity. I would like to have more collaborative programs with other city agencies and volunteers..." Campaign Comments.

Mrs. David had a rocky start on the Board of Ed. The Board allowed her to open a Summer Camp that she was ill prepared to run. In the past, I put all of the blame on Angela, but in the end, the entire Board, Superintendent, the Business Administrator and the Board Attorney must share in this gross mistake. Another mistake that is continually made is the one in which Mrs. David consistently spends too much time trying to get other people elected to the Board. This stacking of the Board by a current Member has not gone well. We are hoping that Mrs. David takes a back seat in this area in future. It remains to be seen if Mrs. David will find other avenues to on which to focus her energy. In this time of a Global Pandemic and a National Health Emergency, it is hoped that she will refocus her attention on keeping the Children and Teachers safe as everyone strives to improve academic achievement, and the health and safety of students online. This Tax Payer will be overjoyed when all School Board Members demonstrate that they have read their own bylaws. Policy numbers 0153 and 0154 need attention that demands more than simply voting on a consent agenda that includes these statutes, but Members have no knowledge of the statutes on which the policy is based.

Eric Montana -

I remain in a state of wondering if Mr. Montana is going to wake up and have an opinion of his own. I have nothing to add about this Board Member. I will write more as I notice his participation.

Donovan Rodriques -

Donovan is listed on the Super Lawyers website. I must commend Mr. Rodriques on his desire to be on the School Board. His campaign started early September and continued through the November Election. Mr. Rodriques has fallen short of persuading this Tax Payer that he is using his acumen for the law to learn 18A Education Law. I admit that I will be a great deal more impressed when Mr. Rodriques demonstrates that he has spent some time actually reading the Board Policies, especially the Boards own By Laws that govern the manner in which the Board builds Policy that support the Statutes and Regulations of 18A. 

Samuel E. Trusty - School Board President

Mr. Trusty was re-elected as Board President. This means that he will continue to preside over the School Board Meetings. The Board has yet to agree on a Vice President. This is the first time that I have ever seen the Board postpone the election of an Officer. It should be noted that it is of little consequence whether school board members get along. It is more important that they learn their responsibilities as Board Members. Mr. Trusty, like all other Board Members should review the BOE By Laws. I would suggest a more careful look at Policy #0153 and 0154. New Board Members should be encouraged to read the Board's By Laws. We are in the midst of a National Health Emergency. As quiet as it is kept, NJ state Law as is covered in 18A Chapter 40 has covered most of the bases included in CDC Guidelines. The CDC cannot dictate to states, but that is okay, because NJ has most of that covered. I also find it annoying that Mr. Trusty feels it necessary to rush to the aid of the Interim Superintendent every time he is criticized. Mr. Bolandi has accepted the job in this continually failing district, let him take the criticism as he has taken the salary. 

Cherie Banks Watson - Recently elected - 

"...As an experienced teacher and leader with 22 years in the New Jersey schools, I have expertise in coordination, implementation, turn-key training and administration of all State/District Student Assessments. I am proficient in assessing data analysis, interpreting and applying policies/procedures, and recommending and implementing appropriate and timely solutions. I have been a classroom teacher, an Instructional Coach and a Testing Coordinator, which has provided me with keen insights and first hand experience with providing professional development to build capacity and improve student achievement.

 

My reason for running is to ensure ALL students are on a future-focused path to college and careers. As an elected board member I will help lead in the growth and development of every K-12 student in Englewood. I’m concerned about the children who are underperforming in our schools. However, I’m convinced that improving academic outcomes for all students is achievable..."  Campaign Website

Ms. Banks began her term with a comment that I cannot get out of my head. It leaves me wondering if she was speaking "tongue in cheek" or if she was simply demonstrating that she does not fully understand the "job" of School Board Member. She commented on the comradery she noticed on the Board as the 9 Member Board demonstrated that they were not capable of electing a Vice President during reorganization. This Resident sincerely wishes we/the public did not have to see them stumble through the process and finally postpone the vote.