Unruly Behavior, Criticism Consume Bernards School Board Meeting

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Unruly, childish and disruptive behavior by residents towards school board members over an appointment decision took center stage at the recent Bernards Township meeting.

At the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 7, resident Cody Smith accused the school board of having a "cabal" when they decided to appoint Guddia Singh at the Jan. 24 meeting after she lost the election in November by more than 1,000 votes. His question was followed by a round of applause by some audience members.

Smith said the board "negated the votes that voters chose just 2 months earlier."

Singh had previously served on the board when she filled a seat open from a resignation in June. She then ran for a full-term in the November election.

In November, Singh garnered 2,716 votes. While Robin McKeon got 5,334, Timothy Salmon got 3,818, Kristen Light got 3,775 and Carl Bird got 1,839.

Smith went on to question why her qualifications "far exceeded" the other 11 people who were trying to get the appointment.

"It doesn't make any sense to me about what is going on here. And I think it reflects on this board that there is some kind of kabal," said Smith followed by another round of applause.

Board member Salmon was offended by the "personal attack" made against Singh by Smith.

"I can’t understand for the life of me why you want to dissuade somebody who wants to help the kids and volunteer her time to help the kids in this town. That makes no sense to me whatsoever," said Salmon. "So the fact that she was on the board and lost an election and came back should be commended."

Some residents in the audience began booing over Salmon's statement.

"Yeah OK you guys are super smart," said Salmon in response.

He went to address the cabal accusation.

"The cabal thats the fun part. The 3 member cabal, who are in a minority position on the board, conspired to appoint Ms. Singh? That make no sense whatsoever," said Salmon. "Just think if you are going to personally attack somebody that you never even met, that you don’t know, that you never corresponded with for coming out and volunteering her time to serving the children of this town is totally ridiculous."

Board member Jennifer White said it made her sad to see some of the audience members' behavior.

That's when some residents began shouting back at the board.

"It's not your time to talk! It's not your time to speak! We listened to you now you listen to us!" yelled White.

Some residents then began to leave the meeting.

"Ultimately we are parents whose children are in a community together and we need to set a better role model than what was displayed tonight. I would be embarrassed if any of my kids were at home watching something like this. And watching the clapping and watching the storming out," said White.

Board President McKeon said the division in the community scares her.

"All of the nonsense with the adults has got to stop," said McKeon.

The board then adjourned for the night.

Singh responded to Patch's request for comment after the meeting.

"I really don't understand why I was personally attacked on Monday night. My only goal is to serve the community and help all the kids in our town. I do not think losing an election or not being appointed to a position on the Board should disqualify someone from volunteering his or her time to serve in this role; discouraging anyone from helping is the wrong message to send," said Singh. "I'm appreciative of the support I've received from my fellow Board members and numerous members of the community since Monday’s meeting. I will be working with the Board, administration, staff and parents to support our kids and continue to help them succeed."

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