Board Member Under Fire For 'Attacking Educators' In Bridgewater-Raritan

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A union representing teachers and staff at Bridgewater-Raritan has called for the resignation of one school board member.

New President of the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association Frank Ur used the Tuesday Board of Education meeting to praise district staff and administrators, while also calling for the resignation of board member Jeremy Li.

Subscribe

Speaking during public comment, Ur said he was there "on behalf of many who care deeply about the success and well-being of the Bridgewater-Raritan School District."

He said the district had gone through "a period of significant transition" referring to the implementation of full-day kindergarten.

Ur credited administrators with helping bring the school system into the new year.

"Their efforts have created one of the smoothest and most positive transitions we've had in a long time," Ur said.

He also recognized "our teachers, support professionals, custodians, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, and everyone who keeps us running," adding, "Their commitment is undeniable."

His tone shifted when he noted that school employees should not face false accusations or fear for their safety.

"Our staff should not be falsely accused, feel intimidated, or worry about their safety because of misinformation or lies," he said. "Every educator and staff member deserves to work in an environment where they feel respected, protected, and trusted. No one should fear for retaliation or personal attacks simply because they're doing their job to serve our students."

At the Aug. 25 board meeting, Superintendent Robert Beers said there had been threats of physical harm following a social media post made last month by Li. Because of those threats, Beers asked some school officials not to attend the Tuesday meeting. Read More: 'This Is An Embarrassment. This Is A Circus.' Bridgewater-Raritan School Meeting Erupts

"I was not going to ask employees who have given their careers to this profession to sit in a public meeting and be described in terms that are not true and to be threatened with physical harm," Beers said at the Aug. 25 meeting. "There were threats of harm, physical harm to those seated at this table, myself and other administrators. That is unacceptable."

Ur also raised concerns about the length of board meetings, saying they can hurt public participation. The meetings have regularly lasted three to four hours long.

The Sept. 15 meeting was four hours and 17 minutes long, according to the YouTube feed.

"If we want our families, our residents and stakeholders to engage in constructed in constructive and attend board meetings, they cannot consistently run four hours long," he said.

He said long meetings "discourage participation, limit accessibility, and reduce the community's ability to speak on issues that actually matter."

Near the end of his remarks, Ur addressed "one particular board member" and said, "We will not tolerate the slandering or misrepresentation of our hardworking educators."

He then said, "The Bridgewater Road and Education Association and its members does not and will not support your actions and call for your immediate resignation."

Applause from the audience followed Ur's call for the resignation.

As his speaking time ended, Ur added that if that did not happen, "Then we want the public to recall through dem democratic process."

Li responded in a message posted the next day on his social media page.

"Last night, the Bridgewater Raritan Special Interests Union asked for my resignation," Li said.

"Here's my message to the families of Bridgewater: I will fight for every family, every child, and every taxpayer. Tooth and nail." Li also said, "They can shut me down, they can take away my mic, they can mock me, but I will continue to fight because families deserve transparency and educational excellence," said Li.

Watch the full Sept. 15 Board of Education below:

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.