Letter to the Editor: from Carmine Venes, Mountainside BOE

As I contemplate the resignations of Carolyn Williams and Mary Beth Schaumberg from the Mountainside BOE I would like to address certain points.

People question why administrators resign from the Mountainside school district.  May I point out that Mountainside is a small K-8 district.  This situation does not create job security for an administrator.  Employment in a larger district is not only looked upon as a promotion, but is accompanied by a larger salary and more job security.  Career moves such as these should not be taken as a personal affront by Mountainside residents, but rather as career advances based on personal decisions and career goals of the individuals.

Regarding comments about the BOE not having a plan, the members all come from different backgrounds and bring along with them various types of expertise. This sometimes results in differences of opinion.  However, as a member of this BOE I have found that our new members as well as the old are all willing to  come together and  compromise to reach a decision regarding what is best for our children, not through electronic meetings as has been suggested, but through  the thoughtful exchange of information.

Our plan?  To make decisions which promote quality education leading to highly accomplished state test scores in an environment which is socially friendly and conducive to learning.

Carmine Venes

Mountainside BOE