Letter to the Editor: Jakositz Responds to Recent BOE Resignations

I am extremely disheartened and disappointed to be addressing the statements made by the former Board President that she is “frightened by what the future holds for the Mountainside children”. To incite a sense of fear within our community is unproductive and completely unprofessional. The statement also begs the following question: Without our prior Board President, will our children’s future be in dire despair?

“Change within days of [new Board members] joining the Board,” was a statement that was negatively addressed. Contrary to the comments, such change is positive in that it demonstrates that the District is moving forward to better prepare our children for the demands posed by the fast paced, dynamic nature of education. The Board needs to respond promptly and embrace these demands. The implications that new Board members should sit back, watch and listen, grossly underestimates the creative ideas, solutions, and insight that these new members may contribute to the efficient operation of our district.  Furthermore, it relegates the valuable voice of a new Board member on a seven member Board. 

History has its importance, but revisionist history is a detriment to the future. I have served as a member of this BOE for four years. The statement, “A healthy give and take anchored exchanges between and among Board members and the administration team” was not the climate on this Board until after the April 2010 election. It was only then that each and every Board member has been given the respect and opportunity to have his or her opinions and ideas shared, heard, and discussed by the other members. 

Prior to the 2010 election, the Board members who had opinions other than that of the then seated President, were treated with distain and with an extreme lack of respect often within a hostile environment. A respected previous Board member had stated to me, “The board needs people that want to work together. The negative energy experienced was draining, and it was worse before the 2007 election.” He also stated that there was a “bitter residue left from the prior Board four years ago.” 

As a community member, I am appalled that the prior Board president considers only those who have unconditionally supported her to be the “thinking people” of this community.  What criteria did she personally apply to measure the intellect of the members of the community   and determine whether they are “thinking “persons? Unfortunately, this comment is indicative of the same negative mentality and same type of unproductive statements that permeated the Board led by the previous president.

Moving forward, I see Mountainside’s educational future as a bright one. One filled with positive input from a Board that respects each other and finally shares in a common goal of hard work, common sense, integrity and the optimism of our children’s future. 

Thank You,

Cathy Jakositz

Mountainside Board of Education

I am extremely disheartened and disappointed to be addressing the statements made by the former Board President that she is “frightened by what the future holds for the Mountainside children”. To incite a sense of fear within our community is unproductive and completely unprofessional. The statement also begs the following question: Without our prior Board President, will our children’s future be in dire despair?

“Change within days of [new Board members] joining the Board,” was a statement that was negatively addressed. Contrary to the comments, such change is positive in that it demonstrates that the District is moving forward to better prepare our children for the demands posed by the fast paced, dynamic nature of education. The Board needs to respond promptly and embrace these demands. The implications that new Board members should sit back, watch and listen, grossly underestimates the creative ideas, solutions, and insight that these new members may contribute to the efficient operation of our district.  Furthermore, it relegates the valuable voice of a new Board member on a seven member Board. 

History has its importance, but revisionist history is a detriment to the future. I have served as a member of this BOE for four years. The statement, “A healthy give and take anchored exchanges between and among Board members and the administration team” was not the climate on this Board until after the April 2010 election. It was only then that each and every Board member has been given the respect and opportunity to have his or her opinions and ideas shared, heard, and discussed by the other members. 

Prior to the 2010 election, the Board members who had opinions other than that of the then seated President, were treated with distain and with an extreme lack of respect often within a hostile environment. A respected previous Board member had stated to me, “The board needs people that want to work together. The negative energy experienced was draining, and it was worse before the 2007 election.” He also stated that there was a “bitter residue left from the prior Board four years ago.” 

As a community member, I am appalled that the prior Board president considers only those who have unconditionally supported her to be the “thinking people” of this community.  What criteria did she personally apply to measure the intellect of the members of the community   and determine whether they are “thinking “persons? Unfortunately, this comment is indicative of the same negative mentality and same type of unproductive statements that permeated the Board led by the previous president.

Moving forward, I see Mountainside’s educational future as a bright one. One filled with positive input from a Board that respects each other and finally shares in a common goal of hard work, common sense, integrity and the optimism of our children’s future. 

Thank You,

Cathy Jakositz

Mountainside Board of Education