Greetings,

For those who did not attend last nights Board of Education meeting - there are two helpful and accurate summaries that do their best to explain the events that have occurred regarding the future of our Board of Education:

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/montclair/categories/news/articles/montclair-board-of-ed-public-reacts-to-decision

http://baristanet.com/2016/05/montclair-boe-mayor-withdraws-appointees-board-postpones-reorganization-meeting/

Mayor Jackson announced a "cooling off period" that would end on Thursday evening, when the Board reconvenes and hopefully installs the Mayor's three new Board of Education appointments.

Each of the three, Mr. Kavesh, Mr. Turner, and Rev. Caldwell-Gross, as Mayor Jackson stated, are “extremely accomplished gentlemen that will make an invaluable contribution to our public schools.”

With the conclusion of the pause on Thursday, it is our hope that Mayor Jackson will do the right thing and follow through on his Board appointments.  

If these three are not renominated, the community certainly deserves a clear, fair and thorough explanation of what would cause the Mayor’s change of heart.

Based on the rumors and reports in the press, we hope that Mayor Jackson's actions are not a last minute litmus test.  The Mayor chose these community leaders because of their expertise and service to our community. Any change of heart, which has been rumored, should not be based on any political views - or who they may or may not support for Board President.

MKF urges the Mayor to allow the Board to select its own leadership without outside influence. He appoints these members to lead our Board. They should be allowed to do so.

We have a great deal of work to do for our kids in this district and the politics have diverted us for much too long. Let them (and us) get to work. 

MKF

​Greetings,

One of the key mandates to Montclair Kids First (MKF) is to ensure information regarding our children’s education is being shared.
 
Those who are active in support of public education in Montclair may already be aware that a majority of the new Montclair Public Schools Board of Education members favor a change in the leadership of their Board. 
 
The existing Board leadership, including the current President, Ms. Jessica de Koninck, have resisted this change.

Over the last few days, Ms. de Koninck has made a number of desperate attempts to hold her leadership in place.  A number of sources throughout town have made it clear that Ms. de Koninck, along with her minority supporters - Anne Merinin and Eve Robinson - have issued a nuclear option - that they would resign from the Board if Ms. de Koninck is not reelected President, even though she is only supported by a minority of Board members.
 
In addition, we understand that Ms. de Koninck has used her political connections to have elected officials intimidate and lobby Board members to supporting her.
 
If these accusations are true, we believe it to be a disgrace.  
 
We would like to share with you a letter (below) that prior Board President Shelly Lombard has sent to Mayor Robert Jackson in regard to this issue.  MKF member Ms. Lombard highlights valid and specific reasons why we need a change in leadership with our Board of Education. You, our members, may have your own reasons to support this change.

Thank you for your continued support of Montclair Kids First and public education in Montclair, NJ.