Board Rep Incites School Chief's Ire Over Newsletter Content

A discussion between a West Morris Regional Board of Education member and the district’s superintendent grew heated at a meeting Monday night over the content – and context – of a newsletter that was sent to families in the district.

Once the board’s agenda was complete, which included the approval of three security enhancement measures in the district, Mendham Township representative James Button took umbrage with a direct mail piece touting both high schools’ achievements in the past year.

“I’m very concerned over this newsletter,” Button said. “It is a thinly veiled campaign piece that was put in the mail one week before an election.”

Two newsletters were distributed; one for families with students in West Morris Central, and another for families with students at Mendham High School. Each newsletter contains a message from the superintendent, and shows data regarding student test scores rising and increased enrollment in top-tier colleges.

The newsletters cost a total of $5,000 to design and produce, and another $1,000 to mail out.

“The information here says ‘we’re at the top,’” Button said, “but are really at the top? This is campaign literature.”

Chester Borough representative Don Storms said the election timing didn’t draw his attention.

“I’m glad to see this go out,” Storms said. “It makes the public happy and aware of what’s going on here, but I am a little worried about the cost. I didn’t consider the timing of the election.”

Chester Township representative Marcia Asdal charged that a newsletter distributed to all of the district’s constituents should first be seen by the board of education.

Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast, who backed the making of the newsletter, fired back at Button.

“I want to clear up the hyperbole and misinformation being said here,” Pendergrast said. “This data is factual, it’s not spin. Our scores are up thanks to the curricula change. What you said is not based in truth; this newsletter is.”

Without skipping a beat, Pendergrast continued, his emotion and voice growing more intense.

“I’ve received hundreds of pieces of positive feedback about this newsletter,” Pendergrast said. “Since when is presenting a vision to the community a bad thing? When?

“You know, I’m in this paradoxical situation here,” he continued, commanding the floor. “The better I do, the greater vitriol comes my way.”

Button took another stab at making his point, saying, “[The newsletter] says everything here is great and fantastic. What we need is an objective view from the administration.”

The exchange silenced the room and the emotion was not lost on spectators.

Carol Brady of Mendham Borough stepped to the microphone during public comments and expressed her shock at the board’s actions.

“I cannot believe the way things are conducted here,” Brady said, growing emotional. “We have got to be positive. What I know is my kid is getting a great education here. If you have issues, bring them up. But please – stop being this way.”

There was no discussion about the production of future newsletters.

Did you receive the newsletter? What did you think of it?