Yesterday’s article focused on the radical left NJ Public Education Coalition (NJPEC) which is funded by the Education Truth Project, a ‘dark money’ 501(c). New information has come to light and there are BOE members listed the NJPEC website that are no longer affiliated with the group, and in fact suspended from NJPEC’s Facebook social media site. Below is a letter from a BOE member that is no longer affiliated with the group.
Mike and Matt,
It has come to my attention that the coalition or administrator has made the arbitrary decision to ban me from the NJPEC facebook page. (see below picture) I have always been transparent that I sit in the middle on many issues.
I have always been very clear I do not align with any specific 'side' as I need to be fully informed and understand information, statistics, science, laws and the views of my community before forming my own informed and educated view point on each subject.
When I was asked by you, Matt Kazmierczak to be a part of the advisory committee; you have known for over 10 years who I am and that how I approach each topic, with a view of resolve and understanding. It was my original understanding I would be able to voice my non conforming view in a respectful understanding manner. I indeed follow on social media, read material, and have friends and family from all different views, cultures, and opinions. That is the beauty we look to instill in our children, open exchange and conversation of opinions and understanding one another.
However; when colleagues and associates of mine are being posted on the NJPEC page with negative commentary or the inability to come to the middle and hear one another; that is when I see the stepping back is much needed.
As a current school board member I feel that the NJPEC has put myself and other board members in a path for potential ethics charges as the School Board Code of ethics states;
b. I will make decision in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.'
e. I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.'
f. I will refuse to surrender my independent judgement to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
With constant divisiveness of statements and openly aligning with a specific political on social media and even stating on the website; 'providing the resources and support necessary for common sense school board candidates to combat the toxic environment created by the right-wing extremist organizations that aim privatize education and remove the separation between church and state'.
In addition as I have expressed in the past I have concern with regard to the solicitation of monetary support for Board of Education members utilizing funding through the Education Truth Project. Specifically for myself as a board member and in my full time job in Health Insurance. Matt can attest, I do not want to be tied up in a pay to play violation around my work in Health Insurance and contracts. Especially when the media is still questioning and putting news articles out.
https://sunlightpolicynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Report-of-Education-Truth-Project-PDF.pdf
With that said please remove my picture and my name from the website. While, I do appreciate the knowledge and views the members have to share and the opinions they represent, you can fully remove me from the Facebook group; if you so wish. I have no ill intentions towards anyone. I simply need to separate myself as an advisory member and representative of the NJPEC.
Thank you,
Lisa A. Narcise
Disclaimer: This email is written in my individual personal capacity. These are my own views, I do not speak for any other board member nor the Mt. Olive Board of Education.
It's about time someone has the common sense and decency to do the right thing.