When it comes to leadership on the Hardyston Board of Education, community members expect responsibility, transparency, and a dedication to the success of our schools. Unfortunately, Donna Carey’s tenure on the board has been marred by poor decision-making, lack of accountability, and a failure to prioritize student success. Let’s examine the key areas where she has let our district down.
Voting Against School Security
One of the most glaring failures of Donna Carey was her decision to vote against a budget that included funding for security personnel. While the safety of our students should always be a top priority, Carey chose to oppose the very measures that would help protect them. This reckless decision raises serious questions about her commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment.
Contradictory Stances on Educational Programs
Carey has a history of pushing for certain programs only to later vote against funding them. This pattern of inconsistency not only confuses parents and educators but also disrupts the ability of the district to plan and implement long-term improvements. Leadership requires follow-through, something she has repeatedly failed to demonstrate.
Lack of Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal responsibility is a cornerstone of any effective school board. While other board members worked diligently to make cost-effective decisions, Carey has continuously demonstrated a lack of understanding when it comes to balancing the budget. She opposed financial plans that supported necessary infrastructure improvements and student programs, choosing instead to take an obstructionist stance rather than working towards viable solutions.
Failure to Support Growth and Enrollment Initiatives
As the district faced declining enrollment and financial challenges due to the loss of state aid, proactive board members formed an Ad-Hoc Committee to explore shared services and cost-saving measures. While this committee led to successful initiatives-such as keeping special education students in-district and reducing costly out-of-district placements-Carey failed to engage meaningfully in these efforts. Her lack of vision has cost the district valuable opportunities.
Hardyston Deserves Better
The decisions made by the Board of Education directly impact our children, our teachers, and the future of our community. Leadership is about more than just holding a title-it’s about showing up, making informed decisions, and putting students first.
Time and again, Donna Carey has failed to meet the standard of responsibility, transparency, and dedication that Hardyston families deserve. Our schools cannot afford complacency, nor can we allow leadership that prioritizes personal agendas over student success.
It’s time for accountability. It’s time for leadership that listens, acts, and delivers real results for Hardyston’s students, educators, and taxpayers. Our children’s future depends on it.
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