Who attends a meeting often says as much as what is said during it.
That was especially true Wednesday night at the public meeting tied to the Wallkill Valley Regionalization Study. Board of education leaders from other participating districts were present. Municipal officials from neighboring towns also made time to attend and listen.
From Hardyston, the picture was mixed.
Who Was There - and Who Wasn’t
Several Hardyston Board of Education members did attend the regionalization meeting. Their presence was appreciated by residents who wanted local representation in a conversation with long-term implications for the district.
However, Board President Donna Carey did not attend.
Also absent were any board members associated with the Kids First campaign, despite that group holding a majority of seats and frequently positioning itself as the district’s leadership voice.
No members of the Hardyston Town Council were present either.
A Noticeable Contrast
The contrast was still hard to miss. During the online meeting, board presidents, board members, and municipal leaders from other districts logged in and participated. From Hardyston, however, there was no visible participation from the board’s top leadership or from the town’s governing body.
Regionalization is not a routine topic. It is a process that could reshape school governance, finances, and educational programming for years to come.
Followed by Another Absence
Two days later, on Friday night, students and families gathered for the district’s TREP$ Marketplace, an event celebrating entrepreneurship, creativity, and real-world learning.
Once again, Donna Carey was not present.
The district frequently highlights programs like TREP$ as examples of student success and innovative instruction. Events like this give board members an opportunity to see those programs firsthand and connect directly with students, families, and staff.
Why This Matters
Leadership is not just about presiding over meetings or casting votes. It is also about being visible when the community is asking questions and when students are being celebrated.
With board leadership from other districts participating in regionalization discussions - and with some Hardyston BOE members making the effort to attend - the absence of Donna Carey and other Kids First-aligned board members stood out.
As the regionalization process continues, many residents will be watching to see whether Hardyston’s board leadership chooses to be present not only when decisions are finalized, but while the conversation is still happening.
A Moment for Reset
As a new board prepares to organize itself, there is an opportunity to reset expectations around leadership. Many residents hope the board will elect a president who is consistently present at important meetings, visible at school events, and engaged with the broader community.
The role of Board of Education president carries more than procedural responsibility. It carries an expectation of leadership that is seen, not assumed. As Hardyston looks ahead, that expectation is unlikely to change.