LETTER: Berkeley School Board 'Disgrace;' Clown Laughs And Bird Chirps

Letter from a reader:

Berkeley Township Residents:

Just this past week I sat at a Berkeley Township School Board Meeting , along with my 11 year old son.

I found that this meeting was a disgrace!! Board president Noriko Kowalewski had no control over the public making distracting noises from the audience .

During open public speaking, former Councilwomen Fran Siddons got up to speak about a resolution about raising our dunes in Island Beach State Park that was bought to the attention of this board back in December's meeting, but was tabled until February’s meeting.

While Ms. Siddons was speaking, Councilwoman Judy Noonan’s Phone begins to ring, with a clown-laugh sound. Not once, but twice. 

At that time, Board President Noriko Kowalewski should have stated that all cell phones should be turned off or on vibrate for the duration of the meeting.  But, she did not state that.  She proceeded with the meeting and all the  distractions from the public .

Ms. Fulcomer got up to also speak about the resolution to the dunes.  At this time another distraction from the audience. This time coming from Councilwomen Sophia Gingrich’s husband Brian Gingrich who is president of Holiday City Berkeley South Club House.  While Mrs. Fulcomer was speaking he proceeded to make chirping bird noises from the back of the room.

Again, Board President Noriko Kowalewski did not stop it and allowed it to proceed through the rest of the meeting. 

But, Noriko Kowalewski did stop one thing, by throwing  the gavel at her former running mate Jim Fulcomer and current Berkeley Board Member. 

All I can say is that my 11 year old son has more manners then you people.

Dawn Parks