Franklin Lakes BOE Cuts Ties with Curriculum Director in Razor-thin Vote

The Franklin Lakes School Board voted Tuesday to sever ties with its Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Cheryl Best.

Best's contract expires in June.

Just moments before voting against bringing Best back, the Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Frank Romano.

“The Superintendent has resigned and this board has had no discussion about structure. Without a curriculum director and without the superintendent, what is the plan? Can somebody on this board tell me? What is the plan?” asked school board member Richard Koenigsberg.

Voting against contract renewal were: Craig Urciuoli, Susan McGowan, Larry Loprete, Michael Ben-David and Shirley O’Reilly. Trustees Christine Christopoul, James Martino, Jacqueline Veliky and Koenigsberg voted in favor of Best.

Two of the five members who voted against Best were elected to the board in November.

Numerous parents and teachers came out to plead with the board to keep Best just prior to the vote. Even more came up to thank Best for her efforts after the decision had been made.

After the vote, Best addressed her supporters by standing directly in front of the Board of Education President Susan McGown and turned her back to the board. Best stood, facing the audience, and delivered a message to all that supported her and criticism of those who didn't. 

“I want to thank those of you who had the intelligent focus to see good work unfold and the understanding of what it means for your children. I want to thank those of you who know which voices to listen to and which voices have been initiated by a small handful of self serving obstructionists who are afraid to move forward and perpetually resistant to being held accountable,” said Best.

All of those in attendance, who spoke about Best, other than the five who voted against her, had positive things to say about her and are confident that she will create success for another district.

“I am going to land on my feet,” said Best. “This district has no idea what they’ve given up. I have three districts that want me already. I am not worried about my employment I am worried about this district. They have just done such a disservice to the children of Franklin Lakes.”