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New Board, Same Old Distractions: Hardyston Students Deserve Better

New Board, Same Old Distractions: Hardyston Students Deserve Better

Let’s start by congratulating the newly sworn-in “Kids First” candidates.

Tonight, Donna Carey was elected President of the Board, and Jean Barrett was elected Vice President.

Here’s hoping their term brings real growth-and maybe a few lessons about pressure and leadership.

But as the district celebrated student achievements tonight, one uncomfortable question lingered:

What could possibly be more important than recognizing our kids?


📱 Spectating the “Leadership” During Student Recognition

Here’s the scene during tonight’s student awards:

Donna Carey, Board President - focused on her phone:
Donna Carey on her phone

Jean Barrett, Board Vice President - equally absorbed by her screen:
Jean Barrett on her phone

Meanwhile, students proudly receiving awards:
Student awards presentation - with them on their phones

These kids stood tall to be recognized-and their leadership couldn’t even look up.

Was it urgent school business?

Policy notes?

Or was something-anything-more interesting to them than the very children they were elected to serve?


💪 A Time to Lead, Not Scroll

Public service is about showing up-fully.

A school board’s first duty is to put students first. Not just in slogans. In actions.

Because leadership isn’t about a title.

It’s about where your attention goes when it matters most.


🔍 So We Ask Again:

What’s more important than our kids?

Hardyston families deserve leadership that doesn’t need a reminder.

Because our kids are watching.

And frankly-so are we.