Ed Reinle: Running Again, But Often Running Late - Or Not At All
Ed Reinle is seeking re-election to the Hardyston Board of Education. But with a 61% attendance rate and recurring signs of unpreparedness, some are asking: is that really showing up for our schools?
Board member Ed Reinle is asking voters for another term.
He highlights his local roots and his advocacy on parental rights and fiscal issues. Fair enough.
But elections are about record, not slogans. And Reinle’s record raises a straightforward question: is he actually showing up for the job?
The Numbers: More Absences Than You Might Think
A closer look at Ed Reinle’s attendance over the past three years reveals the following:
- ✅ Present: 13 times
- ❌ Absent: 12 times
- ⏰ Late: 8 times
That means out of 33 scheduled meetings, Reinle was either absent or late for 20.
In other words, more than 60% of the time, he wasn’t fully present from start to finish.
Whether missing entirely or arriving partway through, Ed Reinle failed to be fully engaged in the majority of Board of Education meetings.
When an elected official asks for your vote, the baseline is simple: show up, and show up on time.
Beyond Attendance: Preparedness Matters
Unfortunately, attendance is only part of the story.
Several observers and fellow attendees of Hardyston BOE meetings have noted that when Ed Reinle does attend, he often appears unprepared - at times unfamiliar with agenda items, or looking to other members to guide his vote.
In multiple public sessions, he has been seen glancing around the table for visual cues or verbal prompts before casting his vote, raising concerns about whether he’s truly reviewing materials or participating in policy deliberation beforehand.
Why It Matters
The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our schools. It’s not just a seat - it’s a responsibility. Parents, staff, and taxpayers deserve representatives who are present, prepared, and actively engaged.
As the election approaches, voters have the right to ask:
- Is 13 out of 33 a strong enough attendance record?
- Should a board member need prompting to decide on major issues?
- Is re-election a reward for showing up - or not?
The Bottom Line
Ed Reinle may say he’s protecting parental rights and managing a responsible budget. But leadership starts with being present, informed, and independent - not missing meetings or looking for others to lead the way.
Voters deserve better.
Related Posts
Data
Obtained from public minutes at https://www.htps.org/
| Date | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 01/03/2025 | Present |
| 01/24/2023 | Present |
| 02/14/2023 | Absent |
| 03/07/2023 | Late |
| 03/14/2023 | Present |
| 04/25/2023 | Absent |
| 05/09/2023 | Present |
| 05/27/2023 | Absent |
| 06/13/2023 | Present |
| 08/08/2023 | Present |
| 09/12/2023 | Late |
| 10/10/2023 | Present |
| 11/14/2023 | Late |
| 12/12/2023 | Absent |
| 01/02/2024 | Present |
| 01/23/2024 | Absent |
| 02/27/2024 | Present |
| 03/19/2024 | Present |
| 04/24/2024 | Absent |
| 05/14/2024 | Absent |
| 06/11/2024 | Late |
| 06/25/2024 | Absent |
| 08/13/2024 | Late |
| 09/10/2024 | Absent |
| 10/08/2024 | Late |
| 11/12/2024 | Late |
| 12/10/2024 | Absent |
| 01/07/2025 | Present |
| 01/21/2025 | Absent |
| 02/11/2025 | Absent |
| 03/11/2025 | Present |
| 03/18/2025 | Late |
| 04/08/2025 | Absent |
| 05/06/2025 | Late |
| 06/10/2025 | Absent |