By Robert Wilson
The East Brunswick Board of Education meeting on July 17 was marked by a mix of public frustration and pointed questioning, particularly during a moment when Allegra Seidler of South Woodland Avenue addressed the board about a key personnel vote.
Seidler began by referencing an email she sent earlier that day, reiterating her concern over the approval of the language arts and social studies K–6 supervisor position. “Ignoring the history with this individual is not to the benefit of the students and certainly not to the benefit of the reputation of the board,” she said. “Please use [your power] to the benefit of students and not the feelings of adults.”
She further criticized what she described as a lack of transparency regarding the Integrated Language Arts curriculum, recalling issues stemming from the February 13 meeting. “Anyone can rubber stamp an agenda,” Seidler told the board. “You were essentially lied to by omission that night. Now you are being asked to reward this individual and cement their position within our district, further entrusting them with the education of our students despite all of this.”
Seidler concluded with a plea for the board to vote against the personnel action: “Please, for the sake of all of our students, but especially the youngest, I am pleading with you to not approve the personnel action for the language arts and social studies, K through six supervisor position.”
Marianne Tanious Brings the Questions Parents Have Been Asking
While Seidler’s remarks stood out during public comment, it was board member Marianne who turned heads on the dais. In one of her first major appearances, Marianne’s line of questioning with Dr. Boley was as direct as it was necessary.
Marianne repeatedly pushed for clarity on both the curriculum and the personnel recommendation, cutting through vague responses. “I want to understand how we got here,” she asked. “Who made the call to move forward with this recommendation despite the concerns raised in February? Were all board members made fully aware of the curriculum concerns before this was placed on tonight’s agenda?”
When Dr. Boley attempted to steer the conversation toward general curriculum goals, Marianne pressed harder. “With all due respect, I’m not asking about general goals. I’m asking who made this decision, and why parents feel they weren’t given the full story. If there are gaps in transparency, we need to address them now — not after we vote.”
At one point, Marianne questioned the timing of the vote altogether, noting that the regulations tied to the supervisor position were up for revision that same evening. “Why are we approving a role when the guidelines for that role aren’t even finalized? That feels backwards,” she said.
Observers noted that Dr. Boley appeared increasingly flustered during the exchange. “Marianne had Dr. Boley digging herself quite the hole,” one parent remarked afterward. “She really exemplified the conversations we have been denied with the board this far. We would not be in the position we are now if every member had her focus and tenacity.”
The meeting highlighted a growing demand for accountability and transparency within the district. For those who haven’t watched it yet, the full video is worth seeing — especially Marianne’s pointed questions, which echoed what many parents have been asking privately for months.
