Over the last year watching the East Brunswick Board of Education meetings, I’ve never expected Superintendent Victor Valeski or Assistant Superintendent Bernardo Giuliana to resign. Not because I believe they’ve done a good job; I don’t. And certainly not because I think staying is right for the district, but it isn’t.
It’s simply human nature.
When people are nearing the end of their careers, with pensions and benefits on the line, most aren’t walking away voluntarily. I’m not saying that to justify it. I’m not saying that because I think it’s right. I’m saying it because it’s reality. And it’s precisely why East Brunswick needs a strong, independent, and courageous board president; without that, there is no accountability. And without accountability, nothing changes.
The Problem Isn’t Leaving — The Problem is Leadership That Won’t Lead
Every board member who voted to make Heather G. the current Board President should be embarrassed. Not because she’s a bad person. However, her presidency represents the continuation of the same old problem: protecting Victor Valeski instead of holding him accountable.
Victor isn’t going to leave on his own. Bernardo isn’t going to leave on his own. And frankly, I don’t blame them.
But that’s precisely why we need leadership willing to do the hard things. That’s why Board Presidents matter. That’s why who sits in that seat matters. Right now, and for far too long in East Brunswick, the person in that chair hasn’t done the job.
Effort Isn’t Enough — Results Matter
Let me be clear about something else: I don’t believe for a second that Victor Valeski or Bernardo Giuliana aren’t working hard. I believe they are. I think they are probably working harder now than they ever have. But sometimes, hard work isn’t enough in life, business, and leadership.
I know this personally.
There are times in my business when I’ve poured everything into helping a client, hours of strategy, creativity, and problem-solving, and yet, for whatever reason, I can’t crack the code. And when that happens, I do the responsible thing: I fire myself before they fire me.
It’s rare. It hurts financially. But it’s the right thing to do.
Unfortunately, that kind of self-awareness doesn’t often exist in public education leadership. And in East Brunswick, with Valeski and Giuliana both nearing the twilight of their careers, I don’t expect it to show up now.
Which Brings Us Back to Accountability
This is why leadership on the Board matters more than ever.
When you have a superintendent who isn’t leaving, an assistant superintendent who isn’t going, a central office that isn’t producing results, and schools that are losing programs, trust, and talent, you have a district in crisis.
The Board of Education, specifically the Board President, becomes the last line of accountability between a struggling administration and a community desperate for better.
And right now? That line is weak.
Until that changes, until East Brunswick elects Board members and installs a Board President willing to lead, challenge, and demand more, it won’t matter how many good ideas come from public comment, how many concerned parents show up to meetings, or how many headlines or blog posts get written.
This district will continue to spiral, and it won’t be because of a lack of effort but because of a lack of leadership.
