Six Berkeley Heights Board of Education members now face a formal public censure after New Jersey Commissioner of Education Dr. Lily Laux rejected their legal defense and affirmed the School Ethics Commission's findings in a 16-page decision issued Wednesday, July 22.

The ruling marks the end of the four-year administrative case against Pamela Stanley, Robert Cianciulli, Jordan Hyman, Angela Penna, Michael D'Aquila, and Joy Young. Their only remaining option is an appeal to the Appellate Division of Superior Court, due within 45 days of the July 22 mailing date. That places the deadline in early September.

The ethics complaints originated from a June 2022 board vote authorizing Stanley to file an ethics complaint against fellow board member Sai Bhargavi Akiri using board counsel and district funds. Three consolidated School Ethics Commission dockets followed.

An administrative law judge recommended a reprimand in November 2024. The School Ethics Commission adopted the legal conclusions but escalated the sanction to censure in February 2025. Dr. Laux has now affirmed that harsher penalty.

The six members argued they relied on advice of counsel. The Commissioner found that defense failed because the record did not establish they sought legal advice before the votes or made the full disclosure required to invoke it.

The decision found all six violated three provisions of the Code of Ethics for School Board Members: acting beyond the board's policy-making role, taking action that had the potential to compromise the board, and using the schools to obtain a benefit for themselves or Stanley. According to BerkeleyHeights.news's report on the ruling, the decision specifically concluded that Stanley "used public funds in furtherance of private means" and failed to recuse herself from votes in which she had a direct financial interest.

Censure is a formal public sanction. It does not remove any board member from office, impose a fine, or order repayment of legal fees.

The ruling lands amid wider turmoil in Berkeley Heights municipal government. Mayor Devanney has consistently missed Township Council meetings since June, according to reporting on the Tuesday, July 21 council meeting by NJ21st, with residents publicly questioning her absence. November council elections approach with no clear leadership direction, according to an August 2 NJ21st analysis.

Separately, residents have pressed the Township Council for clarity on whether the Terrace II redevelopment project involves a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement. A follow-up investigation by NJ21st found the redevelopment agreement expressly contemplates a tax-exemption application and makes execution of a Financial Agreement within 120 days an intended condition, contradicting council statements that no PILOT is "under consideration."

The Lower Columbia park project also remains unresolved. At the Tuesday, July 21 council meeting, Township Administrator Liza Viana directed residents to the township website and said the township would reach out to the Recreation Commission to schedule a meeting. The Township Attorney noted "some confusion with the DEP regarding land use" at the site.

The six censured board members have until early September to file an appeal with the Appellate Division. As of Sunday, August 2, none have publicly commented on the decision. The next Berkeley Heights Township Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, when Ordinance 2026-19, a police staffing expansion, is set for public hearing.