Board Sends Governor Livingston Student Parking Fee to Policy Committee for Review

The Berkeley Heights Board of Education voted September 24, 2026 to send Governor Livingston High School's student parking fee to its policy committee for review and possible elimination or reduction. The motion passed 6-1, with the committee expected to bring a recommendation back to the full board in coming weeks.

THE CURRENT PARKING FEE STRUCTURE

Governor Livingston students currently pay $30 annually or $15 for half a year to park at the high school. The fee has been in place since 2012 and goes into the school's student activity account rather than the district's general budget, according to Business Administrator Jennifer Nicholson. Over the years, the parking fee account accumulated approximately $75,000.

WHAT SPARKED THE REVIEW

Board member Bill Dillon, who represents Mountainside on the Berkeley Heights board, raised the issue at the September 24 meeting, noting that student drivers and their families are often surprised to learn about the parking cost each summer. Dillon questioned the fee's necessity, saying he had been "attempting to find out why, without any real satisfaction."

Dillon argued the fee functions as "a money grab," noting that parking tags cost the district only about $500 annually and students already register vehicles and receive assigned spots. He emphasized the district's $62 million budget could absorb parking operations costs.

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BOARD POSITIONS & THE VOTE

Board member Sai Akiri agreed that the fee "seems something that we can get rid of." Board member Pamela Stanley supported eliminating the fee, saying money collected should benefit students rather than remain unused.

Board member Dr. Tom Foregger suggested a compromise: charging a small $5 fee to cover tag costs. Board President Deb Terrero noted the fee originated in 2012 to control parking that had previously spilled onto neighborhood streets.

Dillon's amended motion to have the policy committee review Policy 5514, covering student vehicles, and consider eliminating or reducing the fee passed with the following votes:

YES (6 members): Gale Bradford, Pamela Stanley, Javier Morales, Natasha Joly, Bill Dillon, Deb Terrero

NO (1 member): Dr. Tom Foregger

ABSENT: Sai Akiri

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EXISTING FUNDS

GL Principal Meg Berry is exploring using remaining parking fee funds to replace items on school property and dedicate them to past graduating classes, though plans remain preliminary.

FAQ

How much does it cost GL students to park?
Governor Livingston students pay $30 per year or $15 for half a year to park at the high school. The fee has been in place since 2012.

What did the board vote on September 24?
The board voted 6-1 to send the student parking fee policy to the policy committee for review and consideration of elimination or reduction.

Why is the board reviewing this fee now?
Board member Bill Dillon raised the issue, noting that students and families are often surprised by the parking cost each summer and questioned the fee's necessity, since parking tags cost the district only about $500 annually.

What are the board members saying about the fee?
Board member Dillon called the fee "a money grab" and noted the district's $62 million budget could absorb parking costs. Board member Stanley said money collected should benefit students. Board member Foregger suggested a $5 compromise fee to cover tag costs.

What happens if the fee is eliminated?
If the policy committee recommends elimination and the full board approves, GL students would no longer pay to park. The district would cover parking tag costs from its general budget.

What happens to the $75,000 in parking fee money that was accumulated?
GL Principal Meg Berry is exploring using remaining funds to replace items on school property and dedicate them to past graduating classes, though plans are preliminary.

When will the board make a final decision?
The policy committee will review the fee policy and make a recommendation back to the full board. The full board is expected to vote on the committee's recommendation in coming weeks.

Why was the parking fee originally created?
The fee was established in 2012 to control parking that had previously spilled onto neighborhood streets.

Which board members voted to send this to committee?
Six board members voted yes: Gale Bradford, Pamela Stanley, Javier Morales, Natasha Joly, Bill Dillon, and Deb Terrero. Dr. Tom Foregger voted no. Sai Akiri was absent.