Escalation in Bergen County: Wyckoff Teachers Vote ‘No Confidence’ in Superintendent Dr. Kerry Postma
photo Superintendent Dr. Kerry Postma
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, A major rift has formed within the Wyckoff School District. During the recent Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 29, the Wyckoff Education Association (WEA) officially announced that its members have overwhelmingly passed a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Dr. Kerry Postma.
The shocking announcement has sent ripples through the local community, highlighting a steep divide between district leadership and frontline educators.
High Turnout, High Discontent: Inside the WEA Vote
The announcement was delivered by WEA President Sheila McLean during the meeting’s second public comment period. Backed by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the vote saw a massive turnout, with 81% of the association’s members participating. Of those who cast a ballot, 70% voted in favor of the no-confidence motion.
According to McLean, the vote isn’t a sudden reaction to a single event, but rather the culmination of deep-seated, ongoing friction.
The vote “reflects years of growing concerns regarding workplace climate, transparency, communication, staffing decisions, labor relations, and employees’ ability to raise legitimate concerns without fear of retaliation.” — Sheila McLean, WEA President
Superintendent Postma Responds: “Too Many,” But Points to Numbers
Dr. Kerry Postma, who has helmed the Wyckoff School District since July 2020, addressed the union’s declaration directly before the meeting adjourned. While she challenged the overall math of the vote’s representation, she acknowledged the weight of the situation.
“50 to 55 people voting out of an association of about 250 — voting no confidence is too many. My responsibility as superintendent is and always has been to serve the students, families, and taxpayers of Wyckoff while supporting all employees with professionalism, fairness, and respect. I remain committed to listening, engaging in constructive dialogue, and leading with integrity, transparency, and professionalism.” — Dr. Kerry Postma, Superintendent
Before taking the lead in Wyckoff, Dr. Postma spent six years as the superintendent of the Edgewater School District and previously held administrative and teaching roles in Moonachie and Waldwick.
What This Means for Wyckoff Schools
A vote of no confidence is a non-binding administrative gesture, meaning it does not legally force a superintendent from their position. However, it carries immense political weight. With contract negotiations, school climate, and staffing decisions now under a public microscope, all eyes turn to the Wyckoff Board of Education to see how they will mediate this fractured relationship between their chief administrator and the district’s teaching staff.
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“No confidence” Translation: Postma has a realistic view of what is, and what should not be, and it is all based on pay, overtime, and time off. (As if already working 8 months out of a 12 month year is too much)
Can someone help me understand how a superintendent can leave one district amid significant controversy and then be hired by another, only to see experienced administrators and staff leave, followed by the teachers’ union taking a vote of no confidence?
When the people who work closest with students lose confidence in district leadership, it’s fair for the community to ask questions about what that means for our schools and our children’s classroom experience. A divided district benefits no one.
I’m also curious about the legal costs associated with the issues that have been reported. Those expenses are paid with taxpayer dollars, and the public has a right to understand how those funds are being spent. Perhaps someone should submit an OPRA request for the district’s legal invoices so the community can review the expenditures and make its own informed conclusions. Transparency is in everyone’s best interest.
Failing upward refers to the phenomenon where individuals achieve promotions or success despite poor performance or failures. This concept highlights how some people can advance in their careers not because of their competence, but due to factors such as networking, favoritism, or simply being in the right place at the right time.
Key Characteristics
Promotion Despite Mediocrity: Individuals may receive higher positions or pay raises without having earned them through merit
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Patterns of Advancement: Certain behaviors or traits, such as charisma or connections, can lead to upward mobility even after significant failures
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Risk-Taking by Employers: Organizations may promote individuals based on their potential rather than past performance, hoping for future success
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This concept often frustrates those who work hard and achieve success through their efforts, as it seems to reward mediocrity over merit.