New Jersey school board association leader resigns over Jewish remark

The vice president of the New Jersey School Boards Association has resigned from that post after complaints that she made comments that some interpreted as saying she wanted Jewish members of her local school board replaced.

Rosemary Bernardi remains a member of the school board in Evesham Township.

At a May meeting, some in the audience said Bernardi said that the deadline was approaching to run for the school board and added, “and there are five Jews on the board.”

Bernardi has apologized and said that the comment about Jewish members was in response to a question and not related to her announcing the deadline to file to run for the board.

In a statement, the School Boards Association said that having Bernardi remain an officer would hurt the organization. The resignation is effective immediately.