Lakewood Board of Education Attorney Inzelbuch today clarified information regarding the use of religious textbooks being used in Lakewood schools – which some have questioned.

“While I am still reviewing this matter – here is a preliminary information that I have received and/or been provided,” Inzelbuch said.

1) Please note that there are 2 (two) books mentioned –one(1) ordered by the Calvary School (“Heritage Studies”), and, one (1) published by the Jewish Center for Science (“Fundamentals of Life Science”).

2) BOTH were denied this year by the District Supervisor, Ben Lieberman. (Ben commenced last week of June 2018). Thereafter, the STATE (NJDOE ) was directly contacted by Calvary and the Center, and the STATE approved this type of purchase. (Reversing the district decision).

3) As to the “ Fundamentals of Science “ book – it appears that only one (1) school ordered this book (60 copies). It also appears that other public school districts in New Jersey order this exact book.

4) As to the book ordered by Calvary – the Superintendent, Laura Winters, visited Calvary this morning (Thursday, September 20, 2018) and was advised by the Principal, Stephanie Cruz, that there are approximately 100 public schools that utilize this same book.

5) It appears that the order of the “Fundamentals of Science “ book represents less than .07% ( less than 1% ) (The Order was received by the publisher only on 8/30/18 after NJDOE approved on 8/13/18).

6) Also – NONE of the monies utilized to purchase nonpublic textbooks comes from public school monies, specifically, it is a State Grant only available to nonpublic students/ schools.

Nevertheless – to be proactive and safe, I met with the Superintendent, Ben Lieberman, and Mrs. Stein (192/193 Supervisor) this morning. I thereafter asked for the nonpublic schools to provide one (1) copy of each book that instructs Hebrew language, Yiddish language, or referencing G-d even in a non-religious context.