‘I pledge…

Who has the ability to measure a person’s patriotism? Who can see into another’s heart and mind to determine their true feelings and thoughts?

A few of Middlesex Borough’s community Facebook pages veered into those questions recently. At issue was School Superintendent Dr. Roberta Freeman and the Pledge of Allegiance, which is said at the outset of Board of Education meetings.

Supposedly, Freeman was not far enough engaged in the pledge one night and someone noticed via the meeting video. There was also a suggestion that this wasn’t the first time Freeman appeared indifferent in her allegiance-saying.

It’s surprising that parents and community members would spend time on this issue when there are others much more important. A 7% school tax increase will be reflected in August tax bills. There are apprehensions about building security. The learning environment at one school was called into question by a parent last fall who publicly called it “blatant chaos.”

Lax pledging of allegiance to the United States? The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in 1943 that students can’t be required to cite the pledge. That was 83 years ago. And this is one of the criteria for assessing a school superintendent in Middlesex Borough? Really?

Before you paint me as a communist sympathizer, know that my dad was a World War II veteran who received two battle stars for U.S. Navy service in the Pacific Theater. His ship got damaged by a Japanese torpedo and needed to be towed back to port. Nearly two dozen sailors died in the attack. My brother served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. One of the reasons I say the pledge at meetings is to honor their service. I accept, however, that others are not required to do likewise.

When Freeman’s critics engage in episodes such as “Pledge-gate,” they risk losing credibility when pointing out other legitimate worries about the district. 

I’ve attended public meetings for 40 years. Trust me, I’ve seen plenty of officials and audience members punt during the Pledge of Allegiance. I show respect to the country by saying the pledge with meeting attendees. Still, I’m willing to bet that if video existed of every meeting I’ve attended, you’d see me a few times zoning out and appearing disinterested.

Was that the case here? Or, perhaps Freeman has a reason to not be enthusiastic during the allegiance oath. Her critics might recall from their history classes, that dissent is permissible in America. There have been many instances in our country’s history, where public figures were at odds with a policy or two coming out of Washington, D.C. and indicated so.

Granted, it’s not the best look for an administrator leading a 2,000-student school district to seem half-hearted during the pledge. But it’s hardly incriminating. If Pledge of Allegiance engagement becomes the standard for evaluating a school superintendent, what’s next? A written quiz on the U.S. Constitution?

Recent social media commentary has also touched on the dismissal of litigation filed in March over Freeman’s contract. That lawsuit challenged a clause that provides for automatic renewal if the superintendent is not notified by a certain date that she’s not being reappointed. If you don’t believe it was a victory for Freeman and the board, ask any attorney how they would view a judge granting their motion to dismiss a lawsuit. 

There’s no other way to view it other than a legal win for the superintendent. That’s not to say the dismissal could not be overturned on appeal, which is apparently coming. That’s a difficult path to take, however. In New Jersey, only 15% of appeals result in a reversal, according to online sources. Appeals are uphill battles, as the appellate court generally presumes the lower court’s decision was legally correct.

All this serves as a prelude to what could be six to eight months of community divide between Freeman’s critics and supporters as a school board decision looms on her contract renewal. Her current contract, which was signed in late 2022, is due to expire on June 30, 2027. If the board does not wish to renew, it must notify Freeman in writing by Jan. 28, 2027.

It remains to be seen specifically who will make that decision. Recently, the question of which board members’ terms expire this year was asked from the meeting audience. The reason for that inquiry was fairly obvious.

The community assumption seems to be that whomever wins the three board seats up for election this November will help determine whether or not there’s a change in the superintendent’s office. That’s not necessarily so. According to state law, a school board can renew a superintendent’s contract at any time. Theoretically, it could happen prior to the election. The renewal would require review and approval by the Middlesex County superintendent.

Prospective board candidates have until July 27 to file for this fall’s election. The board is currently split between those who support Freeman’s initiatives and those who question them. The 2026-27 budget recently received a slim, 5-4 approval. The campaign leading up to the November vote figures to be a community debate on what’s going on in the district’s schools.

Freeman’s renewal or not, should be based on the state of the school district and where it’s perceived to be heading. Weigh the accomplishments and the shortcomings. Look at where the school system is, and whether any progress in addressing problems has been made. There are plenty of relevant considerations. Whether a superintendent is consistently immersed in the Pledge of Allegiance isn’t one of them.

(Copyright 2026 Dave Polakiewicz. All Rights Reserved)

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