Glen Ridge Schools Approve $100,220 in Emergency Repairs After Linden Avenue Ceiling Collapse

The Glen Ridge Board of Education approved $100,220 in emergency repair work at Linden Avenue School after a ceiling collapsed there, covering ceiling grid and tile replacement, plaster and ceiling abatement, reinstallation of heat detectors and lighting, and additional air sampling to ensure the space is safe.

In other business at the July 21, 2026 meeting, the Board accepted the Superintendent's findings on three separate Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying investigations at Glen Ridge High School. All three complaints, identified by case numbers, were found not substantiated.

The Board also signed off on a large batch of roughly two dozen purchases and contracts through cooperative and state purchasing programs. Notable items included a $64,482.60 shade structure for Forest Avenue School, an $80,625.87 six-year subscription to the Vista Higher Learning language program, $46,571.25 to replace classroom flooring at Ridgewood Avenue School, $43,106.25 to refinish the high school gym floor, and three separate $40,000 roofing and gutter repair contracts at Ridgewood Avenue, Forest Avenue, and Linden Avenue schools, all with Northeast Roof Maintenance.

Routine financial business included ratifying June bills and claims of $674,226.65, payroll and related payments of $3,707,482.41, and open purchase orders totaling $14,474,019.67 spanning the current and upcoming school years. The Board also approved out-of-district placements and tuition for four special-education students, with costs ranging from about $67,680 to $108,240 depending on the school and support services involved, and approved two separate special-education settlement agreements, for students at Barnstable Academy and Middlebridge School, both passing 9-0.

Personnel news included Board President Ginsburg publicly congratulating teacher Lisa Walter on her retirement, effective October 1, 2026, and the appointment of Emily Serafino as the high school's new Assistant Principal, at a salary of $123,000 plus stipends, effective July 22, 2026. The district also accepted federal grant funding for the 2026-2027 school year, including money under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, to support special education and other programs.

Ginsburg reported that the state budget, passed June 30, keeps Glen Ridge's state aid consistent with the district's adopted budget, though a task force is planned to address rising transportation and employee health benefit costs. The Board also approved a tuition contract allowing a Montclair student to attend Glen Ridge Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, and set meal prices for district schools for that same year, both passing 9-0.

What to watch

• The district's fall task force on rising transportation and employee health benefit costs has not yet been scheduled.
• Assistant Principal Emily Serafino's tenure at Glen Ridge High School begins July 22, 2026.
• Teacher Lisa Walter's retirement takes effect October 1, 2026.