Board Adopts $44.2 Million Budget, Warns of New E-Bike Law After Fatal Crash

The Board of Education formally adopted its $44.2 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year at its April 28 meeting following a public hearing, with a 2.7% tax levy increase that includes a 0.7% health benefits cap exception. Business Administrator Barbara Murphy told the board that the owner of a home assessed at the borough's new average of about $1.2 million will see an estimated $387 annual increase, or about $32 a month. Murphy noted Glen Ridge avoided a roughly 30% health insurance premium spike other districts are facing this year by moving to a private plan, saving more than $1.5 million, and contrasted the district's finances with neighboring districts now cutting staff and programs: West Orange faces a $14 million gap and the loss of at least 70 positions, Montclair is cutting nearly $6 million including 32 teachers, Newark expects to cut 30 teachers and 15 other staff, Livingston may cut 40 positions, Bloomfield is cutting 24 jobs and freezing non-union salaries, Belleville faces a $2 million shortfall, and South Orange-Maplewood is looking to cut about $6 million and 23 positions. One board member called Glen Ridge "the only district in the county that's solvent."

Glen Ridge High School Principal John Lawler honored the Class of 2026's valedictorian, Jacob Javier, and salutatorian, Nathaniel Kastenmeier, citing their accomplishments both in the classroom and on the soccer field, along with their roles as leaders and role models for younger students. Lawler noted the high school continues to rank among the state's best, placing 11th in New Jersey in the U.S. News and World Report rankings with a 99% graduation rate.

Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg gave an update on New Jersey's new e-bike safety law, signed January 19, 2026, noting a sharp rise in accidents involving children, including the death of a 12-year-old in Princeton in a collision with a car days before the meeting. The law, among the strictest in the country, requires riders to be at least 15 and hold a motorized bicycle license, mandates registration with the Motor Vehicle Commission and liability insurance for e-bikes, requires DOT-approved motorcycle helmets rather than standard bicycle helmets, and bans e-bikes on certain highways, with a $50 fine for violations.

The Glen Ridge Educational Foundation raised and donated more than $100,000 to district programs this year, including Capturing Kids' Hearts, Virtual High School, professional development and teacher grants, while Home and School Associations across the district donated close to $30,000 in monetary gifts. The board separately accepted a $4,351.97 donation from the Forest Avenue Home & School Association for classroom furnishings, instructional materials and library enhancements, and a $2,419.40 donation from the Ridgewood Avenue Home & School Association for a Lego display of the school's logo created through its STEM program.

Student representative Sanaah Saraogi reported a strong spring sports season, with the golf team at 14-1 and leading the SEC Liberty Division, boys lacrosse ranked 16th in the state at 9-3, and girls lacrosse ranked 20th at 4-3. She also noted NJSLA testing and AP exams are underway, along with several Honor Society induction ceremonies.

Action items

• Adopted the 2026-2027 school budget: $44.2 million total, with a 2.7% tax levy increase and $37,873,770 to be raised in taxes
• Approved a $1,632,505 capital reserve withdrawal for a Glen Ridge High School roof replacement
• Accepted donations of $4,351.97 from the Forest Avenue Home & School Association and $2,419.40 from the Ridgewood Avenue Home & School Association

Watch key moments

• 17:52 — Board president details New Jersey's strict new e-bike law following a 12-year-old's fatal crash in Princeton
• 23:57 — Principal John Lawler honors valedictorian Jacob Javier and salutatorian Nathaniel Kastenmeier
• 44:27 — Board member praises the district as "the only district in the county that's solvent" amid cuts elsewhere