Central School Families Push for DeWitt as Principal as Board Also Backs Anti-ICE School Resolution
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Seven residents -- Dawn Miller, Carolyn Hageman, Martta and Osiel Ruiz, Amber Brosius, Shaina Fishma, Cicero Nogueira dos Santos and Janaina Cruz -- wrote to the board urging that Jack DeWitt be named principal of Central School, the board reported at its February 24 meeting. The board also accepted, with regret, the resignations of four staff members: paraprofessional Raymond Porch at Linden Avenue School, track head coach Ira Ford and assistant tennis coach Andrew Kanasky at Glen Ridge High School, and custodian Margie Cummings at Ridgewood Avenue School.
The finance committee reported that the district's insurer will cover nearly 100% of the cost of last year's Central School chiller failure, an amount expected to reach approximately $400,000, which will be returned to the district's capital reserve at year-end. The board also approved bills and claims totaling $1,023,216.92 and ratified payroll and other payments of $2,795,341.19, along with $125,398.66 in open purchase orders for the current school year.
Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg reported that the Essex County School Boards Association will hold a special virtual meeting March 3 to vote on a proposed resolution, "Protection of Students and School Communities from Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities," which affirms that public schools must remain safe and inclusive environments free from civil immigration enforcement activity and reiterates every child's constitutional right to a thorough and efficient education regardless of immigration status. If adopted at the county level, the resolution would go before the NJSBA's Annual Delegate Assembly on May 16 for inclusion in the state association's official policy manual. Board members voted unanimously to support the resolution and authorized delegate Luke Franklin to cast the district's vote in favor at the county meeting. Ginsburg also noted she attended the confirmation of Lily Laux as the state's new Commissioner of Education.
The superintendent search remains on schedule, with candidate interviews completed and the board having voted on candidates February 10; administrative steps are still underway, with an announcement expected in March.
The board accepted several donations, including $4,419.93 in Scholastic Dollars from the Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association for literacy corner carpeting, a $1 microscope from Irene Ward, and a chop saw and Makerspace furniture and supplies worth a combined $3,530.24 from the Central School Home and School Association.
Ridgewood Avenue School administrators Dr. Harris and Mr. Nardiello gave an extended presentation marking the school's designation as a Blue Ribbon School and its 125th anniversary this year. They highlighted new initiatives including a "Principal's List" recognizing students for selfless acts, started in honor of a student named Ken Lane, and noted the school's Jump Rope for Heart event raised $12,000. No members of the public attended to offer comment at either public comment period.
Action items
- Accepted the resignations of Raymond Porch, Ira Ford, Margie Cummings, and Andrew Kanasky
- Approved bills, claims, and payroll totaling roughly $3.8 million for January
- Voted unanimously to support the Essex County School Boards Association resolution opposing civil immigration enforcement activity in schools, to be considered at the May 16 NJSBA Delegate Assembly
- Accepted donations including $4,419.93 for Ridgewood Avenue's literacy corner carpeting and Central School Makerspace donations