Former Student Confronts Board Over Unpunished Slurs and Swastikas as One Bullying Complaint Is Substantiated
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Griffin Kim, a former Glen Ridge student who graduated last year, used both public comment periods to tell the board that swastikas have been drawn "here, there, and everywhere" throughout the high school during his four years there, scratched into music stands, desks, and chairs, and that slurs targeting Jewish and queer students, including a moment he said he personally witnessed when a classmate used an anti-gay slur in class, went unpunished and continued for the rest of the year despite being reported. He told the board that students don't believe reporting incidents leads to real consequences, and said the town's "idyllic" reputation is inseparable from what happens in its schools, closing with "do your jobs, please." The same night, the board found one Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint at Ridgewood Avenue School substantiated, while a separate complaint at the high school was not.
Board members gave a lengthy farewell tribute to Heather Yaros-Ramos, who is leaving the board after four terms during which she chaired both the finance and curriculum committees; she was presented with a plaque, flowers, and a card, and colleagues praised her willingness to "ask why" and dig into difficult questions. The board also accepted the resignations of Linden Avenue School paraprofessional Michelle Scardino, effective December 23, and Central School learning resource teacher Karen Woodruff, effective November 20, and welcomed new administrator Jared Nardiello, who attended the meeting with his family.
The board recognized the boys soccer team for winning the NJSIAA Group 1 state championship; Athletic Director Rob Hill announced that head coach Ianni had also been named Essex County Coach of the Year. The board separately recognized the Model UN program for the first time at a board meeting, highlighting the team's performance representing Egypt and Brazil at a Rutgers University conference and individual awards earned by several officers.
Auditor Alex Barrese of Lerch, Vinci & Bliss presented the district's 2024-25 annual audit, reporting an unmodified opinion, the highest possible rating, with no material weaknesses. The district's general fund balance grew from about $7.8 million to $9.2 million, including $3.3 million held in capital reserve for long-range facilities projects and roughly $1.1 million unassigned. The board approved refusing $1,938 in Title III federal grant funding for the current fiscal year, and accepted a $1,000 donation from the 100th Monkey Foundation for the high school's music and arts program. November financial reports showed $747,049.90 in bills and claims and $1,660,016.79 in payroll.
Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg opened the meeting with a moment of silence for victims of the shooting at Brown University and the attack on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, Australia. She also reported the superintendent search has narrowed to five candidates now in second-round interviews, with a final round expected in mid-January, and reminded the community to complete a survey on desired qualities for the next superintendent.
Action items
- Found one HIB complaint substantiated at Ridgewood Avenue School and one at the high school not substantiated
- Accepted resignations of Michelle Scardino (LAS paraprofessional) and Karen Woodruff (Central learning resource teacher)
- Approved the 2024-25 annual audit with an unmodified opinion and a general fund balance of $9.2 million
- Approved refusal of $1,938 in Title III federal grant funds for 2025-26