Board Finds Bullying Substantiated in Two Ridgewood Avenue Cases as District Earns National Award
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The Board of Education accepted the superintendent's findings that Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying was substantiated in two separate investigations involving Ridgewood Avenue School students at its April 8 meeting, with board members Luke Franklin and Kristin O'Neil abstaining on both votes.
The board also reported that a personnel matter raised in written communications from Nina Kundra, Ana Felisa Vianna and Tara Gonsowski has since been resolved, though no further details were given in open session; Kundra was among the parents who pressed the board last month over the district's handling of a kindergarten teacher's early departure. A separate written communication from a parent regarding a confidential student matter was also reported resolved.
Superintendent Winnie Kievit announced that Glen Ridge Public Schools has been named a 2025-2026 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase District, one of roughly ten districts recognized nationwide, crediting participation from Ridgewood Avenue, Forest Avenue, Linden Avenue and Central Schools. She also reported that a pep rally at Ridgewood Avenue School gave Educational Foundation members a chance to visit classrooms and see the program in action.
The board approved a revised school calendar that uses one of the three snow days built into this year's schedule to extend the Memorial Day weekend, adding Tuesday, May 26 as a day off.
The board accepted a combined $19,625 in donations from the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation -- $10,375 for Generation Ready, Inc. professional development and $9,250 toward the Virtual High School program for 2026-2027 -- along with $178.65 for a physical education storage cart and $466.32 for carpet and flash cards for a language room, both from the Ridgewood Avenue Home & School Association. The board also approved bills and claims of $750,260.91 and ratified payroll and other payments totaling $1,645,327.51.
Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg reported that the state legislature is reviewing the governor's proposed budget through department hearings that will run through the end of April, ahead of a final state budget due June 30, and said she does not expect changes to the district's state aid this year.
Action items
- Found HIB substantiated in two separate investigations involving Ridgewood Avenue School students
- Approved a revised calendar adding Tuesday, May 26 as a day off, extending Memorial Day weekend
- Accepted $19,625 in Educational Foundation donations for professional development and the Virtual High School program