Glen Ridge School Board Approves $90,000 HVAC Repair at High School, Hears Praise for Teacher Training Grant

The Glen Ridge Board of Education approved a roughly $90,000 contract with Binsky Service for additional heating and cooling system repairs at Glen Ridge High School, under a bid arrangement originally awarded in 2018 and renewed in September 2020. The board also publicly thanked the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation for donating $94,500 to fund two-year Orton-Gillingham reading certification training for nine district staff members. Fran Wong, chair of the Foundation's board of trustees, spoke during public comment to praise the funding.

In special education matters, the board approved an out-of-district placement for one student at Bergen County Special Services' Venture Program for the 2020-2021 school year at a cost of $96,210, and a placement for another student at East Mountain School running from October 22, 2020 through June 18, 2021 at $48,127. Separately, the board approved ending two other out-of-district placements: one at Paradigm Therapeutic Day School effective October 19, 2020, and another at Westbridge Academy effective October 29, 2020. The board also approved a parent transportation agreement covering a student's transport to The Children's P.L.A.C.E. program at Lincoln Elementary School in Pompton Lakes, at a cost not to exceed $7,871.75 for the school year.

The board approved a revised $75,000 agreement with the Borough of Glen Ridge for use of athletic fields covering July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, along with bills and claims totaling $1,133,547.51, payroll and related bills of $1,174,252.22, and an open purchase order report of $310,267.26. Also approved were a 15% discount on last year's transportation contract with the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission, a custodian services contract with Precision HR Solutions at hourly rates of $27 and $22 depending on position, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The board voted to rescind Robert Rollo's previously approved appointment as a permanent substitute at the high school. The board also accepted, with regret, the retirements of teacher Nelson "Duke" Mendez and secretary Kay Scheren, both effective June 30, 2021, with the Board President and Superintendent recognizing their service. Separately, the board approved moving the 2021 high school graduation date up from Friday, June 18 to Thursday, June 17.

Board President Ginsburg announced that Governor Murphy has nominated Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan as Acting Commissioner of the state Department of Education, a nomination that still requires State Senate approval.

During public comment, several residents raised questions about the district's COVID-19 policies. Kim Engel asked about quarantine requirements following potential exposure and about the state's regional risk rating system, prompting Superintendent Phillips and Ms. Ginsburg to explain how the state's four-color risk matrix works alongside local Board of Health data. Charlie Breslin asked about quarantine policy for family members with secondary exposure; Phillips said the district follows CDC and Board of Health guidance, which does not require quarantining those secondary contacts. Michele Militello asked about auditing class meeting times and lengthening the school day, with Phillips saying he would follow up with principals but noting the district is wary of creating additional exposure risk as case numbers rise while the district considers a "Phase II" reopening stage. Eileen Leiber asked how colleges weigh SAT and ACT scores. Jennifer Jones asked about the location of next year's pre-K program, and Phillips said he would report back. Harris Teran asked whether the board would consider a special education audit, and Phillips said it is something that could be considered.

What to watch

• Superintendent Phillips is expected to report back on the location of next year's pre-K program at a future meeting.
• Whether the district moves forward with a possible special education audit, as raised by resident Harris Teran.
• Whether the district adjusts school day length or class meeting times, an issue Phillips said he would discuss with principals.