Auditor Flags Financial Record-Keeping Issues as Glen Ridge Board Faces Pointed Public Questions

At the December 9, 2019 meeting of the Glen Ridge Board of Education, the district's outside auditor, Kathi Mantell of Nisivoccia LLP, presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Auditors Management Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The audit recommended that all financial records for the After School and Summer Program be made available for review and that Student Body Activities receipts be deposited more promptly. The Board approved a Corrective Action Plan to address those findings.

On personnel matters, the Board accepted the superintendent's recommendation on a harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) complaint involving the high school, finding the allegation not substantiated. Superintendent Phillips also reported, in response to an earlier public question, that of 18 investigations that were not classified as HIB, nine involved code-of-conduct issues. Separately, the Board formally accepted the retirement of teacher Theresa Messineo, who is stepping down effective June 30, 2020 after 19 years, with Ms. Ginsburg saying she will be "sorely missed." The Board also approved a salary adjustment for Joseph Caravela to $166,168.55, reflecting a base salary plus longevity pay and a stipend for earning his doctorate, effective December 9, 2019.

Financially, the Board approved bills and claims totaling $1,629,980.81, ratified November 2019 payroll and related bills of $1,002,116.91, and noted open purchase orders of $163,795.02. The Board also approved individual settlement agreements for three students, identified only by ID numbers, for the current school year, and approved a home instruction agreement with Saint Clare's Hospital for a hospitalized student, beginning November 26, 2019, at $55 per hour for 10 hours a week. A change order was approved for H&S Construction & Mechanical to perform electric trenching work at Forest Avenue School, at a cost of $3,116.75.

The Glen Ridge High School Boys Soccer Team was recognized for winning its first-ever Group 1 state championship, defeating Bound Brook High School 2-1 in overtime; Coach Austin Alvarado was named NJ.com Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. Director of Technology Winnie Boswell briefed the Board on cybersecurity practices aimed at limiting ransomware risk, and the Board adopted its 2019-2020 goals across six areas, including finance and facilities, personnel and policy, communications, curriculum, negotiations, and school safety. The Board also approved its 2019-2020 Nursing Services Plan and joined a shared-services agreement with the Central Jersey Program for the Recruitment of Diverse Educators, paying a $2,000 membership fee. Superintendent Phillips also gave updates on ongoing construction at Central School, Ridgewood Avenue School, and Forest and Linden Avenue Schools, including a heating issue in the Ridgewood Avenue auditorium and an engineering delay affecting rooftop chiller work at Forest Avenue School.

Ms. Ginsburg read a statement on ongoing contract negotiations between the Board and the Glen Ridge Education Association, citing unfunded state mandates, state aid levels, unfunded extraordinary costs, rising health care premiums, and security upgrades as key issues. During public comment, teachers Katie Balaschak and Lisbeth Ellersick spoke about salary and benefit concerns, comparing pay across districts and raising questions about individual assignments. Residents Greta Sawa and Harris Teran also questioned the Board on a range of topics, including room temperature at the PTC, restroom conditions at Ridgewood Avenue School, food service pricing, audit recommendations, voided checks, settlement agreements, insurance coverage, and consultant costs. Mr. Teran specifically asked what percentage of settlements are covered by insurance. Ms. Sawa was warned by Board Chair Ms. Cornell that she risked losing her ability to participate after shouting out of turn during public comment.

What to watch

• Ongoing GREA contract negotiations remain unresolved, with unfunded mandates, state aid, and health care costs cited as sticking points.
• Construction issues at Ridgewood Avenue and Forest Avenue Schools, including the auditorium heating problem and chiller wall reinforcement delay, remain unresolved.