Board Adopts Final Budget as Teacher Says $2 Million Went to AC, Nothing to Staffing

The Board of Education formally adopted its 2022-23 school budget at the April 25, 2022 meeting, but not before a Glen Ridge High School English teacher delivered pointed public testimony about chronic overwork. Teacher Jodi Hackmeyer told the board that 72% of high school staff are teaching a sixth class period beyond their normal course load -- a rate she called unprecedented compared to other districts -- for just $6,314 in extra pay, or about $28 a day before taxes, to take on 110 to 120 additional students. By her math, that leaves roughly 3.8 minutes per student per week for grading and planning, not enough to grade even a single short assignment, let alone the essays she said take about 10 minutes each to grade. "To see two million dollars earmarked for air conditioning and nothing for additional staffing at the high school... is very difficult to hear," Hackmeyer said, urging the board to reallocate funds toward staffing relief. Resident Harris Teran followed up, noting that about 77-80% of high school teachers currently teach six periods and warning that if the teachers' union, whose contract is under negotiation, votes to cap six-period assignments in its next contract, the district could lose its ability to rely on that staffing model altogether; he also noted teachers are expected to review students' 504 and IEP plans within that same limited time. Superintendent Dirk Phillips acknowledged the district had three full-time positions it could not fill this year, resulting in 15 to 18 six-period assignments, and said the district is trying to limit such assignments in next year's schedule but is constrained by a statewide teacher shortage, with teacher-preparation program enrollment down 40%. Board members explained that the $1.35 million capital reserve funding the HVAC project is one-time money that cannot legally be redirected to ongoing salaries.

The adopted budget totals $42,229,853 across the general fund, special revenues and debt service, supported by a tax levy of $32,619,457 -- a 2% increase -- with total taxes to be raised, including debt service, of $34,308,832. For the first time in Superintendent Phillips' seven years leading the district, the budget adds staff without cutting any positions: five new full-time positions, six new part-time positions, and three positions upgraded from part-time to full-time. Among the additions is a new Supervisor of Intervention Programs, a 10.5-month position with salary and benefits totaling $134,000, created partly in response to findings from the district's special education audit; the board approved its job description, with the position reporting directly to building principals given the high school's large share of the district's classified students. The budget also funds a $2 million high school HVAC upgrade, including $1.35 million withdrawn from capital reserve, along with $72,000 for technology Promethean panels and $41,759 in restroom upgrades. The board approved bills and claims of $944,124.71, payroll and related disbursements of $1,194,181.49, and an open purchase order report of $453,092.79.

Chinese World Language teacher Shihong Zhang recognized several students for national achievements: Evan Rossi placed second nationally in the National Chinese Language Contest, with Kara Walsh earning honorable mention, and Isabella Goodman, Winnie Lynn, Levy Wolford and Sofia Morizinski won a national song lyric writing contest, with their winning song set to be professionally produced into a music video. Zhang is also pursuing a dual-credit partnership with Rutgers University for AP Chinese students. Phillips also cited academic highlights from the year, including a 99.3% graduation rate, 97.4% of the Class of 2021 enrolling in four-year colleges, and the marching band's Group 1 national championship.

Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg announced the death of former board member Dr. George Kirsch, a college professor and historian of American sports who was first elected to the board in 2000. Ginsburg recalled him as "a wonderful, thoughtful, scholarly board member" who served during turbulent times; he is survived by his son Adam, a member of Glen Ridge High School's Class of 1999.

The board also approved several student field trips, including a Business Club visit to Wall Street for a trading floor tour, a French AP class visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a trip for 7th and 8th grade Chinese and Gifted/Talented students to Snug Harbor in Staten Island.

Action items

• Adopted the final 2022-23 school budget totaling $42,229,853, including a 2% tax levy increase to $32,619,457.
• Approved a $2 million high school HVAC upgrade, including a $1.35 million capital reserve withdrawal.
• Approved the job description for a new Supervisor of Intervention Programs position ($134,000 salary and benefits).
• Approved bills and claims of $944,124.71 and payroll/related disbursements of $1,194,181.49.
• Approved student field trips including a Business Club trip to Wall Street and a French AP visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Watch key moments

• 1:29 — Board President Ginsburg announces the death of former board member Dr. George Kirsch, a sports historian who served on the board starting in 2000.
• 32:00 — High school teacher Jodi Hackmeyer tells the board 72% of GRHS staff teach an extra class period for about $28 a day, while $2 million goes to air conditioning.
• 40:20 — Resident Harris Teran warns the district could lose its six-period staffing model if the teachers' union bans it in its next contract.