Glen Ridge School Board Terminates Employee, Clears Four Bullying Complaints, Postpones China Trip Over Coronavirus

The Glen Ridge Board of Education, meeting on February 10, 2020, approved the termination of an employee, identified only as employee #4736, effective February 5. The Board also accepted Superintendent Phillips' findings that four separate Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying investigations were not substantiated.

During public comment, resident Karima Ravenell questioned the cost of a $3,900 neuropsychological evaluation with provider Dr. Lori Catania listed on the agenda, saying she felt the price was high. In personnel news, childcare employee Carol Desalas resigned from her district position effective February 17, with the Board accepting her resignation with regret, and Samantha Myers was appointed to a newly created half-time special education teacher position at Forest Avenue School, effective February 19, at a starting salary of $26,726.50.

The Board approved bills, payroll, and purchase orders totaling more than $2.9 million. Superintendent Phillips announced that the district's planned April trip to China has been postponed until the following year due to the ongoing coronavirus situation there. The Board also approved five construction change orders with H & S Construction & Mechanical for work at Forest Avenue and Linden Avenue Schools, adding up to $14,760.97.

Several donations were accepted, including $500 from Jason and Jacob Blatt in memory of Cathy Walters for the Ridgewood Avenue School Makerspace, a $1,500 fitness bike from Darrin O'Neil, and two donations of $7,487.69 each from the Ridgewood Avenue School Home & School Association for Chromebooks and carts.

The district recognized two music achievements: Superintendent Phillips honored the Glen Ridge High School Marching Band and Band for a string of accomplishments including a 2018 NBC Today Show Halloween performance, a Best Music Award at MetLife Stadium nationals, a 2019 trip to Ireland with a St. Patrick's Day Parade performance, a sixth-place national finish, and a halftime performance at Madison Square Garden. Senior Garrison Huddleston was also presented a certificate for being named to the Northern Jersey Wind Ensemble, North Jersey Orchestra, and All-State Symphonic Band — the first Glen Ridge student in over a decade to earn All-State honors.

In other business, the Board approved submission of a waiver exempting the district from a requirement to maximize participation in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative for the 2020-2021 school year, an educational services agreement with Bergen County Special Services for an assistive technology assessment for one student at a cost not to exceed $950, and home instruction agreements for three students with outside providers. Board President Ginsburg reported receiving written correspondence from resident Greta Sawa on board governance, from Mr. Wilkins on construction matters, and from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council regarding their concerns. Mr. Bonnett reported discussions with Glen Ridge Athletic Association leadership about adding volleyball at Ridgewood Avenue School, including installing sleeves in the gym floor.

What to watch

• The district's China trip has been pushed to the following year, with no new date yet announced.
• Further discussion is expected on installing volleyball floor sleeves in the Ridgewood Avenue School gym.