Glen Ridge School Board Splits 4-3 on Next Year's Calendar, Hears Resident Frustration Over Late Release
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The Glen Ridge Board of Education voted to approve the 2020-2021 school calendar on January 2, 2020, but the decision was not unanimous, with Mr. Campbell, Mr. de Leeuw, Ms. St. Auburn, and Dr. Yaros-Ramos voting against it. Resident Tom Johnson told the board he was disappointed the calendar wasn't made available in December, saying he had already booked a vacation in September before knowing the school schedule. Other residents raised related concerns: Laurie Davis noted that summer camps may not be available during a proposed September break week in the new calendar, and Nicole Clarke asked why the calendar's start date was set as proposed; Superintendent Phillips responded by explaining the educational considerations behind the decision.
In other business, the board accepted the superintendent's recommendation that a harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) complaint, identified as Report #19-20 RAS#3, was not substantiated. The board also approved an out-of-district placement for a student at Paradigm Therapeutic Day School running from December 16, 2019 through June 30, 2020, at a cost of $40,660, with the district providing transportation. Bills and claims totaling $1,274,824.34 were approved, and payroll and other bills totaling $2,087,257.90 were ratified.
The board announced two donations: $17,392.09 from the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation to fund teacher innovation grants, including projects such as "Diversity in Science Literacy" and "Reimagining Recess," and $30,711.48 raised by the Glen Ridge Home & School Association's 2019 Kitchen Tour, earmarked for school safety improvements; both donations were accepted unanimously. Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg announced that a tentative contract agreement has been reached with the teachers' union, the Glen Ridge Education Association, though both sides are still finalizing minor details before signing. Resident Greta Sawa asked how the contract talks might affect the budget, but Ginsburg said the board could not discuss terms until the contract is signed.
The board also approved a $3,937.28 change order with H&S Construction & Mechanical to install a water pressure reducing valve in the nurse's room at Linden Avenue School. In its annual reorganization, the board elected Elisabeth Ginsburg as President, Michael de Leeuw as 1st Vice President, and Mr. Campbell as 2nd Vice President, all by unanimous voice vote. Minutes from the December 9, 2019 meetings were approved, with Mr. de Leeuw and Ms. Lang abstaining. Separately, Ginsburg noted her standing recusal from any votes involving the board's law firm, Sciarrillo, Cornell, Merlino, McKeever & Osborne, LLC, and Mr. Bonnett abstained from a series of personnel-related votes covering appointments, substitutes, evening events, stipends, sixth period assignments, home instruction, and volunteer coach approval. The board approved hiring Rosemary Matar as a teacher, replacing M. Bridge, effective once she is released by her current employer, through June 30, 2020, at a prorated salary of $70,462. Several staff conference and training requests were also approved, though a Spanish teacher's planned West Orange conference on December 4, 2019 was cancelled.
During public comment, a resident asked whether more bushes or shrubs would be planted between Ridgewood Avenue School and the playground. Resident Mr. Marigliano raised New Jersey Senate Bill #1569, which takes effect for the 2020-2021 school year and requires schools to include curriculum accurately portraying the contributions of people with disabilities and LGBT individuals. Jennifer Jones, representing kindergarten parents, asked about class sizes and whether an additional teacher might be added. Harris Teran followed up on a prior GRASE meeting, asking whether the district would consider hiring an Orton-Gillingham reading specialist and inquired about the budgeted fund balance. Greta Sawa also commented on the calendar, the LGBTQ community, and the district audit.
What to watch
- Finalization and signing of the tentative teacher contract with the Glen Ridge Education Association, not yet completed.
- Whether the board responds to resident questions about kindergarten class sizes, a possible Orton-Gillingham specialist hire, and additional landscaping near Ridgewood Avenue School.