Glen Ridge Board Substantiates Bullying Complaint, Accepts Two Staff Resignations

The Glen Ridge Board of Education, meeting May 16, 2022 in the Glen Ridge High School Media Center and via livestream, accepted the superintendent's finding that a Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying complaint at Ridgewood Avenue School (Report 21-22 RAS #9) was substantiated. The board voted on a second complaint from the same investigation (Report 21-22 RAS #10) and found it not substantiated; Ms. Gottlieb cast the lone "nay" vote on that second finding, and Dr. Yaros-Ramos abstained on both matters.

The board also accepted, with regret, two staff resignations: Mary Hadley, an aide at Ridgewood Avenue School, effective July 26, and Devenny Komar, a teacher at Forest Avenue School, effective June 16.

On the financial side, the board approved bills and claims totaling $1,044,690.94 and ratified payroll and related payments of $2,307,540.48, along with open purchase orders of $364,359.28 for the current school year. Members also approved a new agreement with Phoenix Advisors to serve as the district's continuing disclosure agent for 2022-2023, at an annual base cost of $1,100 plus a $250 setup fee for each new bond issue.

Board President Elisabeth Ginsburg and Superintendent Dirk Phillips recognized the Class of 2022's top two students. Salutatorian Evan Rossi, who holds a 4.68 GPA and has completed 21 honors or AP-level courses, is an AP Capstone Diploma candidate, was Glen Ridge's representative for the NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Award, is a four-year varsity track and field athlete, finished second in a national Chinese-language speaking competition, has worked with the Democratic Socialists of America and Citizens' Climate Lobby chapters lobbying members of Congress on climate change, and volunteers at local soup kitchens; he will attend Columbia University in the fall. Valedictorian Mia Ehatam, with a 4.82 GPA and 21 honors/AP courses, belongs to the National Honor Society, Hispanic Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Computer Honor Society, Science League, Environmental Club, Feminist Club and Spanish Club, is vice president of the Model UN Club and captain of the girls varsity tennis team, is proficient in Spanish and French, and volunteers at the Glen Ridge Public Library; she will attend McGill University in the fall.

Ridgewood Avenue School's cast and crew of "Legally Blonde, Jr." brought a small group of performers to the meeting at Superintendent Phillips' invitation. Director Heather Valentine reported the production involved 116 cast members, 32 stage crew, 16 bow ties, 5 surfboards, 20 cheerleader costumes, more than 600 individual props, 1,000 printed programs, 90 stuffed chihuahua dogs and one real dog, performed across three sold-out shows.

Members of the Glen Ridge High School Black Student Union, advised by staff members Tia Gist and Kendall Sutherland, spoke to the board about the club, which meets every Tuesday and was formed to give students of color a space to discuss issues including microaggressions they face at a predominantly white school. Students described lessons on topics such as whether the Black national anthem should be sung at sporting events and shared personal experiences as minority students at Glen Ridge High School, saying they hope future members can visit HBCUs and museums and hear from guest speakers.

Ginsburg's president's report also noted her visit to the Ridgewood Avenue School STEM fair, calling the students' projects and presentations impressive, and the dedication of the Rob Roberts Buddy Bench at Forest Avenue School, attended by Officer Roberts' family and the school's student population. Phillips highlighted a garden planted at Central School in honor of "Betsy," recognized earlier this year for 20 years of service to the board; custodial staff cleared the rocky site and board members did the planting, with a plaque and small ceremony to follow. The board also heard an update on the district's special education action plan, developed after a recent audit, covering communication, staffing, instruction and operations for the coming school year, and a summary of the strategic planning process completed this winter, which produced a new mission statement and five district goals.

In committee and liaison reports, Mr. de Leeuw updated the board on ongoing contract negotiations with the GREA and on curriculum committee discussions of the math curriculum and new phonics offerings. Ms. Gottlieb reported for Ridgewood Avenue's Home & School Association on a successful book fair, second-to-third-grade transition activities, a career fair with 27 parent panelists, an upcoming Rob Romp and a parent social May 26; she also reported GRASE is seeking new parent leaders and, attending the New Jersey School Board Association's delegate assembly, said the organization's longtime executive director is retiring and will be succeeded by Dr. Tim Pernell, a former Somerville superintendent. Dr. Yaros-Ramos reported for Linden Avenue on a visiting author day, Maker Day, two assemblies, a Spring Fling and openings for parent officers. Ms. O'Neil reported the Gas Lamp Players will perform "The Little Mermaid" this Saturday and take a "Miscast Cabaret" show to New York on June 12. Ms. Graham reported Forest Avenue's 80s Night parent fundraiser was a success and the school's "flocking" fundraiser is underway. Ms. St. Auburn reported the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation approved several grants at its May 12 meeting and is planning its anniversary party for next spring, and that the Personnel and Policy Committee discussed open positions, teacher renewals and state policy changes.

The board approved the first reading of a dozen new or revised policies, including a new policy on postnatal accommodations for students, a revised Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying policy, and updated COVID-19 healthcare-setting recordkeeping rules replacing an earlier safety plan policy.

During public comment, resident Phil Johnson, who has a graduating senior this year, said families had received no information about the June 17 graduation ceremony's location, rain date or ticket limits, particularly for relatives traveling from out of town; board members said they would follow up with additional details for parents. A board member later asked whether the district's dual-enrollment agreements — which allow students to earn college credit in AP courses, including an existing arrangement with Stevens for engineering and one with Rutgers for Chinese, and a new one covering AP French and Spanish — might be expanded to other subjects; Phillips said any expansion depends on matching available courses with teacher qualifications required by partner colleges.

Action items

• Accepted the resignations of Mary Hadley (Aide, Ridgewood Avenue School, effective 7/26/22) and Devenny Komar (Teacher, Forest Avenue School, effective 6/16/22)
• Found HIB Report 21-22 RAS #9 substantiated and Report 21-22 RAS #10 not substantiated
• Approved bills and claims of $1,044,690.94 and payroll/related payments of $2,307,540.48, plus $364,359.28 in open purchase orders
• Approved a continuing disclosure agent agreement with Phoenix Advisors ($1,100/year plus $250 per new bond issue)
• Approved the first reading of new and revised policies, including a new postnatal accommodations policy and a revised HIB policy
• Approved field trips: the Robotics Club's Sumo Bot competition at Morris Knolls High School (May 18), junior/senior Prom at the Glen Ridge Country Club (June 3), and the senior class trip to Great Adventure (June 13)
• Approved a new AP French and Spanish dual-enrollment program allowing students to earn college credit for a fee

Watch key moments

• 34:23 — Ridgewood Avenue's "Legally Blonde, Jr." director rattles off the show's stats -- 116 cast members, 90 stuffed chihuahuas, one real dog -- before the cast performs live for the board
• 43:09 — Glen Ridge High School Black Student Union members speak candidly about facing microaggressions at a predominantly white school and finding a "safe space"
• 1:00:24 — Resident Phil Johnson presses the board on the lack of any information sent to parents about graduation logistics with weeks to go