Minute by Minute

Every meeting, start to finish

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1. 2026-06-10

   Minutes 6/10/26

   • Facilities & OperationsLinden Avenue ceiling collapse addressed — The Board approved emergency architectural, environmental testing, and asbestos abatement services totaling over $169,000 after a ceiling collapse affected five Linden Avenue classrooms.
   • Student Life & ActivitiesGirls lacrosse reaches state sectional final — The Board approved payments for staff working the Girls Lacrosse State Sectional Final against Mountain Lakes, funded by the NJSIAA.
   • PersonnelRetiring staff honored at year's end — The Superintendent and Central principal recognized retiring staff members Christopher Troyano, Teresa Sullivan, Laura Zepp, and Stephanie Pollak for their years of service.
   • Curriculum & AcademicsGifted and talented program changes planned — The Curriculum Committee reported on planned changes to the district's gifted and talented program, including appointment of a new administrator to oversee it.
   • Safety & HIBHIB complaint found not substantiated — The Board accepted a finding that a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint at Central School was not substantiated.
   • PersonnelDirector of Student Services resigns — John DeWitt, Director of Student Services and an earlier candidate for Central School Principal, resigned effective June 30, 2026.

2. 2026-05-13

   Glen Ridge Honors Beloved Teacher Jennifer Gonzaga

   • PersonnelLongtime teacher Jennifer Gonzaga's death mourned — The Board observed a moment of silence for Jennifer Gonzaga, a longtime Linden Avenue School second-grade teacher, and extended condolences to her family.
   • Student Life & ActivitiesHistory Club honored for national qualification — The Glen Ridge High School History Club was recognized for hosting the Glen Ridge Regional Championships and qualifying for national-level competition.
   • Policy & GovernanceResolution urges relief from health insurance costs — The Board adopted a resolution urging Governor Sherrill and state legislators to address unsustainable rising public-employee health insurance costs straining district budgets.
   • Safety & HIBHIB complaint found not substantiated — The Board accepted a finding that a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint involving a Ridgewood Avenue School student was not substantiated.
   • Budget & FinanceFood service contract awarded to Maschio's — After receiving five proposals, the Board awarded the district's food service management contract to Maschio's Food Services for 2026-2027, with a $45,000 management fee.

3. 2026-04-28

   New Business Teacher Approved; Valedictorian and Salutatorian Honored

   • Budget & Finance2026-27 school budget adopted — Following a public hearing, the Board adopted the final 2026-2027 budget totaling $46.4 million, with $37.9 million to be raised through local taxes.
   • Student Life & ActivitiesValedictorian and salutatorian honored — GRHS Principal Lawlor recognized valedictorian Jacob Javier and salutatorian Nathaniel Kastenmeier for their academic achievement ahead of graduation season.
   • Community & CommunicationsNew state e-bike safety law highlighted — The Board president summarized new state e-bike regulations, including age, licensing, registration, insurance, and helmet requirements, prompted by rising safety concerns.
   • Budget & FinanceHealth benefits broker contract awarded — The Board awarded a three-year health benefits brokerage contract to Gallagher over a competing bid, at a 2% insurance commission rate.
   • Facilities & OperationsArchitectural services firm selected — After reviewing eight proposals, the Board selected Gianforcaro Architects and Engineers to provide architectural services for the 2026-2027 school year.

4. 2026-04-21

   Routine Business Approved Without Incident

   • Policy & GovernanceBoard retreat addresses governance topics — At a special retreat meeting, the Board discussed the student representative role, the board attorney's role, committee structure, board development, and community outreach, without formal votes.

5. 2026-04-08

   Glen Ridge Board Approves Field Use and HIB Case Decisions

   • Safety & HIBTwo HIB complaints confirmed at Ridgewood Ave — The Board accepted findings that two separate Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaints involving Ridgewood Avenue School students were substantiated.
   • Student Life & ActivitiesGlen Ridge named Capturing Kids' Hearts showcase district — The district was named a 2025-2026 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase District, recognizing participation across all four elementary schools.
   • Policy & GovernanceRevised calendar extends Memorial Day weekend — The Board approved a revised 2025-2026 school calendar adding May 26 as a snow-day give-back, extending the Memorial Day weekend.
   • Facilities & OperationsArchitectural and food service RFPs authorized — The Board authorized advertising Requests for Proposals for architectural services and for the food services management program for the 2026-2027 school year.
   • Facilities & OperationsBorough athletic field agreement renewed — The Board renewed its agreement with the Borough of Glen Ridge to use municipal athletic fields for $75,000, covering July 2026 through June 2027.

6. 2026-03-18

   Glen Ridge Board Names Kimberly ODonnell-Pickert as New Central School Principal

   • PersonnelWinnie Kievit named permanent Superintendent — The Board approved a contract appointing Winnie Kievit, previously Acting Superintendent, as Superintendent of Schools from March 19, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
   • PersonnelKimberly O'Donnell-Pickert named Central principal — The Board appointed Kimberly O'Donnell-Pickert as Central School Principal at a prorated salary of $150,000, effective June 1, 2026.
   • Budget & FinanceTentative 2026-27 budget introduced — The Board adopted a tentative $46.4 million 2026-2027 budget with $37.9 million to be raised in taxes, to be publicly heard on April 28.
   • Safety & HIBHIB complaint substantiated at Ridgewood Ave — The Board found one Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint involving a Ridgewood Avenue School student substantiated and a second complaint not substantiated.
   • Curriculum & AcademicsNew Pre-K and first-grade sections added — Citing enrollment growth and parent feedback on class sizes, the district added a fourth Pre-K section at Linden Avenue and a seventh first-grade section at Forest Avenue.
   • Community & CommunicationsParents object to kindergarten teacher's early exit — Several residents urged the district to keep a leave-replacement kindergarten teacher through the end of the year rather than have her depart early as planned.

7. 2026-02-24

   Glen Ridge Board Supports Jack DeWitt as New Central School Principal

   • Community & CommunicationsResidents rally for Central principal candidate — Seven residents sent written communications urging the Board to select Jack DeWitt as Central School Principal, ahead of the Board's decision the following month.
   • PersonnelSection 504 Coordinator role reassigned — The Board rescinded Gabrielle Marks and appointed John DeWitt as the district's Section 504 Coordinator for the 2025-2026 school year.
   • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search reaches final stage — The Personnel and Policy Committee reported candidate interviews were complete and the Board had voted on February 10, with a decision expected in March.
   • Policy & GovernanceBoard backs immigrant student protection resolution — The Board authorized Glen Ridge's participation in an Essex County resolution affirming schools remain safe environments for all students regardless of immigration status.
   • Budget & FinanceChiller insurance claim returns funds to reserve — The Finance Committee reported that insurance would cover most of the Central School chiller replacement cost, returning about $400,000 to the district's Capital Reserve.
   • Facilities & OperationsForest Avenue shade structure grant sought — The Board authorized applying for a roughly $33,000 New Jersey Department of Community Affairs grant to install a shade structure at Forest Avenue School.

8. 2026-02-10

   Routine Business Approved Without Incident

   • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search executive session held — The Board met in closed executive session on the superintendent search for a third consecutive special meeting, adjourning without new public business.

9. 2026-02-05

   Board of Education Seals Minutes for Superintendent Search Meeting

   • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search executive session held — The Board again met entirely in closed session to continue superintendent search deliberations, with no public comments or public-session business.

10. 2026-02-04

    Board Votes to Discuss Superintendent Search in Closed Session

    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search executive session held — A special meeting was convened solely for a closed executive session continuing superintendent search deliberations; the minutes were sealed until the matter is resolved.

11. 2026-01-27

    Glen Ridge Parents Raise Concerns Over First Grade Class Sizes

    • Safety & HIBHIB complaint substantiated at Ridgewood Ave — The Board accepted the Superintendent's recommendation that a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint involving a Ridgewood Avenue School student was substantiated.
    • Community & CommunicationsParent raises first-grade class-size concerns — Resident Aly Marshall told the Board she was concerned about class sizes in the incoming first grade, a concern the district acted on at a later meeting.
    • PersonnelGovernor's Educator of the Year honorees named — Building principals from all five schools recognized their respective Governor's Educator of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year recipients.
    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search reported on schedule — The Personnel and Policy Committee reported on the status of the ongoing superintendent search, which continued to be discussed in sealed executive sessions.
    • Community & CommunicationsConcern raised over chemistry teacher's replacement — A resident said he had heard a chemistry teacher currently on leave would be replaced by a remote teacher and expressed concern about that possibility.

12. 2026-01-21

    Glen Ridge Board of Education Holds Private Meeting for Superintendent Candidates

    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search executive session held — The Board met in a special meeting devoted entirely to a closed executive session on the superintendent search, with minutes sealed and no public business conducted.

13. 2026-01-06

    Glen Ridge Board Nominates Elisabeth Ginsburg as New President

    • Policy & GovernanceFranklin elected, Yaros-Ramos loses board seat — Annual school board election results seated newcomer Luke Franklin alongside re-elected members Tricia Akinwande and Elisabeth Ginsburg; four-term member Heather Yaros-Ramos was not re-elected.
    • Policy & GovernanceGinsburg elected board president 5-4 — Elisabeth Ginsburg was elected Board President over Jocelyn Gottlieb in a contested 5-4 roll call vote; Gottlieb became 1st Vice President and Kristin O'Neil 2nd Vice President.
    • Policy & GovernanceState cell phone policy law looms — Board president reported Governor Murphy was expected to sign a law, effective immediately, requiring districts to adopt policies on student cell phone and device use.
    • Policy & GovernanceBoard splits on annual bylaw readoption — In the annual reorganization vote to re-adopt existing board policies, regulations and bylaws, one member voted no and another abstained.

14. 2025-12-16

    Glen Ridge Board Names Keisha Harris As New Principal

    • PersonnelKeisha Harris named permanent RAS principal — Board appointed Keisha Harris as permanent Principal of Ridgewood Avenue School and Jarrad Nardiello as Assistant Principal, effective January 5, 2026.
    • Policy & GovernanceBoard honors retiring member Yaros-Ramos — Board gave a farewell tribute to outgoing member Heather Yaros-Ramos after four terms, including chairing the finance and curriculum committees.
    • Safety & HIBHIB complaint substantiated at Ridgewood Avenue — Of two Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations decided, a complaint at Ridgewood Avenue School was found substantiated.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesBoys Soccer wins state championship — Boys Soccer won the NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship, and head coach Brian Ianni was named Essex County Coach of the Year.
    • Safety & HIBFormer student raises bias concerns — A former Glen Ridge student addressed the board twice about concerns over hate symbols and bias incidents in the community and schools.
    • Budget & FinanceAnnual audit flags minor deposit lapses — The district's 2025 audit recommended more timely deposit of Food Service and student activity account receipts; board adopted a corrective action plan.

15. 2025-11-18

    Glen Ridge Board Approves School Year 2025-2026 Open Purchase Orders

    • Policy & Governance52 applicants for superintendent position — Board president reported 52 applications received for the permanent Superintendent position, with the search committee identifying first-round candidates.
    • Community & CommunicationsRidgewood Avenue celebrates Blue Ribbon, 125th year — Ridgewood Avenue School held a community celebration for both its Blue Ribbon School recognition and its 125th anniversary.
    • Policy & Governance2025-26 district and board goals adopted — Board formally approved district goals on teaching, wellness and curriculum expansion, plus board goals centered on the superintendent search and communications.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesBoys Soccer advances to state sectionals — Acting Superintendent announced the Boys Soccer team defeated Waldwick and advanced to the Group 1 State Sectionals Championship.
    • Community & CommunicationsCommunity groups fill SNAP benefit gap — Board president thanked Home and School Associations and community groups for providing food and support to families during a lapse in SNAP benefits.

16. 2025-10-28

    Glen Ridge Board Approves Budgetary Documents for School Year 2025-2026

    • PersonnelRAS Principal Michael Donovan to retire — Board accepted the retirement of longtime Ridgewood Avenue School Principal Michael Donovan, effective September 30, 2026.
    • Safety & HIBTwo HIB complaints substantiated at GRHS — Of six Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations decided, two separate complaints at Glen Ridge High School were found substantiated.
    • Curriculum & Academics2025 districtwide testing results presented — Administrators presented the district's Testing Report for 2025 covering student performance data.
    • Safety & HIBStudent Safety Data Report presented — Director of Student Services and a principal presented a Student Safety Data Report to the board.
    • Facilities & OperationsCentral School chiller contract awarded — Board awarded the Central School chiller replacement contract to the lowest bidder, Iron Mountain Mechanical, LLC, for $437,855.

17. 2025-10-07

    Minutes 10/7/25

    • Curriculum & AcademicsRidgewood Avenue named a Blue Ribbon School — Acting Superintendent announced Ridgewood Avenue School will be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School at the state Board meeting in November, based on QSAC scores.
    • Budget & FinanceHealth coverage switches to Horizon BCBS — Board voted to terminate participation in the State Health Benefits Program and move employee medical coverage to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield starting January 2026.
    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search timeline detailed — Board president reviewed the superintendent search timeline; residents and teachers asked whether parents and GREA members would join search focus groups.
    • Facilities & OperationsDemographic study presented to board — A demographer from Statistical Forecasting virtually presented an enrollment Demographic Report to inform future facilities and staffing planning.
    • Curriculum & Academics2026-2027 school calendar approved — Board approved the school calendar and building hours of operation for the 2026-2027 school year.

18. 2025-09-09

    Glen Ridge Board Approves New Occupational Therapist and HIB Investigation Reports

    • Student Life & ActivitiesBoys Lacrosse wins state Group I title — Athletic Director recognized the Boys Lacrosse team for winning the Overall Group I State Championship.
    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search moves forward — Personnel and Policy Committee updated the board on the ongoing search for a permanent superintendent following Kyle Arlington's resignation.
    • Community & CommunicationsGRASE and SEPAC merge into one group — The Glen Ridge Association for Special Education and SEPAC announced they are merging into a single Glen Ridge Special Education Parent Advisory Committee.
    • Curriculum & Academics$81,000 Capturing Kids Hearts contract awarded — Board awarded a professional services contract to The Flippin Group's Capturing Kids Hearts program, not to exceed $81,000, funded by a matching GREF donation.
    • Safety & HIBFour HIB reports found not substantiated — Board accepted findings that four separate Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations across Ridgewood Avenue School and Glen Ridge High School were not substantiated.
    • Facilities & OperationsSummer capital projects completed districtwide — Acting Superintendent reviewed completed summer projects including paving at three schools, new HVAC in the high school cafeteria, and new Linden playground equipment.

19. 2025-08-26

    Board Seals Superintendent Search Details in Private Vote

    • Policy & GovernanceSuperintendent search discussed behind closed doors — Board held a special meeting consisting entirely of a closed executive session on the superintendent search; no public action was taken and there was no public comment.

20. 2025-07-22

    Glen Ridge Board Names Winnie Kievit Acting Superintendent

    • PersonnelSuperintendent Kyle Arlington resigns — Board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Superintendent Kyle Arlington effective July 22, 2025, following weeks of public questions about a personnel matter.
    • PersonnelWinnie Kievit named Acting Superintendent — Board appointed Winnie Kievit, Director of Curriculum and Technology, as Acting Superintendent from July 23 through September 30, 2025, at $165 per diem.
    • Safety & HIBSt. Elizabeth University presents climate findings — Representatives from Saint Elizabeth University presented in public session on the district's School Culture and Climate Initiative audit.
    • PersonnelNew Acting Assistant Principal at RAS — Board approved Jill Landgraber Barkouras as Acting Assistant Principal at Ridgewood Avenue School beginning August 1, 2025.
    • Community & CommunicationsResidents press board on student safety — Multiple residents, teachers and a former student questioned district protocols, reporting procedures and next steps following the superintendent's departure.

21. 2025-06-10

    Glen Ridge Board Approves John Calavano as Treasurer for Next School Year

    • Safety & HIBSpecial counsel, outside audit ordered at RAS — Amid resident questions about student-safety protocols tied to a personnel matter, board hired special outside counsel and Saint Elizabeth University to audit school culture and climate at Ridgewood Avenue School.
    • PersonnelActing principals named at RAS, Central — Keisha Harris was named Acting Principal of Ridgewood Avenue School and Jack DeWitt Acting Principal of Central School and Director of Student Services, effective July 1.
    • PersonnelGREA contract ratified through 2028 — Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement and Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Glen Ridge Education Association for July 2025 through June 2028.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesValedictorian, salutatorian named for 2025 — Principal announced Riley Emma O'Sullivan as valedictorian and Ella Hamilton Graham as salutatorian for the Class of 2025.
    • Policy & GovernanceAnnual reorganization sets treasurer, officers — Board's annual reorganization actions included appointing John Calavano as Treasurer of School Monies and other statutory officers for 2025-2026.
    • Safety & HIBTwo more HIB reports not substantiated — Board accepted findings that two additional Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations at Ridgewood Avenue School were not substantiated.

22. 2025-05-13

    Teacher Resignation and Safety Measures Top Glen Ridge Board Agenda

    • Safety & HIBSuperintendent addresses teacher resignation, safety — Superintendent gave an update on a teacher's resignation and the district's student-safety protocols; residents pressed for details on what students were being told.
    • Safety & HIBTwo HIB complaints found not substantiated — Board accepted findings that Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying reports at both Glen Ridge High School and Ridgewood Avenue School were not substantiated.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesGirls Lacrosse wins Essex County title — Superintendent recognized the Girls Lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Essex County Championship.
    • Policy & GovernanceSecond closed session held on litigation — Board held a second executive session on possible litigation related to the personnel matter discussed earlier in the meeting; no action was taken.
    • PersonnelGREA contract nears final ratification — Negotiations committee reported the district was awaiting final GREA membership approval of the new three-year collective bargaining agreement.

23. 2025-04-29

    Minutes 4/29/25

    • Safety & HIBHIB case substantiated at GRHS — Board confirmed one Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying complaint substantiated at Glen Ridge High School, while a separate case at Ridgewood Avenue School was not.
    • Budget & Finance2025-26 budget adopted, $36.9M in taxes — Board adopted a $44,995,627 budget for 2025-2026, raising $36,943,996 in local taxes, including a $521,561 levy adjustment for rising health benefit costs.
    • Facilities & Operations$1.3M capital reserve funds HS projects — Budget includes a $1,329,815 Capital Reserve withdrawal for High School HVAC upgrades, partial roof replacement, gym bleacher replacement and chiller work.
    • Community & CommunicationsHolocaust survivor speaks at Ridgewood Avenue — Author and Holocaust survivor Michael Bornstein spoke to students at Ridgewood Avenue School; the board president praised students' attentiveness.

24. 2025-04-01

    Glen Ridge Board Approves New Autism Program for High School

    • Curriculum & AcademicsNew Autism Program approved at GRHS — Board established a new Special Education Autism Program at Glen Ridge High School, effective the 2025-2026 school year.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesGirls Basketball wins state championship — Athletic Director recognized the 2025 GRHS Girls Basketball Team, the school's first to win an NJSIAA State National Championship, with certificates.
    • Facilities & OperationsAlphaBEST awarded before/after care contract — Board awarded before/after care services to AlphaBEST Education for 2025-26 and 2026-27 after receiving five proposals; a resident questioned the RFP process.
    • Community & CommunicationsGovernor's Educators of the Year honored — The superintendent and building principals recognized a Governor's Educator and Educational Services Professional of the Year at each of the district's five schools.
    • PersonnelGREA reaches tentative labor agreement — The negotiations committee reported a signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Glen Ridge Education Association, ahead of formal contract ratification.

25. 2025-03-11

    Glen Ridge Board Approves Zachary Tucci as Permanent Substitute Teacher

    • Budget & FinanceTentative 2025-26 budget introduced — The board adopted a tentative $44.5 million 2025-2026 budget with $36.9 million in taxes to be raised, setting a public hearing for April 29, 2025.
    • Facilities & OperationsCapital reserve funds HVAC and roof work — The tentative budget includes an $811,235 capital reserve withdrawal for high school HVAC upgrades, partial roof replacement, office flooring, and gym bleacher replacement.
    • PersonnelCaitlin Reilly named acting assistant principal — The board appointed Caitlin Reilly as Acting Assistant Middle School Principal with a $2,400 monthly stipend through June 18, 2025.
    • Safety & HIBThree HIB reports found not substantiated — The board reviewed three Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations at GRHS and RAS and found none of them substantiated.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesGirls basketball wins sectional final — The board president reported on the Girls Basketball team's sectional final win, with the board later approving event-worker payments for the tournament games.
    • Curriculum & AcademicsRFP authorized for before/after care program — The board authorized the Business Administrator to advertise a Request for Proposal for before/after care program services for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, following earlier resident complaints about the current provider.

26. 2025-02-25

    Glen Ridge Board Honors Coach Ford with Patriot Award

    • Student Life & ActivitiesCoach Ford receives Patriot Award — Retired 40-year military veteran and 17-year Glen Ridge coach IRA Ford presented Athletic Director Rob Hill with the 2024 Patriot Award for his support.
    • Safety & HIBOne bullying case substantiated at GRHS — The board accepted the Superintendent's finding that HIB Report #285116 at the high school was substantiated.
    • Safety & HIBTransgender student protections raised in letter — A resident wrote to the board urging protection of transgender students and upholding New Jersey's anti-discrimination law.
    • Policy & GovernanceHIB and law enforcement policies revised — The board approved first reading of revised policies on harassment/bullying, student smoking, electronic surveillance, and cooperation with law enforcement.
    • Community & CommunicationsImmaculate Conception School closure discussed — At a borough council meeting, board members discussed the closure of Immaculate Conception School along with the school budget and stormwater runoff at George Washington Field.

27. 2025-01-28

    Glen Ridge Board Approves Two New Teaching Positions for 2025

    • Budget & FinanceAnnual audit finds no recommendations — The board approved the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Auditors Management Report for fiscal year 2024, prepared by Lerch, Vinci & Bliss with no audit recommendations.
    • Budget & FinanceState aid numbers expected after budget address — The board president reported the district expects to receive state aid figures shortly after the Governor's late-February budget address as 2025-2026 budget work continues.
    • Safety & HIBOne HIB case not substantiated at GRHS — The board reviewed one HIB investigation (Report #273001) at the high school and found it not substantiated.
    • Budget & FinanceEmployee health and prescription rates set — The board approved 2025 employee medical coverage rates (SEHBP/Aetna plans) and prescription drug coverage rates through Benecard/Rx Alliance.
    • Policy & GovernanceRevised 2025-26 school calendar approved — The board approved a revised version of the previously adopted 2025-2026 school calendar and building hours.

28. 2025-01-14

    Glen Ridge Schools Partner with Local Film Company for Special Event

    • Policy & GovernanceBoard team-building mini retreat — This brief special meeting consisted of the Superintendent leading the board in team-building activities, with no other business conducted.

29. 2025-01-07

    Glen Ridge Board Approves New Teachers and Tech Upgrades

    • Policy & GovernanceGinsburg re-elected board president — At the reorganization meeting, Elisabeth Ginsburg was elected board president, Jocelyn Gottlieb 1st vice president, and Kristin O'Neil 2nd vice president after a contested vote.
    • Policy & GovernanceBonnett, O'Neil, DeLorenzi sworn in — Newly elected board members Anthony Bonnett, Kristin O'Neil, and Ray DeLorenzi were sworn in following the annual school board election.
    • Policy & GovernanceCode of Ethics readopted for board — The board formally readopted the NJ School Boards Association Code of Ethics as its governing ethics standard for the year.
    • Facilities & Operations$81,581 door access system upgrade — The board approved purchase and installation of an upgraded door access security system for $81,581.41.
    • Facilities & OperationsHigh school WiFi and PA system upgrades — The board approved technology purchases including a high school WiFi upgrade (~$81,000 combined) and a $46,620 PA system upgrade.

30. 2024-12-10

    Glen Ridge Board Approves Closed Meeting for Sensitive Personnel Discussions

    • PersonnelDavid Campbell honored for 12 years' service — The board recognized outgoing member David Campbell's leadership and 12 years of service, ahead of welcoming newly elected member Ray DeLorenzi in January.
    • Policy & GovernanceGovernor signs Freedom to Read Act — The board president reported the Governor signed the Freedom to Read Act, which will govern how the district evaluates sensitive materials and protects librarians.
    • Facilities & Operations$562,000 cafeteria roof project approved — The board approved a $562,000 cafeteria roof resurfacing and insulation repair project at the high school, funded through a ROD Grant.
    • Facilities & OperationsLinden Avenue playground project funded — The board approved a $151,595 playground equipment purchase and installation plus $11,745 in mulch for Linden Avenue School, funded partly by a state grant and the Home & School Association.
    • Safety & HIBSettlement agreement approved for student — The board approved a settlement agreement for student #32177 for the 2024-2025 school year.
    • Budget & FinanceJackson Lewis retained as special counsel — The board appointed the law firm Jackson Lewis, P.C. as special counsel at an hourly rate of $350.

31. 2024-11-19

    Board Honors Retiring Educators, Welcomes New Reading Legislation

    • Community & CommunicationsKitchen Tour raises over $40,000 for schools — The Home and School Associations presented the board a check for $40,118.94 from the Kitchen Tour fundraiser to support Glen Ridge schools.
    • Policy & Governance2024-2025 district and board goals adopted — The board formally approved its four district goals (literacy curriculum, social-emotional learning, AI education, HR review) and three board goals for 2024-2025.
    • Safety & HIBTwo settlement agreements approved for students — The board approved two separate settlement agreements for individual students (#26054 and #30073) for the 2024-2025 school year.
    • PersonnelRetiring staff Maia and Wujek recognized — The board recognized teacher Helen Maia and paraprofessional Shirley Wujek on their upcoming retirements.
    • Facilities & Operations156 Chromebooks purchased for two schools — The board approved purchasing 156 Lenovo Chromebooks and licenses for Ridgewood Avenue School and the high school for $53,582.76.
    • Policy & GovernanceNJ Senate passes Freedom to Read Act — The board president reported the state Senate passed the Freedom to Read Act, which would give librarians immunity for good-faith decisions on library materials.

32. 2024-10-29

    Board Tables Mike Salvatelli's Head Boys Lacrosse Coach Approval

    • PersonnelBoard tables head boys lacrosse coach vote — The board tabled the appointment of Mike Salvatelli as Head Boys Lacrosse Coach while approving his separate Site Director position.
    • Safety & HIBFour HIB reports found not substantiated — The board reviewed four Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying investigations, all involving GRHS, and found none of them substantiated.
    • Community & CommunicationsResidents push back on student smartphone use — Eight residents spoke during public comment voicing concerns about student smartphone and smartwatch use in school and urged a strong cellphone policy.
    • Safety & HIBPneumonia concerns raised at two schools — A resident wrote to the board expressing concern about pneumonia cases among students at Ridgewood Avenue School and the high school.
    • Curriculum & Academics2023-2024 testing report presented — Administrators presented the district's 2023-2024 Testing Report to the board along with next steps and areas of focus.

33. 2024-10-08

    Glen Ridge Board Sets Goals for Continuous Improvement and Community Engagement

    • Policy & GovernanceBoard goal-setting mini retreat — This brief special meeting was devoted to the Superintendent leading the board through drafting its annual board goals, with no other business conducted.

34. 2024-10-01

    Glen Ridge Board Appoints Jessica Harkness as New Teacher for 2024-2025

    • Curriculum & AcademicsCapturing Kids Hearts program launched PreK-2 — Dr. Caravela and Mr. Murphy presented on the launch of the Capturing Kids Hearts program at the PreK-2 level, funded by the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation.
    • Policy & Governance2025-2026 school calendar adopted — The board approved the 2025-2026 school calendar and building hours of operation.
    • Policy & GovernanceSecond reading finalizes policy revisions — The board completed second reading and approval of revised policies covering curriculum content, service animals, student suicide prevention, and firearms/weapons.
    • Community & CommunicationsResident calls for more student rep communication — Resident Charlie Breslin suggested during public comment that student representatives be encouraged to communicate more with their peers on the board's behalf.
    • Budget & FinanceNew five-year ESCNJ services agreement — The board approved a new agreement with the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey to provide collaborative educational services from 2025 through 2030.

35. 2024-09-10

    New Spanish and Math Teachers Join Glen Ridge School District

    • Safety & HIBMoment of silence for Georgia school shooting — The board president called for a moment of silence for victims of the recent school shooting in Georgia.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesNew student board representatives introduced — Superintendent Arlington introduced new Student Representatives to the Board of Education, Maggie De La Fuente and Julia Kennedy.
    • Policy & GovernanceAI policy need identified by committee — The Personnel and Policy Committee reported reviewing policy updates and identified a need for a new policy on Artificial Intelligence use.
    • Policy & GovernanceFirst reading of eight revised policies — The board approved first reading of several revised policies, including student suicide prevention, firearms/weapons, and service animals policies.
    • Student Life & ActivitiesGRVAA awards three student art scholarships — The Glen Ridge Visual Art Association awarded three merit scholarships to high school students pursuing careers in visual arts.

36. 2024-08-20

    Glen Ridge Board Confirms Two Bullying Incidents at High School

    • Safety & HIBTwo bullying incidents confirmed at GRHS — Of four HIB investigations reviewed, two reports involving Glen Ridge High School (#268046 and #267751) were found substantiated.
    • Personnel18 new staff members welcomed — Superintendent Arlington reported the district is welcoming 18 new staff members for the new school year and outlined summer building preparations.
    • Policy & GovernanceNew cellphone use guidelines coming — Superintendent Arlington previewed new student cellphone use guidelines to be implemented for the 2024-2025 school year.
    • Policy & GovernanceBoard retreat sets district and board goals — At a board retreat, members named local unsung heroes and worked with the Superintendent to formulate Board and District Goals for 2024-2025.
    • Facilities & OperationsWeight room flood damage discussed — The Finance and Facilities Committee reported on a flood in the high school weight room and status of summer facilities projects.

37. 2024-07-23

    Glen Ridge Board Appoints Two New Teachers to Enhance Student Experience

    • PersonnelNew superintendent Kyle Arlington introduced — New Superintendent Kyle Arlington was introduced to the board and gave an update on his transition to Glen Ridge.
    • Safety & HIBOne HIB case substantiated, three not — The board reviewed four HIB investigations at GRHS, RAS, and LAS; one at GRHS (Report #264530) was found substantiated and three others were not.
    • Community & CommunicationsAftercare program complaint over AlphaBest — Resident Rachel Bryan wrote to the board raising concerns with the before/aftercare program run by AlphaBest.
    • Budget & Finance2024-25 out-of-district placements approved — The board approved out-of-district special education placements for six students at schools including Banyan, Benway, Paradigm, and Phoenix Center, totaling several hundred thousand dollars in tuition.
    • Budget & FinanceIDEA and ESEA federal grants approved — The board approved submission of the FY25 IDEA Consolidated Grant ($396,843) and the federal ESEA grant application totaling $30,388.

The shape of each meeting

One column per meeting, oldest to newest; one small square per topic that meeting produced, colored by category, so busy meetings visibly tower over quiet ones. Hover a square for the topic; click a column to jump to that meeting below. Columns outlined in dark red are part of the superintendent-transition thread just below.

The superintendent transition, meeting by meeting

The single biggest story in this archive, start to finish: every one of the 31 real topics across 21 meetings that mention the superintendent's office, from a new hire's introduction through a resignation, an acting appointment, and a permanent successor.

1. 2024-07-23 · Personnel

   New superintendent Kyle Arlington introduced

   New Superintendent Kyle Arlington was introduced to the board and gave an update on his transition to Glen Ridge.

2. 2024-08-20 · Personnel

   18 new staff members welcomed

   Superintendent Arlington reported the district is welcoming 18 new staff members for the new school year and outlined summer building preparations.

3. 2024-08-20 · Policy & Governance

   New cellphone use guidelines coming

   Superintendent Arlington previewed new student cellphone use guidelines to be implemented for the 2024-2025 school year.

4. 2024-08-20 · Policy & Governance

   Board retreat sets district and board goals

   At a board retreat, members named local unsung heroes and worked with the Superintendent to formulate Board and District Goals for 2024-2025.

5. 2024-09-10 · Student Life & Activities

   New student board representatives introduced

   Superintendent Arlington introduced new Student Representatives to the Board of Education, Maggie De La Fuente and Julia Kennedy.

6. 2024-10-08 · Policy & Governance

   Board goal-setting mini retreat

   This brief special meeting was devoted to the Superintendent leading the board through drafting its annual board goals, with no other business conducted.

7. 2025-01-14 · Policy & Governance

   Board team-building mini retreat

   This brief special meeting consisted of the Superintendent leading the board in team-building activities, with no other business conducted.

8. 2025-02-25 · Safety & HIB

   One bullying case substantiated at GRHS

   The board accepted the Superintendent's finding that HIB Report #285116 at the high school was substantiated.

9. 2025-04-01 · Community & Communications

   Governor's Educators of the Year honored

   The superintendent and building principals recognized a Governor's Educator and Educational Services Professional of the Year at each of the district's five schools.

10. 2025-05-13 · Safety & HIB

    Superintendent addresses teacher resignation, safety

    Superintendent gave an update on a teacher's resignation and the district's student-safety protocols; residents pressed for details on what students were being told.

11. 2025-05-13 · Student Life & Activities

    Girls Lacrosse wins Essex County title

    Superintendent recognized the Girls Lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Essex County Championship.

12. 2025-07-22 · Personnel

    Superintendent Kyle Arlington resigns

    Board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Superintendent Kyle Arlington effective July 22, 2025, following weeks of public questions about a personnel matter.

13. 2025-07-22 · Personnel

    Winnie Kievit named Acting Superintendent

    Board appointed Winnie Kievit, Director of Curriculum and Technology, as Acting Superintendent from July 23 through September 30, 2025, at $165 per diem.

14. 2025-07-22 · Community & Communications

    Residents press board on student safety

    Multiple residents, teachers and a former student questioned district protocols, reporting procedures and next steps following the superintendent's departure.

15. 2025-08-26 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search discussed behind closed doors

    Board held a special meeting consisting entirely of a closed executive session on the superintendent search; no public action was taken and there was no public comment.

16. 2025-09-09 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search moves forward

    Personnel and Policy Committee updated the board on the ongoing search for a permanent superintendent following Kyle Arlington's resignation.

17. 2025-09-09 · Facilities & Operations

    Summer capital projects completed districtwide

    Acting Superintendent reviewed completed summer projects including paving at three schools, new HVAC in the high school cafeteria, and new Linden playground equipment.

18. 2025-10-07 · Curriculum & Academics

    Ridgewood Avenue named a Blue Ribbon School

    Acting Superintendent announced Ridgewood Avenue School will be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School at the state Board meeting in November, based on QSAC scores.

19. 2025-10-07 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search timeline detailed

    Board president reviewed the superintendent search timeline; residents and teachers asked whether parents and GREA members would join search focus groups.

20. 2025-11-18 · Policy & Governance

    52 applicants for superintendent position

    Board president reported 52 applications received for the permanent Superintendent position, with the search committee identifying first-round candidates.

21. 2025-11-18 · Policy & Governance

    2025-26 district and board goals adopted

    Board formally approved district goals on teaching, wellness and curriculum expansion, plus board goals centered on the superintendent search and communications.

22. 2025-11-18 · Student Life & Activities

    Boys Soccer advances to state sectionals

    Acting Superintendent announced the Boys Soccer team defeated Waldwick and advanced to the Group 1 State Sectionals Championship.

23. 2026-01-21 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search executive session held

    The Board met in a special meeting devoted entirely to a closed executive session on the superintendent search, with minutes sealed and no public business conducted.

24. 2026-01-27 · Safety & HIB

    HIB complaint substantiated at Ridgewood Ave

    The Board accepted the Superintendent's recommendation that a Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying complaint involving a Ridgewood Avenue School student was substantiated.

25. 2026-01-27 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search reported on schedule

    The Personnel and Policy Committee reported on the status of the ongoing superintendent search, which continued to be discussed in sealed executive sessions.

26. 2026-02-04 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search executive session held

    A special meeting was convened solely for a closed executive session continuing superintendent search deliberations; the minutes were sealed until the matter is resolved.

27. 2026-02-05 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search executive session held

    The Board again met entirely in closed session to continue superintendent search deliberations, with no public comments or public-session business.

28. 2026-02-10 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search executive session held

    The Board met in closed executive session on the superintendent search for a third consecutive special meeting, adjourning without new public business.

29. 2026-02-24 · Policy & Governance

    Superintendent search reaches final stage

    The Personnel and Policy Committee reported candidate interviews were complete and the Board had voted on February 10, with a decision expected in March.

30. 2026-03-18 · Personnel

    Winnie Kievit named permanent Superintendent

    The Board approved a contract appointing Winnie Kievit, previously Acting Superintendent, as Superintendent of Schools from March 19, 2026 through June 30, 2029.

31. 2026-06-10 · Personnel

    Retiring staff honored at year's end

    The Superintendent and Central principal recognized retiring staff members Christopher Troyano, Teresa Sullivan, Laura Zepp, and Stephanie Pollak for their years of service.

Every HIB finding, substantiated or not

Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying (HIB) complaints are investigated and reported to the board case by case, often several at once. Each square is one individual case, grouped into the meeting that decided it and positioned on a real date axis — dark squares are substantiated, light squares are not. Hover a square for that meeting's full batch; click to jump to it below.

12 of 42 decided cases (29%) were found substantiated; the rest were not.

What the board spends its time on

All 160 real topics, tallied by category across the full archive, with one representative example from each.