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Reader says,Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which used to be called “Right To Know Law”

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“The fact that the BOE members let this go to a legal matter is shameful on the part of the entire Board. This started off as a perfectly lawful request that they decided not to respond to, which in-turn forced the lawsuit. I’m sure they were hoping that Dani would let sleeping dogs lie. They made a strategic blunder. When a Board does not respond to a perfectly lawful request under the laws of the state, and then they are forced to respond by way of a lawsuit, the Board should resign. The court’s decision shows that they wasted time, money, and ran afoul of the law, specifically the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which used to be called “Right To Know Law”, which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. So, they were holding back on every citizens “right to know”. Time, money, and public records, is what they are there to provide oversight over, and be good stewards over. If they cannot do that for themselves, they cannot be expected to provide financial oversight and governance over a school system. It’s total irresponsibility of their roles as board members, and the board speaks with one voice, a resolution for the entire BOE to step down is in order.”

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Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools , “Simply do not congregate “

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March 15, 2020

Dear Ridgewood Public School Community,

It is critical that everyone in the community sign up for the Village of Ridgewood E-Notice System at https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/village-info/enotices-and-alerts-registration. Please do this immediately so that you can get vital notifications and information about the Village as it pertains to this public health crisis. Information about our schools as it relates to this emergency will come directly from me. Instructional information will be sent from the teachers and your child’s school. Additionally, I will be sending daily email notices to keep you up-to-date and informed. I ask that you also follow the district on twitter @RwdPub Schools and @RWDSupt, and please follow your schools. We send a lot of important information through our twitter accounts, as well as the district Facebook page @RidgewoodPublicSchools.

Continue reading Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools , “Simply do not congregate “

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BREAKING: Superior court judge orders Ridgewood BOE members to certify the manner in which they access Board of Education emails

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,Superior court judge orders Ridgewood BOE to produce certificates from board members, to certify the manner in which they access Board of Education emails:

On Friday, March 13th, Superior court judge, Bonnie Mizdol ordered the Ridgewood BOE to produce certificates from two members of board, within 7 days attesting to the manner in which they access Board of Education emails from any and all non-Board devices and/or non-Board email accounts. These certifications shall be detailed and specific, including but not limited to::

Continue reading BREAKING: Superior court judge orders Ridgewood BOE members to certify the manner in which they access Board of Education emails

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Introducing Mike Lembo for Ridgewood Board of Education

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“I was unable to make it to today’s Hawes HSA meeting with HyunJu as my children are sick, however I sent a letter in my stead. I know HyunJu represented us well, and her posting sure shows that! I have pasted below my letter to the Hawes HSA for everyone.”

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Introducing HyunJu Kwak for Ridgewood Board of Education

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My name is HyunJu Kwak,
I am running to serve on the Ridgewood Board of Education. I am motivated to use my skills to help deliver excellent education for our students.

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All Bergen Schools To Shut Down Starting Friday

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the staff of the ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco just announced that the county schools will close and transition to online learning until further notice, starting tomorrow at 3pm. The county executive and officials had been discussing throughout the day the potential of closing the school districts. On Tuesday, Tedesco declared a state of emergency in the county, where there are 13 presumptive positive cases of coronavirus, which has resulted in 1 death.

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Ridgewood Board of Education Candidates Cancel Coffee scheduled for this Sunday, March 15th

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“In light of this weeks announcement declaring a State of Emergency in New Jersey due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the rapidly evolving events, we feel it is prudent to cancel the coffee scheduled for this Sunday, March 15th. Given the anticipated turnout, the dialogue would have been robust and lively, but safety is obviously a top priority.”

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Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco Meets with Bergen County Association of School Administrators

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco today issued the following statement concerning the status of Bergen County’s 75 school districts:

“Today I hosted a meeting with Executive Leadership of the Bergen County Association of School Administrators (BCASA) to discuss the possible transition from on-site learning to off-site distance learning.  In conjunction with the Bergen County Health Officer, further updates will be forthcoming either later today or into tomorrow regarding the status of all Bergen County’s 75 school districts. We are confident in the ability of Bergen’s teachers, staff and administrators to take action as necessary.”

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Ridgewood Schools Go to Online Learning Plan as of Monday March 16th

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as per the County Executive, Bergen County schools will be closed effective Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the end of the school day through March 27, 2020. The remote learning plan will go into effect on Monday, March 16, 2020.

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NJ Higher Education Secretary Announces Coronavirus Guidance for Colleges, Universities

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, With 23 novel coronavirus cases now identified in New Jersey — including one associated death — Higher Education Secretary Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis today announced guidance specific to colleges and universities that includes considerations for institutions as they make decisions that impact campus life.

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Ridgewood League of Women Voters to Host Ridgewood Board of Education Candidates Forum

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood League of Women Voters will hold a forum for candidates who are running for the Ridgewood Board of Education  .  Voting for the Board of Education and the $115 Million Ridgewood school budget will be held on April 21st 2020.

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NJEA makes Deal with Senate President Steve Sweeney to Cut health benefit costs

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) announced a deal they estimate will cut $1 billion in public employees’ health benefit costs.

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School support staff has grown 2.7 times as fast as students since 1990

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Corey DeAngelis Director of School Choice, Reason Foundation; Adjunct Scholar, Cato Institute , School support staff has grown 2.7 times as fast as students since 1990 in public schools has grown 2.7 times as fast as students since 1990.
Students: + 23%
Support staff: + 61%
Per pupil spending: + 39%
Maybe this is why our schools are failing?

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2020 Marching Ridgewood Band PIZZA PARTY

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the RHS Marching Band 2020 Show will be revealed at a pizza party for current band members, as well as interested 8th graders and new members, on Thursday, March 12 from 6:00-7:00 pm in the RHS Band Room (150). Don’t miss it!

Even if you are unsure about joining the marching band, come join the fun and find out what makes this group so special.
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NJ Department of Education Issues Guidance for School Districts on COVID-19

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

Ridgewood NJ,  The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) this week announced that it has issued guidance to school districts related to the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

While the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in New Jersey remains low, the NJDOE has issued guidance to increase flexibility for districts to provide home instruction in the event of mandated public health school closures related to COVID-19. Home instruction may include online instruction or through a contract with a neighboring school district.

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