Ridgewood Schools - Page 153 of 227

Posted on March 24, 2018March 24, 2018 by James — 1 Comment

Current School Funding Formula Inherently Unfair

March 24,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Vale NJ, assemblywomen Holly Schepisi comments on the unfair nature of the school funding formula, “If anyone ever wants to know why I fight so hard to revamp how we fund our schools in New Jersey and why I do not believe that the current formulas are fair, here is a glimpse into the school funding numbers for River Vale and Hoboken, New Jersey. River Vale is neither a “rich” nor a “poor” community but is representative of many of the communities comprising New Jersey. The average home assessment in River Vale is approximately $550,000 and pays $13,894 in property taxes with almost 70 percent ($9,725.80) of that amount going straight to school funding. In comparison the average assessed home in Hoboken is approximately $519,000 and pays $8,035 in property taxes with only 24 percent ($1,928) of that amount going to school funding. River Vale has 1202 students and receives $550,193 or $457.73 per student per year in State Aid for its schools. Hoboken has 1,872 students and receives $10,468,870 or $5,592.35 per student per year in State Aid for its schools. Hoboken has the highest median household income in Hudson County of $114,381 and the highest concentration of millionaires in that County. If we want to talk about parity and fairness, our State’s policies need a lot of work.”

Posted on March 23, 2018March 22, 2018 by James — 2 Comments

Reader says Look at the pitiful 53.6% College Readiness Score for Ridgewood Schools

We looked at Chatham and Princeton and Ridgewood – these were three top tier comparable towns.
All 3 towns had good schools and were very nice places to live and raise a family when we were looking to buy a house and start a family.
I think we made a big mistake.
.
Unfortunately, Ridgewood has veered left and has gone downhill, both as a place to live and a place to get a good education.
.
2017 School Rankings:
.
PRINCETON:
#6 in NJ | 155 in National Rankings | #127 in STEM Schools | College Readiness Score 74.4/100.0
.
CHATHAM:
#7 in NJ | 189 in National Rankings | #134 in STEM Schools | College Readiness Score 71.9/100.0
.
RIDGEWOOD
#26 in NJ | #583 in National Rankings | Not Ranked in STEM Schools | College Readiness Score 53.6/100.0
but #1 in Tradition of excellence
.
Look at those numbers.
Look at the gap between Chatham and Princeton vs Ridgewood.
Look at the pitiful 53.6% College Readiness score
Look at the $101 million dollar budget.

Posted on March 22, 2018March 21, 2018 by James — 10 Comments

Reader says Ridgewood went down the educational tube years ago

Tradition_of_excellence_theridgewoodblog

I don’t think this huge budget is supposed to be aimed at any particular people except for the wealthy citizens in our town whose children must have the very best in everything and are willing to pay to support it. The Board doesn’t seem to give any thought to the fact that a large number of people in town are struggling to make ends meet and are sick of having to pay through the nose so someone’s precious darling can be treated with kid gloves. And, Just for your info–if you want the best all round education for your kids, get out of Ridgewood! We went down the educational tube years ago. A huge increase in support staff in the Ed center and a corresponding huge decline in the educational system in Ridgewood. Sure, we’re probably still in the top 1/3 and maybe even in the top 1/4 in the state but that’s a long way down from being in the top 10% of the nation

Posted on March 22, 2018March 21, 2018 by James — 2 Comments

Reader says Armed personnel in Maryland School Saved Childerns Lives

crime-movies-dirty-harry-callahan-clint-eastwood-via-theedgeoftheframe

1. This shows that “arming teachers” (aka having armed personnel in schools) works
2. No students were killed by the shooter because the shooter was stopped by someone onsite with a gun
3. The incident was over before the police had a chance to arrive. Students’ lives WERE SAVED.
.
and most importantly:
.
4. There will be NO WALKOUT to support this success story in stopping gun violence in its tracks in our schools
5. There will be NO positive coverage of this story since it does not advance the anti-gun (NOT THE SCHOOL SAFETY) agenda
6. This will be reported and fund raised as a “gun violence in our schools – anti-gun” story
.

Posted on March 22, 2018March 22, 2018 by James — 3 Comments

Reader says The Board of Ed knew exactly what it was doing when they changed the election date

The Board of Ed knew exactly what it was doing when they changed the election date. This totally removed the possibility of voters voting the budget down and released a wild spending spree on the part of the board. They are literally saying, “You can’t stop us. We can charge as much as we want.” If the money was being spent to evaluate some of the teachers, maybe it could be well spent. Years ago we were actually told by a teacher on back to school night–“I’m tenured, I can do whatever I want until I retire.” This was the answer to our question about what she was teaching. And throwing more money is not going to improve our county rankings, much less state and national, any more than it helps the schools in Paterson and Newark to just throw money at them. “Gilding the lily doesn’t make it an any better lily.” Is any of this money going to be used to improve the lunchroom situation? It is neither sensible nor sanitary to have students eating on the floor. The board should be forced to seriously reevaluate this budget and see what they can cut and what is being directed towards actual needs, not frills to make Ridgewood look better.

Posted on March 21, 2018March 21, 2018 by James — 11 Comments

RIDGEWOOD SCHOOLS 2018-2019 PROPOSED PRELIMINARY BUDGET $110,167,997

STORM UPDATE❄️: Due to the storm, the Ridgewood Public Schools will be CLOSED on Wednesday, March 21. All before and after-school activities are also canceled. Please stay safe and warm!

2018-2019 PROPOSED PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Click here to view the budget presentation.

The Board approved the following to Resolution on the 2018-219 proposed preliminary budget, which represents a 3.62% increase in the tax levy:

i. Approval: Resolution for Adoption of the 2018-2019 Proposed Preliminary Budget for Submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools

WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23-A-10.3(b), a district can request use of banked cap only after it has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority in the budget year;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2018-2019 school year budget includes allowable health care adjustments in the amount of $1,066,597 in accordance with N.J.S.A 18A:7F-39(e); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2018-2019 school year budget includes banked cap, in the amount of $415,090 in accordance with N.J.S.A 18A:7F-39(e); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ridgewood Board of Education approves the 2018-2019 school district proposed preliminary budget, as follows, for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools:

Budget Tax Levy
General Fund
   $105,180,990
   $94,831,243
Special Revenue Fund
   1,301,871
   0
Debt Service Fund
   3,685,136
   3,164,901
Total Budget
$110,167,997
   $97,996,144

The district has proposed programs and services in addition to the Core Curriculum Content Standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

Information on this budget and the programs and services it provides is available from the school district.

There should be raised for the General Fund Tax Levy $94,831,243 for the ensuing School Year: (2018-2019).

The General Fund includes $100,000 which is to be withdrawn from Emergency Reserve and $50,000 which is to be withdrawn from Maintenance Reserve.

CAPITAL RESERVE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Included in budget line 620, Budgeted Withdrawal from Capital Reserve – Excess Cost & Other Capital Projects, is $1,500,000 for the following construction projects:
• Education Center Window Replacement
• Paving and Sidewalk Repair Throughout the District
• Ridgewood High School Heating Pipe Renovation
• School Lock Down Security System

The total cost of these projects represents expenditures for construction elements or projects that are in addition to the facilities efficiency standards determined by the Commissioner as necessary to achieve the core curriculum content standards.

Posted on March 20, 2018January 20, 2019 by James — 7 Comments

Armed Campus Security Officer Stops Maryland School Shooting

March 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, Just five weeks after the high school shooting that left 17 people dead in Parkland, Florida, communities across the country are still wrestling with the idea of how to make students safe in schools. Since then the public has been treated to a litany of gun control is the answer , blame the NRA , and student walk outs.

Today a student who shot and critically wounded two fellow students at a Maryland high school on Tuesday morning, died after exchanging gunfire with an armed campus security officer. Yes an armed school resource officer keep the incident from spiraling out of control .

“Our school resource officer who was stationed inside the school was alerted to the event and the shots being fired,” Cameron said. “He pursued the shooter, engaged the shooter; during that engagement he fired a round at the shooter. Simultaneously, the shooter fired a round as well.”

Interesting WCBS 880’s Sean Adams did a report yesterday on one local school Pascack Valley School District has been employing retired police officers to help secure schools. Chip Stalter a former Chief of Police in Hillsdale and Mike Niego a retired Hillsdale police captain..

Perhaps instead of playing the political blame games and organizing “student led walkouts” Ridgewood Schools should get serious about school safety and looking for real answers.

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018 by James — 5 Comments

Readers Mortified Over School and Parents Using Children to make Political Points

hitler-youth-hitler-jugend-ww2-nazi-germany-history-pictures-amazing-incredibel-images-photos-011

If the district and all of the adults in it hadn’t been so ravished with the idea of students up and leaving their assigned classes in the high school AND the middle school (BF at least–did GW administrators also buy into this?) the number of students sufficiently emboldened to actually violate the attendance rules would have been small and thus perfectly manageable via normal disciplinary procedures. This was never a powderkeg. Ridgewood’s school population has NEVER had an anarchic quality.

When 14 years olds offer themselves us as willing foot soldiers in adult-directed propaganda, what else do you expect?

Also – didn’t these 14-year olds declare themselves to be as knowledgeable about issues as adults? Why then do they need the ‘child’ shield at the same time?

“School is for educating kids not encouraging them to take political stands.”Off to the re-education camp with you!

Posted on March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 by James — Leave a comment

Reader says I think our local problems need a closer look.

file photo by Boyd Loving

I find it ironic that you mention the first amendment yet you protest against the second amendment, hmm. Certain “rights” have more importance. Our founding fathers would beg to differ. I thought your way of thinking is all inclusive, guess not.

Important parts? Important to whom, you? You know what I find important, reducing government intervention and oversight. New Jersey has long abandoned that principal. I think most students are best served formulating their own opinion and not being crowd forced into a protest.

How about a 17 minute walkout about the rampant prescription drug abuse at RHS or a candle light vigil about that student who was beaten on school property or most ignored the sinking rank of the public schools in general. I think our local problems need a closer look.

Posted on March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 by James — 10 Comments

Ridgewood Board of Education Proposes a $110,167,997 School budget

Athena_1_rocket_launching_from_Kodiak_Island[1]

March 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Board of Education passed a Resolution for Adoption of the Proposed Preliminary Budget for Submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for, drum roll …. $110,167,997.

Posted on March 19, 2018March 19, 2018 by James — 1 Comment

Tonight : Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education

March 19,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The next Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education will be held tonight Monday, March 19, 2018 at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be aired live on television, FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77, and streamed via the “Link in Live” tab on the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us. Meeting webcasts are generally posted to the district website within 48 hours.

Date and Time
March 19 2018 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location Board Room, 3rd Floor, Education Center

Posted on March 18, 2018March 18, 2018 by James — Leave a comment

RHS New Players The 2017-18 season continues with 42nd Street, March 22-25

RHS New Players
www.rhsnewplayers.com

The 2017-18 season continues with 42nd Street, March 22-25.
March 22 at 7 p.m.
March 23 at 8 p.m.
March 24 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
March 25 at 2 p.m.

Posted on March 18, 2018March 18, 2018 by James — Leave a comment

Four Ridgewood High School musicians were selected for the New Jersey Region I Jazz Ensembles

March 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Director of RHS Bands Jeffrey Haas announced that four RHS musicians were selected for the New Jersey Region I Jazz Ensembles. They will perform in concert on Sunday, April 22 at Sparta High School.
Region I Senior Jazz Ensemble:
Evan Goler, 11, Tenor Saxophone
Decklan Spencer, 9, Lead Trombone
Stefanie Haas, 10, Trombone
Region I Junior Jazz Ensemble:
William Stewart, 9, Lead Tenor Saxophone
(William also placed first on bass)

Posted on March 18, 2018March 18, 2018 by James — 5 Comments

Reader suggest a field trip of the entire RHS and drive through destroyed and still-empty homes, buildings and businesses in Newark from the ’68 riots

Perhaps Principal Gorman can organize a field trip of the entire RHS and drive through destroyed and still-empty homes, buildings and businesses in Newark from the ’68 riots if he wants to be a do-gooder. Yesterday, he lost his role of leader and is subjugated to role of hashtag activist enabler. Of course, it would take more stones to address the bullying, shaming and drug use that still go on despite decades of “inclusion” talks. You can be pro-gun control and see this for what it’s worth – a feeble attempt to hop on bandwagon because it’s news-of-the-day.

Posted on March 18, 2018March 17, 2018 by James — 4 Comments

Reader says no independent confirmation of the number “1,000” for the Student Walk Out

There is no independent confirmation of the number “1,000”. This propaganda comes straight from from Principal Gorman. He made the statement to certain individuals that were either recording the event for video livestreaming or taking photographs. He immediately, repeated it to make sure nobody missed it. Take a look at the Ridgewood/Glen Rock patch video of the event and you’ll see Gorman blatantly coaching these individuals. (Apparently they were incapable of counting for themselves.) Anyway, doesn’t that 1,000 number sound so round and large? Kind of gives you the progressive warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it?!? /sarc off

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)