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Ridgewood Schools Public Hearing on the 2020-2021 $115 Million Budget

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at Mondays Ridgewood Board of Education meeting Ms. Kelly presented the 2020-2021 school budget, first reminding everyone of the mission of the district, followed by a summary of the state of Ridgewood Public Schools. Dr. Fishbein reviewed the slide, which shows per pupil spending in comparison to other districts. The SAT data shows how well the Ridgewood students perform. Ms. Kelly reviewed the proposed appropriations, which shows a comparison between the 2019-2020 projected actual figures and the 2020-2021 proposed budgeted figures in the major budget areas. She also explained the anticipated revenues.

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Ridgewood School Home School Day 7 ,Due to COVID 19

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March 24, 2020

Dear Ridgewood School Community,

The number of reported confirmed COVID-19 cases is rising in the state, the county, and Ridgewood. This escalation is the direct result of increased testing, and it speaks to the need to continue social distancing. We are starting to receive reports from Ridgewood families, alumni, and school employees about confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19. There are many rumors circulating about who has COVID-19, and I hope that as a community we do not add undue work to the Health Department.

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Ridgewood Board of Education to hold its next Regular Public Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Board of Education will hold its next Regular Public Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020. The Board meets at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Due to the health concerns related to COVID-19, the public cannot attend this meeting. Comments or questions concerning the 2020-21 budget can be submitted prior to and during the public hearing through the link in the section below.

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Ridgewood League of Women Voters Cancels Board of Education Candidates Night

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood League of Women Voters because of the seriousness of the coronavirus, the  New Jersey State League of Women Voters has strongly urged local Leagues to cancel any League face to face interactions including Candidates Forums. In addition, the Bergen County Executive, Jim Tedesco, has declared a Bergen County shutdown of all schools and public places.

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Ridgewood School Home School Day 3 ,Due to COVID 19

"Our Gang" aka The Little Rascals"

March 18, 2020

Dear Ridgewood School Community,

I want to thank parents and caregivers for partnering with us to continue educating our students. We fully recognize the heavy lift we are asking of you and appreciate your assistance and input on how we can do things better. In the days and weeks to come, news about the spread of COVID-19 will likely intensify due to increased testing. However, by practicing social distancing and following preventive measures, we can flatten the curve of coronavirus. Our actions now will contribute to our recovery later.

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Ridgewood School Home School Due to COVID 19

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March 17, 2020

Dear Ridgewood School Community,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! First, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming expressions of gratitude towards our teachers and administrators for the planning and execution of the home instruction plan. This was truly a team effort, and everyone has exemplified what it means to be part of the Ridgewood Public Schools community. Our entire staff has displayed critical thinking, resilience, empathy, and creativity, setting a fine example of the qualities we strive to foster in our students. I would be remiss if I did not also recognize our families for accepting this new challenge with such grace, patience, and understanding.

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Ridgewood Schools COVID-19: Daily Update 2

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March 16, 2020

Dear Ridgewood School Community,

The response to this public health emergency changes daily, as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise. Today, the Governor announced his Executive Order mandating the closure of all New Jersey schools with no end date provided, along with numerous other measures that will be implemented statewide. On March 15, 2020, the Village of Ridgewood signed a Proclamation of Local Emergency, which states that all public and Board of Education recreational fields, all school grounds, all tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, and playgrounds within the Village of Ridgewood are closed.

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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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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::

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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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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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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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Dr. Fishbein provided an update on the soil remediation project at Orchard School

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  in the continuing saga of better late than never, Dr. Fishbein provided an update on the soil remediation project. A letter was sent to the community on February 28, 2020. The district received a second-opinion letter from LAN Associates LSRP Gerrit Visscher stating that they were in agreement with the Remedial Action Workplan that was submitted by WSP and approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The necessary soil permits have been submitted, and public bidding will begin in March. Dr. Fishbein contacted the New Jersey Department of Health to again request a date for the public meeting. Click here to view the presentation.

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Did Ridgewood Board of Education Members Carry on Budget Discussions in Secret ?

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Saurabh Dani Ridgewood BOE members circumvented the quorum to discuss Ridgewood School budget in secret .

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