NOVEMBER 27, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The conversations circulating around the ongoing teachers’ union contract negotiations and a potential switch to full-day kindergarten continued at last week’s Board of Education meeting.
While trustees did not take action on either subject, they will resume the discussions in future meetings.
Contract negotiations
The meeting once again featured commentary from the Ridgewood Education Association (REA), asking for a settlement of its contract with the Board of Education (BOE). This time, only REA President Michael Yannone spoke, referencing recent spending by the board and asking why there was money for this, but no money for better contracts.
“Last week, the board issued a press release, stating that while they respect the teaching staff and the work they do … they cannot address the concerns staff members have repeatedly stated at this microphone,” he said. “What I interpret the board as saying in that release is that in their budget of $101 million, they cannot find new money to settle this contract because there simply is no money.”
NOVEMBER 16, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY DEENA YELLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Advanced Placement courses are all the rage in New Jersey this school year, with many high schools having added more of the college-level courses to meet surging demand.
Students and advocates of the courses cite their value as college preparation, and parents hope to save on the cost of college credits earned for free in high school.
But critical observers also are pointing to the amplified stress that AP courses put on already high-achieving students with packed schedules.
The courses, which lend cachet to a student’s résumé, have long been a staple across the nation. But now, many North Jersey schools, including those in Northern Valley Regional High School District and in Lodi, Bergenfield, Tenafly, Wayne, Emerson and Glen Rock, have launched additional AP courses.
The most popular have traditionally been AP English Literature and AP U.S. History, said staff of the College Board, which administers the AP tests and trains teachers. But school administrators cite a dramatic increase in the number of AP STEM courses added over the past few years, including at Northern Valley High School, which has launched AP physics, science, and computer science; Emerson, which added AP Physics I and II; and Glen Rock, which is adding AP computer science.
New Jersey students have done particularly well on the AP exams, with more than 72.8 percent scoring a 3 or higher — out of 5 — on AP exams in 2015, compared with the average of 60.5 percent internationally.
NOVEMBER 16, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015, 1:20 AM
BY STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — A state-appointed fact finder in February will try to settle a 10-month contract dispute between the Board of Education and the Ridgewood Education Association, even as the two sides try to hammer out an agreement on their own.
Although there are several points of contention — including possible salary increases — the fight over how much REA members must contribute to their health insurance premiums has taken center stage since negotiations began last February.
The fact finder has scheduled an informal hearing on Feb. 3, when each side will present what it considers pertinent information, officials said. Two-and-a-half months later, the fact finder will issue a non-binding recommendation on how to settle the dispute.
In Ridgewood, union members pay an average of 26 percent of the cost of their health insurance premiums, a district spokeswoman said Thursday. This, many members say, is simply too much
“I know I have to pay something, but this an unreasonable burden on my family,” Mariann Gelenius said at the Nov. 2 board meeting. Gelenius, a Child Study Team member at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, said she’s paying about 35 percent of the premium cost, and that’s meant less take-home pay — even after previous salary increases.
REA President Michael Yannone, a 19-year veteran of Ridgewood High School, said Friday that the REA would keep meeting with the board’s negotiating team, but an agreement would depend on the board’s willingness to lower insurance contributions.
“That’s the stumbling block,” Yannone said. “We’re willing to negotiate that — we know that’s going to cost us something, and so we’re willing to pay to get that … but right now the board is holding the line on that issue.”
BOE Meets on November 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The Ridgewood Board of Education will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, November 16, 2015, at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting may also be viewed on FiOS channel 33, Optimum channel 77 or from computers via the “Live BOE Meeting” tab on the district website.
Click here to view the agenda for the November 2, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
Click here to view the minutes of the October 19, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
11.03.15: Board of Education Issues Statement on Contract Negotiations Click here to read a November 2, 2015 statement by the Ridgewood Board of Education, “Negotiations Status Report.”
REA members did not listen to BOE
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print
REA members did not listen to BOE
To the Editor:
As a regular attendee of the Board of Education meetings of late, I would like to express one fact that was missing from last week’s article that appeared on your front page (“Fact-finder returns in February,” Nov. 6, page A-1).
Your staff writer accurately reported the following: “… opening remarks were made; a couple of presentations took place; and then public comments opened up, with various members of the REA coming to the microphone to have their say.”
He then continued with, “After the public comments, Sheila Brogan, president of the board, read from a prepared statement, explaining that the talks between the REA and BOE had slowed once again…”
What your reporter failed to include in his article is that immediately after the REA chief negotiator made her comments at the microphone, all the REA members present exited the building. Ms. Brogan’s reading of the prepared statement was made to an intimate group of us after the throng of REA members left. The REA members did not even grant to a volunteer elected official, to whom they are asking a lot, the courtesy of listening to her. The board listened to them, but I can only guess that the REA felt not compelled to show the decency of listening in return.
Pick your statement: “Actions speak louder than words” or “Adults are to be role models for the younger people.”
OCTOBER 30, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A teachers’ rally took place Monday outside the Education Center.
The event occurred just before Michael Yannone, president of the Ridgewood Education Association (REA), entered the building to commence the second and potentially final negotiating session with a mediator present between the REA and the Ridgewood Board of Education.
“This is a sign of unity for the negotiating team that’s about to walk in there,” Yannone said at the event. “As a member of that team, I greatly appreciate this.”
Ridgewood Board of Education President Sheila Brogan said while a settlement wasn’t reached at the meeting, “The board understands the teachers’ wish for a settlement. We too want to settle the contract.
“We had a positive dialogue, but were unable to settle the contract,” she said. “The fact finder spent the evening talking with both sides and decided to move the process to a formal fact-finding hearing.”
According to Brogan, the fact finder is scheduled to return to Ridgewood on Feb. 3.
“At the hearing, he will listen to both sides and issue a non-binding opinion in an attempt to settle the contract, she said.
“Moving forward, the board’s negotiating team is willing to meet with the REA’s team to resolve issues and settle the contract.”
OCTOBER 23, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
As has become a pattern over the past few weeks, Monday’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting featured a bevy of speakers, most of whom were demanding a resolution to the contract negotiations between the BOE and the Ridgewood Education Association (REA).
Although this week’s meeting featured debate from the public, there was some potentially favorable news given by trustee Sheila Brogan.
“Jim (Morgan) and I did sit down on Friday with (REA chief negotiators) Laura (Grasso) and Mike (Yannone) and had a really positive conversation,” Brogran said, adding that they were set to meet again Oct. 21.
“We are working at it,” Brogan told the public at the meeting. “I know it’s not at the pace that you are wishing for.”
Yannone, president of the REA, confirmed the meeting via e-mail, and said he “thought it was productive in that it was the first time the REA felt we were able to talk one-on-one with the board members on their negotiating team. We left that meeting believing we articulated our position regarding our health contributions and we listened to their concerns regarding their budget.”
Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital in cooperation with the Ridgewood Police Department will be conducting a multi-agency exercise on the morning of Thursday October 22, 2015 in the Emergency Department of the hospital.
This is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the abilities of law enforcement and our public/private safety partners to effectively deal with potential critical incidents.
Numerous outside agencies will also be participating in the exercise. The Emergency Department of the hospital will still be open however there will be increased police and emergency medical services activity in the parking lot area of the hospital.
The drill will be contained to Valley Hospital’s property however residents may notice increased police and public safety personnel in the area during the event. Ridgewood Board of Education will also be cooperating in this drill.
The Ridgewoood Police thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to make our community safer.
The Ridgewood Board of Education will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, October 19, 2015, at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting may also be viewed on FiOS channel 33, Optimum channel 77 or from computers via the “Live BOE Meeting” tab on the district website.
Click here to view the agenda for the October 19, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
Click here to view the minutes of the September 21, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
Community and Strategic Plan Approved by the Board
At its October 5 meeting, the Board of Education approved the Community & Strategic Plans for the 2015-2016 school year. Click here to view this document.
Access Ridgewood 2015 is October 16-18
Events are taking place Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 in the schools and Village. Event information can be found at [email protected].
Click here for more details.
LSHSA Holds Two Social Events
Welcome Brunch: October 26 from 9-11 a.m.
Evening Social November 18 at 7:30 p.m.
No RSVP required
Click here for details.
RHS DECA Sells Maroons Apparel through October 23
Proceeds support RHS DECA and Operation Shoebox. Orders are due by October 23. Click here for details and the order form.
Ridge School Holds Tag Sale on October 17
The multi-family sale will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ridge School. Questions should be directed to [email protected]. Click here for the flyer.
RHS New Players Hold Trunk or Treat on October 30
Children are invited to come to the RHS Little Theatre in costume to hear Halloween tales, followed by trunk or treating in the parking lot. $10; children under 3 Free. Rsvp. Click here for details.
Junior NP Weekend is November 13-15
Click here for Junior New Players registration information. RHS Gymnastics Clinics Continue for Grades K-8
The RHS Varsity Gymnastics team continues its annual October gymnastics clinics on Saturdays, October 17 and 24 from 8-9 a.m. Individuals in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are welcome to participate in the clinics, which will be held in RHS Gym 3. Children should be dressed in proper attire (t-shirt and shorts/leggings or a leotard and spandex if they have them). Guardians are required to sign a permission slip the first they attend clinic. Clinics are provided free of charge, but donations are welcome. If you have questions please email Coach Karen Mendez at [email protected]. No need to RSVP. Click here for the flyer.
OCTOBER 9, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015, 11:44 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) has a new member.
In order to fill the vacancy created when longtime trustee Michele Lenhard submitted her resignation this past summer, board members interviewed six candidates at a meeting last month.
The decision came down to two candidates – Nicole Richards and Jennie Smith Wilson – with Smith Wilson eventually being selected during a special BOE meeting on Thursday.
Smith Wilson is currently a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Ridgewood Education Foundation.
During the public interview, Smith Wilson said she would be able to utilize her 25 years of advertising experience to improve the flow of communication between the board and the community.
“I often hear or see parents’ frustrations come out in BOE meetings and in social media over concerns that we could press for a better process of communication, and I think that’s very important because it can distract from the issues at hand,” she said.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Schools 2015-2016 parent/peers series consists of eight engaging presentations throughout the school year. Co-sponsored by The Valley Hospital, with support from The Foundation, adults are invited to attend these programs on creating balance in children’s lives.
Click here for the series flyer..
First up is “Staying Safe in Cyberspace” by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Cybercrime Division. This program will take place on Wednesday, October 28 from 7-9 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School Auditorium.
Click here for the program flyer.
Click here for the press release from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Click here for the tip sheet handout, “Internet Safety for Our Children,” from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Parent ‘offended’ by REA president’s recent comments
To the Editor:
I take personal exception to Mr. Michael Yannone’s letter to the editor of The Ridgewood News dated Sept. 25. In its own letter, the Board of Education’s president, vice president and two trustees clearly outlined where Mr. Yannone went wrong in his belief that the Board of Education is disrespecting our teachers.
As a parent in this district and as just one of the countless parent volunteers who has worked tirelessly to improve our schools and help our excellent teachers in and out of the classroom, I am very offended by Mr. Yannone’s words and tone. Perhaps he should take the time to go on a field trip or enjoy a parent provided meal with his teachers. Maybe he should visit an elementary school and see behind the scenes as parents and teachers work hand in hand to create amazing moments. Maybe he should attend an HSA and Board of Education meeting to hear the support of parents for their teachers. I can provide countless suggestions.
Ridgewood is a charming New Jersey town whose residents often return to their roots to raise their own children. This village attracts families from the city, such as myself, not just because of its charm or the ease of transportation, but because of the schools.
Our schools are ranked as some of the best in the state and country, yes, because of our excellent teachers but also because of how well run they are by our school board both fiscally and academically. Parents in this community constantly are concerned not only with keeping the bar high academically but in also helping teachers in any way they can to insure our children are provided the best education. Parents work hard to guarantee teachers are given the resources to achieve that goal.
Is Mr. Yannone suggesting updated books, modern technology, refurbished classrooms are not necessary for our teachers? What about our children? I understand Mr. Yannone is the advocate for our teachers, but what is education ultimately about if it is not about the education of our students?
It seems to me that our Board of Education (all volunteers by the way) does an amazing job by balancing the different interests that create our top notch school system. I know their priority is and has always been about educating our children and thereby insuring more people will be returning to Ridgewood or discovering the district’s commitment to educational excellence.
I also know that parents will be there every step of the way with our teachers and administrators to lend a hand.
The time of the Ridgewood Board of Education’s Regular Public Meeting on Monday, October 5, 2015, at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting will be aired live on FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77. Or it may be viewed live via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us using the “Link in Live” tab.
Click here to view the agenda for the October 5, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
The first candidate to interview, Nicole Richards, stressed that her background as a businesswoman would be integral to her work if she were appointed to the board.
Michael Zuckerman
The second candidate, Michael Zuckerman, explained that his experiences as the son of a board of education member give him insight into what the job requires.
Theresa C. Anzano
The third candidate, Theresa C. Anzano, pointed to things she disapproves of about the board, and gave an impassioned defense of local autonomy in regards to education.
Alexandra Harwin
The fourth candidate, Alexandra Harwin, explained that her experience as a civil rights attorney would help her to work out a solution with the teachers if appointed to the board.
Dana Costache
The fifth candidate, Dana Costache, a native of Romania, explained that she has become disillusioned with the college process that the United States offers, since some people with college degrees are being denied jobs for which they are qualified.
Jennie Smith Wilson
The sixth and final candidate, Jennie Smith Wilson, explained that she would rely on her numerous years of public service for help were she appointed to the board position. She is currently on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and a board member of the Ridgewood Education Foundation.
RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Office of the Superintendent September 21, 2015
Board Meeting Report to Board: Opening of School
Opening of School
Cheryl Best, Alfredo Aguilar and I visited all the schools during the first day. In addition, K-12 administrators, Kim Turner, Robert Bell and Chris McCullough also visited each building. From all reports the opening of school went very smoothly. Buses actually ran pretty smoothly.
NOTE: This is subject to change as we determine new students and withdrawals.
School board addresses comments by teachers union leader
SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
BOE addresses union leader’s statements
To the Editor:
Mike Yannone, Ridgewood Education Association (REA) president, made several erroneous statements at the Sept. 21 Ridgewood Board of Education meeting that warrant response.
* A $2.5 million tax burden is being placed on teachers.
It is not a tax. State law known as “Chapter 78,” phased in over four years, requires that all public employees contribute towards their health benefits. The $2.5 million is the sum of this year’s contribution.
* The board passed a resolution to remove collective bargaining rights for teachers and did not provide it to the public.
Last March, the board approved a resolution asking that Chapter 78 be excluded from negotiations. This resolution was posted on the board and superintendent’s web pages at ridgewood.k12.nj.us within 24 hours of the board approving the meeting minutes.
* Contract negotiations are stalled due to a highly paid RBOE attorney spokesperson.
The RBOE has included an attorney on its negotiating team for over 15 years. He is an experienced, reasonably priced attorney. The REA’s negotiating team includes a NJEA representative. The REA collects over $650,000 annually from its members. Some of this money is used to pay NJEA for this service.
* The settlement of the contract is not the top board goal.
This is untrue. On Sept. 21, the RBOE approved a goal “to negotiate with the REA to settle a new contract.” It is a priority for this year.
* The district says its financial hands are tied, which is disrespectful to teachers.
The district’s annual budget is capped at 2 percent on the amount the tax levy can be increased. Law mandates this and it is the reality under which we operate. Disrespecting our staff is not part of the equation. We honor and appreciate the fine work of our staff.
* Each year the board hires new administrators who are doing less work.
In 2008, the board was forced to reduce administrative positions when all categorical state aid was cut. Over the last three years, we have rebuilt our administrative team. We have reinstated five administrators and added 33 teachers. Every staff member — administrators, teachers and support staff — are doing more work, not less.
Mr. Yannone asked if the RBOE was going to Atlantic City again at taxpayers’ expense. Yes, the Board of Education will attend the NJSBA workshop in October. Board members are the only New Jersey elected officials legally required to receive training. Workshop provides this training and opportunities to learn about best practices and hone leadership skills. The district pays for registration and accommodations.
The RBOE has high regard for our talented teaching staff and secretaries. The partnership with our teachers is a longstanding one that values their input in improving education for our students. In negotiating a contract, the board is mindful of the financial reality and tasked to balance this reality with the need to fairly compensate our teachers.
