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New Jersey Schools Clash Over Student Cell Phone Bans as Statewide Policy Stalls

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With the new school year just weeks away, New Jersey school districts are taking matters into their own hands over student cell phone useโ€”while the state stalls on creating uniform rules

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide ban on student cell phones during his State of the State address in January, citing classroom distractions and social mediaโ€™s negative impact on mental health. The resulting bills, S3695/A4882, however, would only require the Commissioner of Education to draft guidelines within 90 daysโ€”if passed.

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Former Elmwood Park High School Student Files Lawsuit Over Years of Bullying and Harassment

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Elmwood Park, NJ โ€“ A former Elmwood Park High School student has filed a lawsuit alleging that she endured โ€œrelentless torment, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and abuseโ€ throughout her four years at the schoolโ€”while administrators, teachers, and counselors allegedly failed to protect her.

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Students Rally to Save Beloved Guidance Counselor at Tenafly High School

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Tenafly NJ,ย  growing online petition is urging school administrators to reverse their decision to remove a beloved guidance counselor at Tenafly High School, a move students say is deeply upsetting and harmful to the school community.

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Ho-Ho-Kus Renews 10-Year, $44 Million Agreement with Northern Highlands Regional High School

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education has officially approved a new 10-year, $44 million send/receive contract with Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ. This deal ensures that Ho-Ho-Kus high school students will continue attending Northern Highlands through 2035, solidifying a partnership that dates back nearly three decades.

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Is This the Key to Ending School Segregation in New Jersey? One Nonprofit Thinks So

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, for over seven years, a major lawsuit has challenged New Jersey’s public school system, alleging it remains unconstitutionally segregated. Now, a new voice has entered the legal conversation โ€” the New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) โ€” with a surprisingly practical, budget-friendly solution: expand Interdistrict Public School Choice.

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Glen Ridge School Officials Placed on Leave Amid Grooming Allegations at Ridgewood Avenue School

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Ridge NJ, in a developing story that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Principal Michael Donovan and Vice Principal Jonathan Heitmann of Ridgewood Avenue School have been placed on indefinite administrative leave following disturbing allegations of a long-term grooming case involving a former teacher.

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Ridgewood BOE Approves 2025-2026 Budget With Decrease in Average Homeowner Taxes

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๐Ÿ“ Location: Ridgewood, NJ
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Date Approved: April 22, 2025
๐Ÿ’ฐ Total Budget: $130,989,166
๐Ÿ“‰ Tax Impact: Decrease of $80.90 per average assessed home

Ridgewood School Budget for 2025-2026 Officially Approved

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) officially adopted its 2025โ€“2026 school budget during a public hearing and vote held at the April 22, 2025 meeting. Richard Matthews, Business Administrator and Board Secretary, led the detailed budget presentation outlining financial highlights and community impact.

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Tensions Rise in Palisades Park as School Board President Alleges Threat After Heated Meeting

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Palisades Park NJ, ย the conflict between the Palisades Park Board of Education and the teachers’ union reached a boiling point during a special board meeting on April 11, where Board President Soo Chung claimed she received a life-threatening remark following a tense public session.

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