Tag: Ridgewood school board

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Ridgewood school board, union fail to reach settlement

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JANUARY 29, 2016    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) and Ridgewood Education Association (REA) have failed to reach a settlement despite protracted negotiations, BOE President Sheila Brogan reported during a meeting on Monday.

The two sides met on Jan. 20, and the main sticking point continued to be healthcare contributions. A new proposal presented by the school board was rejected by the REA.

Brogan said the “comprehensive” proposal addressed issues that had been raised during previous negotiation sessions and modified the district’s “original proposal in a number of significant ways.”

“Our offer was designed to address the REA’s goal of increasing the actual take-home pay of its members without jeopardizing the district’s financial position,” Brogan said.

“The REA did not respond with a comprehensive proposal of their own,” she continued. “They chose to focus only on the amounts their members contribute towards their healthcare benefits.”

REA members, however, believe that the BOE did not make a real effort to come up with terms that would be acceptable to both parties. They also said a counteroffer was not seriously considered by the board.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/meeting-fails-to-yield-settlement-1.1501672

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Ridgewood school board reorganizes

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JANUARY 11, 2016    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016, 2:27 PM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Sheila Brogan was reelected as president and Vincent Loncto as vice president during last week’s Ridgewood Board of Education reorganization meeting.

“I just want to thank the board for your support, and I’m so pleased to continue to work with Vincent and all of you,” Brogan said. “It is a real honor to serve this community in this capacity and to be on the board, so I thank you for that and I look forward to the challenges that we have.”

Loncto, who ran unopposed in the November election, also thanked the board for its confidence in him.

“I’d like to echo Sheila’s comments and express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Loncto said, adding that he is “honored by the opportunity.”

Loncto was sworn in Monday night to a three-year term.

Schools audited

Mike Andriola, an auditor for accounting and consulting firm Wiss & Company, presented the results of a recent district audit at Monday’s meeting.

Andriola noted that a few mistakes had been made, such as purchasing small amounts of supplies and asking for approval afterward. He said the district also racked up travel expenditures that exceeded the approved maximum.

“They weren’t big dollar amounts; there really weren’t many of them,” he said. “I don’t think it’s anything to be overly concerned with.”

Based on his findings, Andriola suggested that the district “strengthen its internal controls,” in order to ensure that nothing is purchased without consent and that over-expenditures are not made.

He also suggested that the district ensure that monetary transfers are made on a monthly basis, so that “any budgetary account lines that are in a deficit balance” are covered.

“I am confident that (the school district is) going to address these and fix them going forward,” he said.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/ridgewood-school-board-reorganizes-1.1489374

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Ridgewood school board discusses contracts, full-day kindergarten

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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.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/union-questions-district-spending-1.1463570

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Exchange between Ridgewood school board, REA is troubling

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Exchange between school board, REA is troubling

To The Editor:

I am troubled by the exchange between Ridgewood teachers and the Board of Education in recent letters to the editor of this newspaper.

As I understand it, Chapter 78, a state law that phased in greater employee contributions to healthcare, is now fully implemented. The law says, “After full implementation, those contribution levels will become part of the parties’ collective negotiations and will then be subject to collective negotiations in a manner similar to other negotiable items between the parties.” I believe this means that, under current law, our board is expected to look at both salaries and healthcare in order to reach a satisfying agreement with the Ridgewood Education Association.

Yet, it seems as if teachers are appealing to the board to negotiate healthcare as well as salaries. In a letter to the editor, Pat Rosenfeld asks the board to “step up and negotiate alternate cost sharing arrangements.” Donna Pedersen echoes this request in her letter and says, “All that I am requesting of our Board of Education is to have respect for us as educators, professionals, and community members and to sit down with the REA to talk about the cost of our healthcare benefits.” In both letters, teachers seem to be pleading for a negotiation process that I believe is currently expected under state law. So I ask, If negotiation is stipulated in Chapter 78, why is this appeal necessary?

My last point is an observation. Based on the board’s information, 413 of the 520 teachers earn less than $100,000 per year. Most teachers do not enter the field of education in order to get rich. From my experience, most Ridgewood teachers work hard and care deeply about their students and education. In return, they expect a reasonable standard of living in an outrageously expensive area. Equally important, they want a Board of Education that negotiates both healthcare arrangements and salaries, which, as I understand it, is stipulated in Chapter 78, a state law.

Sally Lewis

Ridgewood

 

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/ridgewood-news-letter-union-boe-exchanges-are-troubling-1.1439295

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Ridgewood BOE Meets on October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

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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 access@ridgewoodnj.net.

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 RidgeSchoolHSA@gmail.com. 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 kmendez@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.  No need to RSVP. Click here for the flyer.

The RHS Alumni Association has a new Website

Check it out at https://www.rhsalumniassociation.org/​.

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School board must talk healthcare : Time for Teachers to Go on Obamacare

obamacare_theridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , School board must talk healthcare costs with union no truer statement has ever been said and since the teachers unions were overwhelming supporters of Obamacare for the rest of us ,its high time they participate in the “healthcare” they pushed on the rest of America .

OCTOBER 9, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015, 12:30 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

BOE must talk healthcare costs with REA

To the Editor:

I am proud to say that I have been educating 6 and 7 year olds in this community for 32 years. Many of these children have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, actors, and most dear to my heart, teachers, as well as numerous other professions. The one thing they have in common is Ridgewood and the superior education they received here.

As I enter into my 33rd year of teaching, I look into the eyes of my current students, knowing the path in front of them will lead them to a successful future because of the dedicated teachers and administrators who work here.

Each year, teachers are asked to do more and more for less and less. We all understand the economic realities that face us today. Teachers are taxpayers, too, and we all have our own budgets to balance.

As a member of the REA, this is my 11th contract negotiation, and it is sad to observe that every negotiation has become more and more acrimonious; however, never in my 33 years has a Ridgewood Board of Education refused to discuss all of the topics that need to be negotiated, specifically healthcare.

Every day I come to work knowing both parents and administrators expect me to be keeping the best interests of my students in mind. I would like to think that the board is doing the same for my colleagues and me. My personal contribution in 2012 to our health benefit package was over $2,200. In 2015, I am now contributing almost $10,000, which is a 350 percent increase. However, my salary certainly did not increase that much. It actually increased by 4.9 percent over the same time period. Anyone retiring from Ridgewood within the next five years will not be able to make the same amount of money that he/she did in 2012. That is just wrong!

All that I am requesting of our Board of Education is to have respect for us as educators, professionals, and community members and to sit down with the REA to talk about the cost of our healthcare benefits.

Donna Pedersen

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/ridgewood-news-letter-school-board-must-talk-healthcare-costs-with-union-1.1428787

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Ridgewood school board selects new member

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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.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/ridgewood-school-board-selects-new-member-1.1429300

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Ridgewood School board addresses comments by teachers union leader

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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.

Ridgewood Board of Education

Sheila Brogan, President

Vincent Loncto, Vice President

Christina Krauss

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/ridgewood-news-letter-school-board-addresses-comments-by-teachers-union-leader-1.1418197

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Ridgewood school board member Michele Lenhard resigns

MLenhard

August 6,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Michele Lenhard has resigned from the Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) effective Aug. 1, stepping down from the elected position she has held since 2007. School officials told The Ridgewood News this week that Lenhard is relocating out of the district. ( https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/ridgewood-school-board-member-resigns-1.1387946 )

The Ridgewood Board of Education is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a mid-term vacancy on the Ridgewood Board of Education. The vacancy became effective on August 1, 2015.

The Board is delegated by law to serve the children of Ridgewood as the policy-making legislative branch of the School District. Responsibilities of the Board are to: 

Monitor student achievement.  Set district policies and goals.  Provide financial oversight.  Approve Human Resources recommendations and hire and evaluate the superintendent.  Serve as the communications link between the community and the school district. 

To fill vacancies on the Board of Education. Board members are required to attend meetings approximately twice a month and serve on committees that require an additional time commitment.

This position will be effective through our Reorganization Meeting in January 2017. This position will be placed on the ballot at the annual election, scheduled in November 2016. The winner will fill a regular three-year term from January 2017 through January 2020.

Legal Requirements: To become a member of a local Board of Education in New Jersey, you must be:  A citizen of the United States of America  At least 18 years of age  Able to read and write  A resident of Ridgewood for at least one (1) year preceding the date of the appointment  Have no interest in any contract with, or claim, against the Board  Registered to vote in the district  Not disqualified as a voter pursuant to NJSA 19:4-1

To Apply: Any qualified Ridgewood resident interested in filling the vacancy on the Ridgewood Board of Education should pick up an application at the Education Center or download one from our website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us and then submit a letter of interest, application and resume by 4 p.m. on September 15, 2015 to: Dr. Alfredo Aguilar (aaguilar@ridgewood.k12.nj.us) Board Secretary 49 Cottage Place Ridgewood, NJ 07451 The Board of Education will review all applications submitted and interview legally qualified candidates at the public meeting on September 21, 2015. Candidates will be advised of the interview schedule. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Aguilar at aaguilar@ridgewood.k12.nj.us or 201-670-2700 ext. 10503.

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Ridgewood school board hears results of self-evaluation

BOE_theridgewoodblog

AUGUST 3, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015, 11:10 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Al Annunziata, district representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association, presented his findings last month on a self-evaluation that Ridgewood Board of Education members undertook earlier this year.

The evaluation, which takes place once a year, includes categories like superintendent relations and board-staff relationships, with scores ranging from zero to a possible high of four. Any score below a 3.0 warrants extra attention, as that is an area that is clearly struggling, Annunziata said.

A look at Ridgewood’s scores showed that almost all of them were very high, exhibiting the high regard the board members have for the school system, and demonstrating their satisfaction with current arrangements, he said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/board-hears-results-of-self-evaluation-1.1385442

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Ridgewood school board, union hope to iron out contract

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JULY 31, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Despite the start of the school year rapidly approaching, the Board of Education and Ridgewood Education Association (REA) have been unable to agree on a new contract.

The current contract, which began on July 1, 2012, expired at the end of June.

Mike Yannone, president of the REA, confirmed this week that the organization’s members are working without a new contract. The REA represents 550 teachers, secretaries and counselors in the Ridgewood school district.

“When our contract expires, we continue to work under the terms of the old contract,” Yannone said. “We will honor the contract, and the kids will be taught.”

However, the optimal result is for an agreement to be hammered out as quickly as possible.

“I would love to be able to talk to the other side,” Yannone said, adding that he understands that setting up a meeting can be difficult over the summer.

The main sticking point of the negotiations is a dispute over health insurance premium contributions.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/sides-hoping-to-iron-out-contract-1.1384018

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Ridgewood school board monitoring rising enrollment numbers

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MAY 11, 2015    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015, 12:24 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood district administrators informally assessed enrollment numbers of the village’s six elementary schools since 2009, a response to the public’s mounting concerns over anticipated class sizes next year.

In its search for a trend, the administration determined that a definitive conclusion could not be identified.

What the research did do, however, was provide a baseline for the district as it continues to monitor overall enrollment heading into the next academic year.

Board of Education (BOE) members said for the past several weeks that they have engaged in numerous conversations and fielded emails from parents alarmed with increasing class sizes. Two dozen parents publicly expressed related concerns at a school board meeting last month.

Those speakers, most with children attending Willard and Hawes schools, noted that high enrollment in the lower grades is adversely impacting the educational environment for the students. The rising student-to-teacher ratio also places a burden on the staff, parents contend.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/board-of-education-to-monitor-enrollment-1.1331434

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Ridgewood school board adopts Massive $101 million budget

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The Ridgewood Board of Education adopted its $101.2 million budget, a plan that calls for an average school tax increase of $194.65.

MAY 5, 2015    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015, 10:13 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s $101.2 million budget last week, adopting a financial proposal that supports a new administrator hire, technology updates and curriculum enhancements.

The district’s spending plan will increase school taxes by $194.65 for the average Ridgewood home assessed at $690,662. The rise in taxes represents a total increase of 2.04 percent over last year’s bills, according to Alfredo Aguilar, the schools’ business administrator.

During a brief review of the budget on April 27, Aguilar highlighted the 13 new courses planned for the middle and high schools, completion of the 1:1 Chromebook initiative at the middle school level, and maintenance projects such as window replacements at George Washington Middle School and roadway repairs at Benjamin Franklin Middle School.

He also noted various ways in which the district will attempt to curb spending, such as auditing school phone lines in an effort to convert to digital lines and cancel those that are not in use; installing additional solar panels to decrease energy expenses; and participating in a statewide consortium to purchase faster Internet access at a reduced cost.

Though some trustees said that the budget is not perfect, they agreed that it is a responsible plan that reflects the entire district and achieves the BOE’s goals.

“We have a sound budget, but we’re reminded of the challenges in front of us,” said BOE Vice President Vince Loncto, adding that the board’s responsibility is an “imperative to maintain the quality and reputation of the public schools” while “minimizing the impact on the taxpayers.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/trustees-ok-final-figures-in-2015-16-budget-1.1325596

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Ridgewood school board preparing 2016-17 calendar

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APRIL 17, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Anticipating minor changes that might impact Ridgewood families, the Board of Education (BOE) hopes to approve the school district’s 2016-17 calendar by the end of this month.

Just weeks after they finalized and adopted next year’s calendar, trustees engaged in a constructive dialogue during Monday’s BOE meeting as they reviewed the calendar committee’s recommended schedule for 2016-17.

“We told parents that we would try to get the calendar over a year in advance because we keep hearing ‘I want to be able to schedule what we’ll be doing, what the kids will be doing’,” BOE President Sheila Brogan said.

Board members generally agreed with the committee’s suggested calendar, which incorporated elements that most education officials deem desirable: First day of instruction begins after Labor Day; February features a full week of recess; and last day of classes is June 22.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/boe-gets-jump-on-calendar-schools-1.131131

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Ridgewood school board approves district calendar

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cottage_place_theridgewoodblog.net_21

Ridgewood school board approves district calendar

MARCH 6, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Students should expect to begin classes before Labor Day this coming fall as the 2015-2016 Ridgewood Public Schools calendar, approved on Feb. 23, features an early start, among other minor tweaks.

Although opinions were varied on the individual decisions the Board of Education had to consider, trustees were ultimately able to build a general consensus and approve the new calendar by a 4-1 vote.

Board President Sheila Brogan, Vice President B. Vincent Loncto and trustees Christina Krauss and James Morgan all voted in favor of the updated calendar.

The final calendar contains a convocation date of Aug. 31, which is a Monday, for teachers and staff, followed by a professional development day and students arriving on Sept. 2.

A three-day break will take place from Feb. 15 through Feb. 17 and the last day of school for students – Ridgewood High School (RHS) graduation – will fall on June 20, 2016. The calendar also includes two built-in snow days.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/parents-can-mark-calendars-1.1283655