The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Teachers’ union is big donor to N.J. Democrats
The super PAC that has spent nearly $1 million to support Democrats in New Jersey’s Assembly elections next month has received nearly 90 percent of its money from a group affiliated with the state’s largest teachers’ union, records filed with state regulators show. Andrew Seidman, Philadelphia Inquirer Read more
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
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.
Gwen Sullivan
Ridgewood
Ridgewood BOE Meets on October 5
The time of the Ridgewood Board of Education’s Regular Public Meeting on Monday, October 5, 2015, at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to view the agenda for the October 5, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
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.
June 2015 Sept. 2015 +/-
Out-of-District 110 106 -4
Glen 47 26 -21
Hawes 410 399 -11
Orchard 311 302 -9
Ridge 487 451 -36
Somerville 452 431 -21
Travell 378 383 +5
Willard 498 499 +1
Total Elem. 2693 2597 -96
BFMS 735 748 +13
GWMS 656 676 +20
Total MS 1391 1424 +33
RHS 1708 1727 +19
Grand Total 5792 5748 -44
Opening of School Report
Click here to view the 2015 Opening of School Report presented at the September 21, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Tense contract negotiations between the Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) and Ridgewood Education Association (REA) ramped up this week.
“The negotiations are not going well,” said REA President Michael Yannone in a conversation with The Ridgewood News earlier this week.
While a number of issues remain to be settled, the main two are salary requirements and healthcare benefits, which are always paired in discussions, Yannone said.
“This board doesn’t believe they should have to negotiate health benefits,” Yannone said.
Without some leeway from the BOE, no progress will be made, he added.
Yannone also spoke at this week’s BOE meeting, flanked by Ridgewood teachers in a sign of solidarity.
“The teachers of this community feel disrespected,” Yannone said at the meeting. “Ridgewood was always a school district that prided itself as being at the forefront of education. Teachers felt respected here and believed their voice had value. Those days are gone.
“Teachers now feel as if they are merely nickels and dimes — a revenue stream for this board — with money going out, and more and more employee money coming back to this board,” he said.
This drew a standing ovation from the assembled crowd of teachers, who so packed the Education Center meeting room that many had to stand.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/contract-negotiations-heating-up-1.1418121
Do it fer da kidz
September 11, 2015
Dear Parent or Guardian:
In July, the Ridgewood Board of Education (RBOE) announced that contract negotiations with the Ridgewood Education Association (REA), which began in February 2015, were moving from official mediation through the NJ Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to the fact-finding stage, also through PERC. Our first fact-finding session will be held on September 16, 2015.
During this time, the teachers and secretaries continue to receive their full salaries and benefits and work under the terms, conditions and protections of the expired contract that began on July 1, 2012, and ended on June 30, 2015.
It is important to remember that our teachers and secretaries are working within the contractually specified hours listed below and that drop-off and pick-up times at our schools must be followed:
Elementary schools: 8 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF PRIOR TO 8:35 A.M. AND PICK UP AT 3 P.M.
Middle schools: 7:45 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF PRIOR TO 7:45 A.M. AND PICK UP AT 2:55 P.M.
Ridgewood High School: 7:40 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP WILL BE THE SAME
In addition, please understand that during this stage in the negotiations, teachers may decline to do some activities that fall outside of the contract. For example, they may decline to chaperone overnight/after school field trips, decline to participate or volunteer in activities that they had in the past, or may adhere to the 7.5 hour daily contract hours by arriving and leaving on time each school day. If any such actions occur that result in changes or cancellation of certain activities, school principals and other administrators will explain the reason why.
Many parents have offered to volunteer and take over these responsibilities. Some activities can be sponsored or supervised by parents, while others can’t for various insurance and personal liability reasons. Please see your principal for guidance.
While changes to activities may be an unfortunate reality during this period, it is important to stress that the RBOE and REA are working towards an agreement that satisfies both parties. Throughout the State of New Jersey, negotiations are taking place between teacher associations and Boards of Education. The vast majority of contract negotiations, almost 80 percent, are not completed prior to the expiration of the preceding contract.
Finally, if the fact-finder is unsuccessful in mediating an agreement, both parties will present their “case,” and a written report will be prepared that will be made public 10 days after they receive his non-binding findings.
Thank you in advance for your understanding as the RBOE and REA work through this process and complete the negotiations in the shortest time possible.
Sincerely,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
RIDGEWOOD SCHOOL BOARD MEETS ON AUGUST 24, 2015
The Ridgewood Board of Education will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, August 24 2015 at 5 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 and addendum for the July 20, 2015 Regular Public Meeting
Re-registration is Open for Parents and Guardians
Skyward Family Access is the district’s primary mode of communication with parents, so the district must have up-to-date email and phone numbers in the system at all times, especially for emergency situations. Beginning August 10 through midnight September 7, parents and guardians must logon to Family Access to complete the Mandatory Online Re-registration process.
Click here for details on Mandatory Re-registration.
Board of Education Announces Vacancy, Seeks Applicants
The Ridgewood Board of Education is seeking qualified applicants to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Michele Lenhard on August 1. The application deadline is Tuesday, September 15 at 4 p.m. Click here for details..
Back-to-School Night Schedule is Out
Click here to view the 2015-2016 Back-To-School Night schedule.
Substitutes Teachers are Needed
The district has put out a call for additional substitute teachers, nurses and secretaries for the 2015-2016 school year. Substitutes enjoy the freedom of selecting their dates of work according to their personal schedules through a self-scheduling online system. Pay rates for the 2015-2016 school year are as follows: teachers $92 to $125 per diem; nurses $130 per diem; secretaries $12.50 to $17 per hour.
Click here for full information on the requirements and process. For further information, please contact Eileen Rix at 201-670-2700, ext. 10542 or erix@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
School Calendars are Approved
Click here to view the 2015-2016 school calendar.
Click here to view the 2016-2017 school calendar.
July 16,2015
Ridgewood High School: Effective: 92, Highly Effective: 39
Benjamin Franklin Middle School: Effective: 28, Highly Effective: 24
George Washington Middle School: Effective: 42, Highly Effective: 14
Hawes Elementary School: Effective: 21
Ridge Elementary School: Effective: 29
Somerville: Effective: 29
Travell Elementary School: Effective: 20
Orchard Elementary School: Effective 19
Willard Elementary School: Effective: 21, Highly Effective: 14
https://www.njspotlight.com/tables/njdoe_staff_eval_1314/#/c04/RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE
State Board of Education president speaks to Ridgewood parents, teachers
March 13, 2015 Last updated: Friday, March 13, 2015, 9:58 AM
By Mark Krulish
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News
New Jersey State Board of Education President Mark Biedron appeared at the Ridgewood home of Marlene Burton to engage a group of concerned parents, some of whom are also teachers, in a dialogue about changes made on the educational landscape in recent years.
Over the course of two-and-a-half hours, Biedron and a group of approximately 30 people explored topics ranging from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests, Common Core standards, teacher evaluations, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and the narrowing of the curriculum.
Reminding those in attendance that his opinions were his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Education, Biedron spoke candidly about what he believes will help children be successful.
Many decades ago, content was king, Biedron said, as information was much more difficult to find. With all of the information the world has to offer available at the push of the button, he said schools can now additionally focus on other skills and habits that he believes many want their children to have.
“Content alone will not make our children successful,” Biedron said. “What will? Critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, collaboration skills and communication skills. Are these skills being taught by Common Core and PARCC? That’s a big question. Education is organic, it’s constantly changing.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/state-boe-president-visits-ridgewood-1.1288623
Teacher spends two days as a student and is shocked at what she learns
What could our Ridgewood schools learn from this post and this process? We need more transparency in our schools as to methods and best practices. How are we engaging our kids’ brains? We must demand more from the unions, teachers and the administration.(Reader)
Do teachers really know what students go through? To find out, one teacher followed two students for two days and was amazed at what she found. Her report is in following post, which appeared on the blog of Grant Wiggins, the co-author of “Understanding by Design” and the author of “Educative Assessment” and numerous articles on education. A high school teacher for 14 years, he is now the president of Authentic Education, in Hopewell, New Jersey, which provides professional development and other services to schools aimed at improving student learning. You can read more about him and his work at the AE site.
Wiggins initially posted the piece without revealing the author. But the post became popular on his blog and he decided to write a followup piecerevealing that the author was his daughter, Alexis Wiggins, a 15-year teaching veteran now working in a private American International School overseas. Wiggins noted in his follow-up that his daughter’s experiences mirrored his own and aligned well with the the responses on surveys that his organization gives to students.
by Alexis Wiggins
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/10/24/teacher-spends-two-days-as-a-student-and-is-shocked-at-what-she-learned/?tid=pm_pop
Support for Common Core plummets, especially among teachers
August 20, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Support for the national Common Core education standards is falling like a rock, dropping 30 percentage points among teachers and about 12 percentage points among the public since last year.
Results from a poll released by Education Next, a scholarly education journal, show public support for Common Core slipped from 65 percent in 2013 to 53 percent this year, while the decrease among teachers was even more dramatic. Educators in support of Common Core fell from 76 percent last year to a mere 46 percent in 2014, the survey shows.
It was the same story with opposition to Common Core, which doubled among the public over the last year, going from 13 percent to 26 percent this year. The percent of teachers who oppose, meanwhile, more than tripled, skyrocketing from 12 percent to 40 percent in 2014, according to the poll.
“Especially intriguing is the flip in the opinion gap between teachers and the public as a whole. In 2013, teachers were more positive in their views of the Common Core than the public (76% compared to 65%), but today teachers are less positive (46% compared to 53%),” the Education Next report notes.
“A year ago, only 12% of the teaching force expressed opposition—virtually the same as the public. Today, teacher opposition is nearly twice as high as opposition among the public (40% compared to just 26%).”
That’s likely because more teachers now understand the many pitfalls and restraints imposed by the national learning standards as states have implemented more aspects of Common Core over the last year.
Educators, of course, are more engaged in education policy and see the detrimental effects first hand, and many are obviously realizing the “rigorous” new standards aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
https://eagnews.org/support-for-common-core-plummets-especially-among-teachers/
NJ Senate panel advances bill to eliminate residency requirement for many teachers
A bill to roll back state residency requirements for teachers and other school district employees in nearly half of New Jersey’s counties cleared its first legislative hurdle today. (Friedman/Star-Ledger)
Fishbein: Teachers are critical to success
MAY 30, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY DANIEL FISHBEIN
At a recent Board of Education meeting, the trustees and I had the distinct honor of applauding several of our high school students who achieved perfect scores on the National Latin Examination. We also congratulated members of our own RHS Latin Team, which just took home the distinguished title of New Jersey State Certamen (Latin Quiz Bowl) champions and are now preparing for nationals this summer.
Listening to the eloquent and enthusiastic RHS Latin team captain describe the thrill of competing in the arena with other top high school students drawn to the esoteric realm of Latin language and vocabulary, ancient Roman history and culture, I couldn’t help but reflect on the irony that despite our tech-savvy world, the classics are quietly thriving still, and in a refreshingly old-school kind of way, with opponents carpooling to compete face-to-face using old-school hand buzzers and timers. I am proud of our Ridgewood students, Latin teachers and parents for upholding this discipline and I am thankful to the community for their support of programs such as this.
It so happened that the board’s Latin team presentation came on the heels of a stressful few days in the district after an alert parent raised our attention to an anonymous threat posted on the new Internet social media app, Yik Yak, against one of our buildings. Swiftly resolved, this serious incident now serves as a classic example of how technology, despite its many benefits, can be more damaging and detrimental than constructive if not used wisely and respectfully.
We are also reminded of our serious responsibility as parents and educators to promote strong values in our children and to model good behavior ourselves. Computers and technology are great tools and help us in many ways and places, including the classroom. But only a human being can teach our children the difference between right and wrong and encourage them to be the best they can be.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/education/teachers-are-critical-to-success-1.1026371#sthash.QJykEP9j.dpuf
N.J. bill making evaluations key to teacher tenure may soon be introduced
More than a year after state Sen. Teresa Ruiz began gathering evidence on how to overhaul the state’s century-old teacher tenure law, a bill that would link the job protection to regular evaluations may soon be fast-tracked in Trenton.
Ruiz (D-Essex) said during an editorial board meeting late last week that she has meetings scheduled Monday to hammer out the bill’s contents and expects to introduce an updated draft of the legislation as early as this week.
“I’ve wanted to focus on tenure reform since I came into office,” she said. “This month, I intend to post a bill that will be passed and a bill that will be signed.” (Calefati, The Star-Ledger)
https://www.nj.com/news/index.
