file photo by Boyd Loving
$110 million budget and our schools not even ranked anymore in the top twenty in the state. Only four Ivy Leaguers amongst 2018 graduating class. Ridgewood schools are living off the fumes of reputation. Taxpayers not getting their money’s worth, but teachers certainly are, not upholding the Tradition of Excellence but profiting from it. Cha-ching!
There are still some dedicated teachers in the system but more often than not, tenure destroys motivation. Ridgewood teachers are very, very lucky. They receive top teaching salaries and for the most part their students do receive support from homes where education is prized. The NJEA and its demands will continue to bankrupt the state. Nurses do not earn as much as teachers nor do they enjoy the same benefits packages. That is not to say that effective, caring teaching is not an extremely demanding job but all the complaints about their salaries/benefits are hard to entertain. Personally, I think those who teach in less desirable districts should be the high earners. That is where you find the dedication and what used to motivate those entering the profession – hoping to make a difference and inspire learning.
KAUFMAN!!!!!