Ridgewood Teacher Reinstated: BOE Reverses Layoff Decision Ahead of Crucial $134M Budget Vote
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – In a last-minute reversal that has energized the local community, the Ridgewood Board of Education has confirmed that popular gym teacher and wrestling coach Robert Franklin will no longer face a layoff.
The decision comes just days before the district’s high-stakes $134 million budget hearing scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Community Outcry Saves “Coach of the Year”
Robert Franklin, a physical education teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and the High School’s assistant wrestling coach, was originally slated for termination as part of aggressive cost-cutting measures.
The news of his potential departure sparked a two-hour public outcry during the April 20 board meeting. Supporters pointed to Franklin’s recent accolades, including being named Assistant Coach of the Year by the New Jersey Wrestling Association, as evidence of his vital role in the district.
“Administrative Reductions” Over Teacher Cuts
Superintendent Mark Schwarz confirmed that Franklin has been officially reinstated. According to Schwarz, the district identified “opportunities for administrative reductions through attrition,” allowing them to save the teacher’s position.
“His position was the last on the list and so was the first up for reinstatement,” Schwarz stated.
Why the Cuts? The $2.9M Health Benefit Crisis
The Ridgewood School District—the largest in Bergen County with over 5,500 students—is currently grappling with a 15% spike in health benefit costs. This $2.9 million increase has forced officials to consider “radical” measures to balance the 2026 budget, including:
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Staff Reductions: Rumors suggest up to 11 teachers and two administrators remain on the potential layoff list.
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Bus Fees: A proposed $1,550-per-student charge for “courtesy busing” for those living within mandated walk zones.
The Tax Impact: What Ridgewood Homeowners Need to Know
As the May 4 vote approaches, residents are eyeing a significant increase in property taxes. With the school budget accounting for 65% of the local tax bill, the proposed increase stands at roughly $775 annually for the average home.
Combined with recent municipal and county increases, Ridgewood homeowners are facing a tightening fiscal squeeze.
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #BergenCounty #EducationNews #NJSchools #LocalPolitics #Wrestling #SchoolBudget
Ridgewood doesn’t have a deficit problem. For years, fiscally irresponsible and negligent administrative decisions have allowed valuable public assets to be handed over at little to no cost. Properties like Habernickel, Glen School, the Peasey Building, and our public athletic fields are being commercially used by private organizations for a fraction of their true market value or entirely free.
It is mostly health insurance costs for employees that is causing the budget issues