Register For Adult School Classes Starting Today

There's indoor tennis and indoor rowing. There's dog training and pumpkin cuisine. There's also zumba, and beekeeping, and PowerPoint. 

No matter what skill you are hoping to learn or perfect, you'll likely find help at the Adult School of Montclair, which has released its fall course catalog. 

Adult School registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 4, both online and in person.

This year, there is a wide range of new offerings, including classes for those seeking to do everything from making a Halloween costume to finding a job.

Suzy Kass, executive director of the Adult School of Montclair, hopes the financially strapped institution can succeed.

"I don't think I've ever seen this much energy in the school," she said. "Curriculum is tight and getting more innovative all the time. The catalog has been trimmed and is more cost effective and everyone here seems to be feeling very creative and optimistic.

"We're looking forward to a great semester," she added.

Last year, the Montclair Board of Education—facing financial challenges—placed the funding of health benefits for the Adult School's three employees back on the shoulders of the Adult School itself.

The school district had been covering the cost of benefits since 1967.

The Adult School had asked the school district for incremental help so that—instead of being forced to cover all costs immediately—the Adult School would be allowed to cover the costs estimated at about $53,000 within five years' time.

The school district, also worried about costs, declined.

Earlier this year, both Kass and Jon Bonesteel, head of the Adult School's Board of Trustees, said that the school may have to eventually close due to financial difficulties.

But at recent school board meetings, a whole host of residents stood up to express support fot the Adult School, with many indicating they'd be willing to help with community fundraisers for the school.

As a result, the Adult School will continue offering classes.

For more information on registration and class offerings, go here.

The Adult School of Montclair has launched an online petition for residents who want to show their support.