Montclair Superintendent Shares Final Thoughts Ahead Of School Referendum

MONTCLAIR, NJ — No matter what happens, one thing is certain: “We will need each other.” That was the sentiment from the superintendent of the Montclair Public School District on the eve of a highly watched special election.

The Montclair Public School District is struggling with a large budget shortfall, and is seeking money from taxpayers to help reduce a list of upcoming spending cuts.

Voters will be asked to approve or reject two different questions in a special election on Tuesday, March 10. Each question would greenlight different amounts of funding from local taxpayers to cover the budget gap.

>> READ MORE: Montclair School Election Guide: What Voters Should Know

On Monday, Superintendent Ruth Turner penned a message to the Montclair community ahead of the special election. Her full letter follows below:

“Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of speaking with many of you in meetings, town halls, school events, and informal conversations across our town. In each of those spaces, one thing has been clear: Montclair cares deeply about its public schools. Our schools are not just buildings where students learn reading, math, and science. They are places where children discover who they are, where friendships are formed, and where our shared values as a community come to life.

“On March 10, our community will make an important decision. The vote before us reflects the very real financial challenges our district is facing and the difficult choices required to address them. None of these conversations have been easy. I know that many residents are weighing complex questions about taxes, priorities, and the future of our schools.

“At moments like this, it is important to remember what has always made Montclair strong. We are a community that believes in education. We believe that strong public schools are essential not only for our children, but for the vitality of our entire town.

“Regardless of the outcome of the vote, our work together will continue on March 11. Our responsibility to the 6,247 students we serve does not pause. We will continue to focus on providing excellent teaching and learning, creating safe and welcoming school environments, and supporting every student so they can reach their full potential.

“I also want the community to know this: I am committed to standing with Montclair Public Schools through this moment and whatever challenges may come next. Districts across the country are facing difficult financial realities, and Montclair is not immune to those pressures. But storms do not define communities. How we respond to them does.

“My commitment as your superintendent is to face these challenges with honesty, transparency, and resolve. We will continue to examine every option, make thoughtful decisions, and protect the core mission of our schools. We will work to ensure that even in difficult moments, our students continue to learn, grow, and thrive.

“If the vote allows us to stabilize our finances, we will move forward with renewed focus on strengthening programs, supporting staff, and maintaining the opportunities our students deserve. If the outcome requires us to make additional adjustments, we will approach those decisions thoughtfully, transparently, and with the same commitment to protecting what matters most for our students.

“In either case, we will need one another.

“Public education has always been a shared effort between schools, families, educators, and the broader community. When we come together with respect, honesty, and a willingness to listen, we are capable of navigating even the most difficult challenges.

“As the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” That spirit of courage, responsibility, and care for one another has long defined Montclair, and it will guide us as we move forward together.

“Montclair has always been a place where people care deeply, speak passionately, and ultimately come together for the good of our children. I believe strongly that this moment will be no different.

“Thank you for your engagement, your advocacy, and your continued commitment to the students of Montclair.”

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