Budget, Potential Layoffs To Be Discussed At Ridgewood School Meeting Monday

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Amid a looming school tax increase and the prospect of teacher layoffs, the Ridgewood Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday night.

The new $134 million budget calls for an increase in the tax levy of almost 4 percent, or $527 per year for an average home in Ridgewood, according to last month's budget presentation.

At the March 18 board meeting, Schwarz said layoffs could increase class sizes, but that the district does not want to push them to over 30 people per class.

Parents and students have expressed concerns about teacher layoffs, asking for more clarity on administrative hires.

Parent Bonita Shimpfky said she's concerned about teacher layoffs, saying parents have been told there may be seven at the high school and a handful at other schools.

"We keep asking about office administrative roles being cut but [got] no response," she told Patch.

By Friday, more than 1,100 people had signed a petition, "Keep Coach Franklin at Ridgewood."

"Mr. Franklin, a PE teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and Assistant Coach at Ridgewood Wrestling, is being laid off as a result of budget cuts at Ridgewood Public Schools," wrote student Matteos Meschian.

District Responds

In response to the petition, a district spokesperson said on Monday, "At this time, we are thanking everyone who has reached out directly and via the petition relative to their feedback regarding Coach Franklin. We appreciate their detailed input and advocacy."

She added, "The district is taking their examples under consideration as it works to reduce positions without losing some of our valued staff members."

Cities and school boards across the country are facing tax hikes as health insurance and maintenance costs rise, and some New Jersey school systems are considering layoffs.

More information on the Monday board meeting is here.