As Teacher Layoffs Loom In Ridgewood, Students Rally Behind Coach

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Cities and school districts around the country are facing tax increases as health insurance and maintenance costs rise, and some schools are considering layoffs. But that means debates over where to cut.

In Ridgewood, community members have started a petition to make sure a wrestling coach isn't let go.

By Monday night, more than 900 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.

"Coach Franklin is an invaluable pillar of the Ridgewood community, and in his short time at Ridgewood Wrestling, he's done more than anyone else to further the program and mentor the wrestlers within it. Without Coach Franklin, many wrestlers wouldn't be the wrestlers or people they are today."

The petitioners ask Superintendent Marc Schwarz and the school board to avoid laying him off.

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 doesn't want to have more than 30 people per class.

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, like Coach Franklin."

The next board meeting will be held this coming Monday.

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