Wall School Board Holding Budget Workshop April 9

WALL, NJ — The Wall Township Board of Education is holding a special budget workshop meeting Tuesday, April 9, at the Wall Intermediate School auditorium.

The meeting, which is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., is for budget discussions. The notice about the meeting says no formal action will be taken.

Residents and teachers expressed a great deal of discontent at the last school board meeting, on March 19, when preliminary budget figures were announced. Some were upset at what they said was insufficient compensation for the district's teachers.

Others were vocally critical of the school board and Superintendent Cheryl Dyer, whose contract has been a point of contention for months. In late 2017, Dyer's contract was changed, granting her both additional years and a salary increase.

Board critics challenged the school board's actions in making the changes, saying the school board sidestepped rules requiring a public hearing because the contract was an extension, though Dyer and the board claimed it was a new contract.

A state appeals court panel agreed with critics, saying Dyer's contract constituted an extension instead of being a new contract. An extension, the ruling said, requires 30 days notice and a public hearing.

The issue led to heated discussions and commentary (you can see it below) and likely will again at tonight's meeting.

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