During the meeting, the board emphasized Arlington’s decision to resign was personal and highlighted his contributions, especially in fostering community relationships and focusing on student achievement. A letter from Arlington expressed gratitude for the community’s support, while the board reiterated their confidence in his leadership.

Public commentary was robust, with many expressing disappointment over Arlington’s resignation. Marilyn Savio of the Glen Ridge Education Association regretted the loss, noting Arlington’s ability to lead with grace and prioritize student well-being. She emphasized the challenges faced in the past year and the importance of maintaining staff morale, urging the board to find a new superintendent who would continue Arlington’s legacy of collaboration and communication.

Lisa Petrusi, a pre-K teacher, shared her sadness over Arlington’s departure, recounting positive experiences under his leadership and his efforts to engage staff in district improvement discussions. She stressed the necessity of progress and the risk of regression in leadership quality.

Aaron Arian, a resident, lauded Arlington’s collaborative approach with the Glen Ridge Association for Special Education, appreciating his partnership with parents during challenging times, especially the COVID-19 pandemic. He implored the board to find a successor who would listen to and validate parents’ concerns.

Kim Waldron, a special education teacher with 25 years in the district, voiced disappointment over the board’s inability to retain Arlington. She praised his investment in the community and the improvement of the district’s culture under his leadership. Waldron urged the board to continue Arlington’s work of breaking down barriers to meaningful staff engagement.

Phil Johnson raised questions about the superintendent search process, inquiring whether the board would revisit previous candidates and expressing concern over the timeline for appointing a permanent replacement.

Michael Okconor addressed the board regarding text message exchanges. He questioned the district’s procedure for handling harassment reports, with legal counsel clarifying that concerns should be reported up the chain of command, potentially involving law enforcement.

Rebecca Kim expressed concern about the public comments’ focus on Arlington’s impact on staff rather than students, questioning the district’s priorities. She called for greater attention to student needs and sought information on mandated reporter training for district employees, emphasizing the importance of staff preparedness.

The meeting also addressed community concerns regarding school policies, particularly staff training and reporting obligations. Megan Connelly, a pre-kindergarten teacher, clarified that district staff undergo mandatory annual training in various critical areas, including child abuse and neglect. The board stressed its role as a policymaking body, with training oversight belonging to the administration.

Christina Cosma sought transparency regarding a statement that no charges were pursued against a teacher and principal, questioning the timing of this information. The board confirmed that any suspected criminal activity should be reported to law enforcement, adhering to a memorandum of agreement with law enforcement agencies.

Further public commentary highlighted frustration over the lack of direct communication from the board regarding training and reporting processes. Parents called for greater transparency and clarity in handling serious allegations, seeking specific guidance on reporting procedures and staff training requirements.

The discussion of reporting obligations for suspected child abuse involved Lisa Petrusi clarifying that teachers must report suspicions to a principal or colleague, with the state taking over investigations afterward. This prompted inquiries into who is responsible for contacting state authorities, with the board reiterating that all staff are required reporters.