Saddle Brook School Board Faces Criticism Over Preschool Attendance Policy

Overview: The recent Saddle Brook School Board meeting addressed several issues, ranging from advancements in academic performance to concerns over a preschool attendance policy. The board discussed the district’s competitive staff salaries, notable improvements in student learning assessments, and a contentious preschool attendance letter that drew public criticism. The meeting also highlighted student achievements, extracurricular activities, and plans for future events.

Englewood City Council Approves Key Ordinances and Discusses Community Improvements

Overview: During the recent Englewood City Council meeting, several ordinances were approved, including amendments to the city’s fee schedule and parking regulations. Significant discussions also focused on community development grants, environmental justice, and enhancements to local amenities.

Hillsdale Grapples with Rising Health Insurance Costs: Potential 9% Tax Increase Looms

Overview: During the recent Hillsdale Borough Council meeting, members tackled pressing financial challenges, notably a significant 36% increase in health insurance costs, which could lead to a projected 9% tax increase if unaddressed. This issue was one of many discussed as the council grapples with maintaining fiscal responsibility amidst rising expenses.

Hillsdale Council Addresses Rising Costs and Approves $20,000 for Firefighter Gear

Overview: The Hillsdale Borough Council meeting on November 12, 2025, focused on financial challenges, including a projected 36% increase in health insurance costs and a subsequent potential tax hike. In other business, the council approved $20,000 for firefighting gear replacements damaged in a recent house fire, highlighting both budgetary constraints and public safety priorities.

Mahwah School Board Faces Concerns Over Student Safety and Violence at Lape School

Overview: During a recent Mahwah School Board meeting, parents voiced concerns about student safety at Lape School, highlighting incidents of physical aggression and violence particularly in classrooms and during recess. Stephanie Leagar, Kim Pascella, and Melissa Dris, representing a group of parents with second-grade children, described troubling scenarios where students suffered physical harm from peers. They emphasized that limited supervision and inadequate surveillance often left these incidents unaddressed or poorly managed. The parents argued that aggressive students were frequently reintegrated into classrooms without effective intervention plans, endangering other children. They stressed that no child should feel unsafe at school and called for increased adult supervision during recess, better staff training to identify and manage behavioral escalation, and improved surveillance in high-risk areas, with footage reviewed after incidents. They criticized the current methods of intervention as insufficient, particularly the use of simple coloring worksheets to address feelings after repeated occurrences of aggression. The parents demanded these measures as necessary safeguards for a safe learning environment, asserting their refusal to wait for a tragedy before implementing changes.