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.

Ramsey Borough Council Approves New Safety Ordinance for E-Bikes and Scooters

Overview: The Ramsey Borough Council meeting addressed a range of community-focused issues, with the approval of a new ordinance regulating electric bikes and scooters taking center stage. This ordinance aims to enhance public safety by clearly defining rules for the operation of these vehicles on public streets and sidewalks. Other discussions included the retirement of a long-serving borough superintendent, community service initiatives, and updates on various borough projects and events.

Ridgewood Council Deliberates on Wetlands and Bike Lane Project Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: The Ridgewood Council meeting on November 12, 2025, was marked by discussions on the Shedler property wetlands designation and the proposed bike lane project. The meeting also saw a call for fairness in the application of improvement district assessments.

Rochelle Park Council Takes Action on Electric Bikes and Infrastructure Projects Amid Public Concerns

Overview: The Rochelle Park Town Council meeting addressed several topics, including the introduction of an ordinance regulating electric-powered micro-mobility devices, updates on local infrastructure projects, and public concerns regarding noise and safety. The council’s decisions reflect a concerted effort to enhance community safety and address pressing local issues.

Allendale Land Use Board Deliberates on Residential Setback Variances and Structural Amendments

Overview: The Allendale Land Use Board meeting focused on several issues including amendments to previous resolutions, proposed expansions requiring setback variances, and the implications of landscaping changes on municipal drainage systems. The council navigated through various applications, each presenting unique challenges and requiring careful consideration of local ordinances and community standards.