New Milford Council Addresses Bailey Park Tennis Court Issues

Overview: The New Milford Borough Council meeting brought several issues to the fore, with the most pressing being the closure and planned remediation of the Bailey Park tennis courts. This matter, coupled with the council’s action to establish an affordable housing committee and the introduction of a rental regulation ordinance, highlighted the session’s agenda.

Washington (Bergen) Town Council Tackles Affordable Housing and Infrastructure Projects

Overview: The Washington (Bergen) Town Council meeting addressed issues facing the community, with the spotlight on affordable housing obligations and the progress on infrastructure projects including the Great Lawn proposal and the reconfiguration of School Street’s traffic flow. The council debated the implications of state regulations on affordable housing, expressing concerns over the fairness of urban areas being exempt from these obligations, while towns like Washington Township are burdened with high quotas for affordable housing units.

River Dell School Board Tackles AI Education and Budget Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting, the River Dell School Board addressed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, alongside discussions on budget adjustments and staff appointments for the 2024-2025 school year. The debate on the potential hiring of an additional music teacher at the high school also featured prominently.

Fort Lee School Board Grapples with Classroom Controversy on Middle East Lesson

Overview: A Fort Lee School Board meeting became a forum for heated community debate over a recent classroom lesson on the Gaza War and Middle East history. Public comments revealed deep community divisions on the presentation’s content, with allegations of anti-Semitism, bias, and misinformation taking center stage. Concerns ranged from the portrayal of Hamas, the handling of sensitive topics, to the overall integrity of the school’s educational standards. The board faced calls for teacher accountability, curriculum review, and the importance of a balanced educational approach to politically sensitive subjects.

Rutherford School Board Approves Superintendent’s Contract Extension

Overview: The Rutherford Board of Education has approved a contract extension for Superintendent John J. Hurley, securing his position from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2027. This extension underlines the board’s satisfaction with Mr. Hurley’s performance and leadership. During the meeting, various topics were addressed, including student achievements, concerns over parking near the Kindergarten Center, personnel changes, and the acceptance of grants for educational advancement.