Closter School Board Outlines Preparations for New School Year, Announces Bond Referendum for Infrastructure

Overview: In a recent meeting at Tenakill Middle School, the Closter Board of Education, presided over by Chair Melody Finkelstein, made significant strides in planning for the upcoming academic year. The meeting revealed a scheduled bond referendum aimed at funding substantial infrastructure improvements in Tenakill Middle School. Superintendent Vincent McHale also reported that the school will reopen on September 6, welcoming 23 new staff members, and addressed concerns about GreatSchools.org ratings.

Scrutinizing Police Spending, Palisades Park Council Tables $13 Million Budget Amendment

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Palisades Park Borough Council, a proposed $13 million amendment to the capital budget met with resistance, with several council members voicing concerns over the lack of details concerning a $274,000 bond allocated for police body cams and equipment. This contention overshadowed other discussions, such as digital payment systems for public transactions and hiring procedures for a police records clerk.

Parent Raises Concern About Student Data Leak in Emerson Schools

Overview: In a recent Emerson School Board meeting, a concerned parent pressed the school’s administration for clarity on a recent data breach and the lack of communication to affected families. Meanwhile, the board revealed robust performance metrics, including surpassing state averages in newly implemented assessments and celebrating a record average AP score. The meeting also addressed diversity and inclusion efforts, facilities upgrades, and community engagement initiatives as the district prepares for the upcoming school year.

Divided Council Passes Affordable Housing Measure to Align With Mandate

Overview: In a charged Franklin Lakes Borough Council meeting, Council members and residents faced off over a property development slated to be the largest in the borough’s history. Central issues included a proposed 495-unit multifamily housing project by and a federal use option that has stirred outcry from some community members. While the project promises to meet the borough’s affordable housing quota, it comes amidst contentious debate over zoning ordinances, taxpayer liability, and environmental and traffic impacts.

Ridgewood High Unveils New 8:20 AM Start Time Backed by Sleep Science

Overview: In its recent meeting, the Ridgewood School Board discussed a significant shift to later school start times backed by sleep data and surveys. The meeting also covered key topics like data-driven education, new technologies, and a comprehensive view of academic assessment, including state and federal testing.