Union County Jail Layoffs Stir Emotional Public Response

Overview: Union County’s Board of Commissioners faced an outpouring of emotional speeches and intense questioning during their recent meeting, as affected employees and representatives from the New Jersey State PBA confronted the board regarding the layoffs of police officers at the Union County Jail. The proposed 1.75% tax increase in the 2024 budget, concerns about transparency in financial management, and the allocation of funds to various projects also sparked discussions.

Berkeley Heights School Board Grapples with Subscription Busing and Budget Concerns

Overview: In a recent Berkeley Heights School Board meeting, members engaged in discussions on issues affecting the school district, with a particular focus on subscription busing rates and the finalization of the 2024-2025 budget. The board addressed the community’s concerns related to district transportation, debating the propriety of a motion to amend busing protocols and the impact of proposed changes on student safety and budget allocations.

Mountainside School Board Faces Budget Challenges, Proposes Separate Proposal

Overview: The Mountainside School Board, during their recent meeting, tackled the issue of the district’s budget shortfall, addressing the potential cuts to programs and staff, while also proposing a separate November proposal to enhance educational offerings. The board evaluated the implications of the budget constraints, which led to the discussion of a separate proposal to request public support to reinstate cut programs and add positions such as a gifted and talented teacher and a part-time districtwide curriculum coordinator. This proposal is considered essential for the long-term educational health of the district and is set to be voted on November 5th.

Berkeley Heights Debates Future of School Busing Services

Overview: In a recent Berkeley Heights School Board meeting, the key topic of discussion centered on the future structure of the district’s transportation services, particularly the introduction of subscription busing. The school board considered multiple scenarios, including providing only state-mandated busing, maintaining the current system, or transitioning to a combination of mandated and subscription busing for the next school year and potentially beyond. This significant potential policy shift, which would impact the district’s finances and affect many families, prompted a analysis and discussion among the board members.

Union County Bridge Reopens After Significant Upgrades

Overview: In a recent Union County Board of Commissioners meeting, the most significant topic discussed was the reopening of the Gordon Street Bridge, which has undergone substantial upgrades, including the installation of a wider single span steel Pony truss and cantilevered sidewalk. This project, now completed, was lauded by the Commissioners, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made it possible, overcoming challenges such as utility relocations and community involvement concerns.