West Essex School Board Appoints New Middle School Assistant Principal

Overview: In a recent meeting, the West Essex School Board made a significant appointment by welcoming Mr. Jeffrey Martin as the new Assistant Principal of the Middle School. His appointment was recommended and introduced with commendations on his past teaching and coaching experience.

Caldwell-West Caldwell School Board Adopts 2024-2025 Budget

Overview: The Caldwell-West Caldwell School Board adopted the 2024-2025 School District budget, which included a total tax increase of 1.8% in the face of rising expenses, especially in salaries and health benefits. The School Business Administrator and Board Secretary, Brian McCarthy, presented the budget, outlining the financial challenges and the efforts to mitigate them without compromising educational quality. The board also discussed the completion of various infrastructure projects and touched upon shared services with local departments.

West Essex School Board Adopts Budget with Tax Levy Increase

Overview: In a recent meeting, the West Essex School Board adopted a budget for the 2024-2025 school year with a total general fund of $47,274,221, special revenue fund of $332,000, and debt service fund of $75,600, resulting in a grand total of $48,114,821. This new budget maintains all existing district staff, academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and transportation, and includes an additional staff member at the middle school, renovations to the Arts and Music Wing, and additional security cameras. The tax levy will increase by 3.22%, impacting the average assessed home values differently across the towns in the district.

Caldwell-West Caldwell School Board Addresses High School Weight Room Policies

Overview: In a recent Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education meeting, the board discussed a notable change in policy regarding the use of the high school weight room. The new policy mandates that students obtain medical clearance and sign a waiver before using the facility, a measure put in place to ensure the health and safety of all students participating in weight training. The superintendent stated that the temporary suspension of the weight room’s use is to ensure that students are healthy and safe when using the facility. This announcement was accompanied by the clarification that the updated procedure would be communicated to families by the end of the week or early the following week.

West Essex School District Honored as “No Place for Hate

Overview: In a recent meeting, the West Essex School Board discussed several initiatives and achievements. The board highlighted a formalized partnership with the School Culture and Climate Initiative, the district’s recognition as a “No Place for Hate” institution, and the impact of the Italian program on a West Essex alum’s college experience.