Watchung Hills School Board Tackles Budget Concerns Amidst Rising Costs and Declining Enrollment

Overview: The Watchung Hills School Board recently convened to address a range of issues, with the upcoming fiscal year’s budget taking center stage. The board tackled the challenges stemming from rising healthcare costs, the loss of federal funds, and the need for maintaining a healthy bottom line amid declining enrollment. Alongside budget deliberations, Superintendent Elizabeth C. Jewett underscored the importance of security in upcoming budget talks and the implications of the area’s demographic shifts on the student population. The meeting also included discussions on the Student Safety and Data System report, ethics training for new board members, and recognition of a staff member’s achievement.

Long Hill Zoning Board Grants Variances for Residential Expansion Amid Detailed Discussions on Local Development

Overview: In a recent Long Hill Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, developments included the unanimous approval of variances for a residential expansion project and the reorganization of the board’s membership. The meeting, held on February 6, 2024, was notably punctuated by a detailed review of application 23-02Z for the River Road One project, the swearing-in of new board members, and the election of board officers.

Long Hill Planning Board Approves Home Office for Acupuncturist with Specific Conditions Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: In a recent Long Hill Planning Board meeting, the board approved an application for an acupuncturist to operate a home office under specific conditions, addressing a range of concerns from community impact to zoning regulations. The approval, which followed a detailed examination of the implications for neighborhood character and potential traffic issues, permits the practice with limitations on operation days and the number of patients per day, eschewing the need for a deed restriction to be filed in the county clerk’s office.

Watchung Hills School Board Elects Michael Bernberg as New President

Overview: In a closely contested election during the recent Watchung Hills Regional High School Board of Education meeting, Michael Bernberg was elected as the new Board President, succeeding Bob Morrison. The meeting also saw the induction of three board members and the election of Dan Gall as Vice President.