Westwood School Board Erupts: “Parental Rights Policy” vs. Student “Well-Being”

Overview: In a marathon Westwood School Board meeting that ended after 10 p.m., spirited debates erupted over parental rights, the decision to stop live-streaming meetings, and the district’s educational direction.

Military Vet Beats Out Educator for Empty School Board Seat

Overview: In a session addressing everything from board vacancies to the emotional well-being of students, the River Edge School Board recently convened to grapple with issues impacting the district. Of significance, the board appointed Al Jing Solomon, an experienced military veteran and fintech product manager, to a vacant seat.

School Board Member Claims New Health Curriculum Conflicts with “Family Values”

Overview: In a recent meeting that covered an array of topics from construction to educational initiatives, River Vale School Board member Louan Austin stood apart when she expressed concerns about the district’s new health curriculum. Austin questioned its appropriateness for specific grade levels to its potential conflict with “family values, people’s personal beliefs, and religion.”

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.