For the past few weeks you may have heard some discussion around town about the neighbors around the high school and their concerns about the improved athletic fields and the (still not hooked up to electricity) lights. To re-cap, some of the neighbors wanted us to hold another hearing with the Planning Board, so that they could get their questions answered and their concerns aired. The Board of Education responded that we didn't think a Planning Board hearing was necessary in order to work directly with the neighbors and community to answer those questions and address those concerns. Toward that end, we've had a couple of meetings with neighbors, but for a couple of weeks we kept mentioning a document that would gather all the questions and concerns in one place, and we would answer or address them. Well, the document is finally complete* and available on the District website. You can find it at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us, click on District Administration>Bond Referendum. Or you can click here for a direct link.
*The document is "complete" with all the information that's currently available. As new questions or concerns are raised, or as new or better information becomes available, the document will be updated. (For example, we still have no idea when PSE&G will hook-up the electricity to the lights. We've been told they're a little busy with weather-related issues for the foreseeable future!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Budget and contract "news" is premature...and incorrect.
The other blog in town is erroneously reporting “BOE announces no raises for teachers and secretaries…” following the misleading report in Friday’s Ridgewood News that stated, “District administration has slated no raises for staff…” Let me just clarify something right now – the Board’s negotiations with the REA (teachers’ union) have not even started yet! The budget has not been created yet! This is an example of bad reporting that spreads through electronic media and takes on a life of its own.
Here are some facts:
The BOE’s negotiations with the Ridgewood Education Association will begin this month. The Board has been meeting in closed session to prepare, as has been announced in our public meeting notifications. There will be a process, obviously, and there will be proposals. But that negotiation, and the content of those proposals, will be confidential. They must be. Those are ground rules that the Board and the REA agree to. I know it can be hard for Ridgewood residents to not know, and to wonder what’s happening behind those closed doors, especially since the outcome of the negotiations will have such a direct impact on our community. But the negotiation process has to be confidential so that the parties can have direct and frank conversation with each other. “Negotiating in public” is not productive.
Believe me, when there is something to announce about the contract, we will announce it. But as of now, we haven’t even had our first meeting! Don’t you think it’s a little premature to “announce” contract terms? Please resist the urge to get riled up…my best advice would be to attend BOE meetings in-person or watch online so you can hear exactly what is said yourself. Any questions, feel free to email me or post them here.
A little bit later today I will clarify the budget discussion from last Monday night, which is where the phantom “freeze” reports originated.
Here are some facts:
The BOE’s negotiations with the Ridgewood Education Association will begin this month. The Board has been meeting in closed session to prepare, as has been announced in our public meeting notifications. There will be a process, obviously, and there will be proposals. But that negotiation, and the content of those proposals, will be confidential. They must be. Those are ground rules that the Board and the REA agree to. I know it can be hard for Ridgewood residents to not know, and to wonder what’s happening behind those closed doors, especially since the outcome of the negotiations will have such a direct impact on our community. But the negotiation process has to be confidential so that the parties can have direct and frank conversation with each other. “Negotiating in public” is not productive.
Believe me, when there is something to announce about the contract, we will announce it. But as of now, we haven’t even had our first meeting! Don’t you think it’s a little premature to “announce” contract terms? Please resist the urge to get riled up…my best advice would be to attend BOE meetings in-person or watch online so you can hear exactly what is said yourself. Any questions, feel free to email me or post them here.
A little bit later today I will clarify the budget discussion from last Monday night, which is where the phantom “freeze” reports originated.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Annual Super Science Saturday is an amazing Ridgewood tradition.
For the 23rd year, Super Science Saturday will fill Ridgewood High School with a dazzling array of scientific exhibits, shows and presentations. The event will be held on Saturday March 12 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Everyone, all ages, is invited.
If you've never been to Super Science Saturday, you should check it out. It's really amazing to see how many kids, adults, teachers, parents, visitors, experts, animals, and more come out.
In addition to presentations from Ridgewood Police & Fire, Whole Foods, local college physics clubs, RHS science students, Valley Hospital and dozens of other experts, the Great Paper Airplane Contest, rocket launches, and an interactive show by the Franklin Institute, Ridgewood children are also invited to present their own science experiments and activities. Over the years, over 3,500 students have presented in the Hall of Science, and this year they're hoping to get that number to 4,000!
If your kids want to participate but they just don't have a good science project idea, all Ridgewood students are invited to participate in a three-week after school program designed to help students choose ideas and create projects. IT will take place at The Stable (259 N. Maple Ave.) on February 17, March 3 and March 10, from 3:30 to 5:30 on all days. To sign-up for the workshop, email Mel Powers at mel@superciencesaturday.org. Contact before Febrary 4 to reserve a space!
Click here for a Super Science Saturday flyer that tells more about the event and the workshops at the Stable.
If you've never been to Super Science Saturday, you should check it out. It's really amazing to see how many kids, adults, teachers, parents, visitors, experts, animals, and more come out.
In addition to presentations from Ridgewood Police & Fire, Whole Foods, local college physics clubs, RHS science students, Valley Hospital and dozens of other experts, the Great Paper Airplane Contest, rocket launches, and an interactive show by the Franklin Institute, Ridgewood children are also invited to present their own science experiments and activities. Over the years, over 3,500 students have presented in the Hall of Science, and this year they're hoping to get that number to 4,000!
If your kids want to participate but they just don't have a good science project idea, all Ridgewood students are invited to participate in a three-week after school program designed to help students choose ideas and create projects. IT will take place at The Stable (259 N. Maple Ave.) on February 17, March 3 and March 10, from 3:30 to 5:30 on all days. To sign-up for the workshop, email Mel Powers at mel@superciencesaturday.org. Contact before Febrary 4 to reserve a space!
Click here for a Super Science Saturday flyer that tells more about the event and the workshops at the Stable.
Hear that sound? It's Jamboree season again!
Folks who live near BF or GW may be hearing the telltale sound of tapping feet...it's Jamboree time again! It's the time of year when over 100 Ridgewood High School parents dance, show off their talent (some), make fools of themselves (others) and give remarkably of themselves (everyone) for the benefit of our students.
The shows are February 9th-12th at Ben Franklin Middle School Auditorium.
This is Jamboree's 65th year, and the theme is "That's Life"
All proceeds from Jamboree go to the Jamboree Scholarship program. The scholarships are distributed in the spring to deserving RHS students.
Tickets for reserved seats are available online at the Jamboree website (click here) or tickets may be available at the door. Parking is a challenge, so carpool to the shows!
(And yes, the Board of Ed will again have a small cameo in the performance...as further enticement to get you to come haha. That's always good for a laugh...or an eye-roll.)
The shows are February 9th-12th at Ben Franklin Middle School Auditorium.
This is Jamboree's 65th year, and the theme is "That's Life"
All proceeds from Jamboree go to the Jamboree Scholarship program. The scholarships are distributed in the spring to deserving RHS students.
Tickets for reserved seats are available online at the Jamboree website (click here) or tickets may be available at the door. Parking is a challenge, so carpool to the shows!
(And yes, the Board of Ed will again have a small cameo in the performance...as further enticement to get you to come haha. That's always good for a laugh...or an eye-roll.)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Preliminary school budget will require cuts to balance, again.
At Monday night’s Board of Ed meeting, Dr. Fishbein presented the first look at what he called the “top down” or preliminary budget for 2011-12. This is the starting point for crafting the actual budget, the process for which will culminate in the budget vote on April 27. Basically, the preliminary budget takes the large categories and projects the increases, if any, we can expect, based on everything (staffing, programs, enrollment, etc.) remaining as it is now. Then it projects an expected increase in revenues (including the property tax levy that makes up the majority of our income).
The preliminary budget as presented the other night will be posted to the website soon, and I’ll provide the link when it’s there. But I’ll share a few of the highlights here.
The largest increases in expenses are projected to be:
RAA (Administrators’ Salaries) 3.6% (per their contract)
PERS 18.8%
Workers Comp 5%
Health Benefits 12%
Utilities 5%
Tuition 5%
Liability, Property, Casualty Insurance 5%
Most other expenses were projected at 2% increase. The line for REA (teachers' and secretaries' salaries) is posted at 0% right now, as there is not yet a contract for 2011-14.
These increases are things we already know about (and can’t do much about). For example, the increases in PERS (pension contribution) and Workers Comp come from the state. Increases in Tuitions (the tuitions we must pay for Ridgewood students who are educated in other districts, often for Special Ed) are set by the state. Insurance increases are projected by our broker based on our actual health history.
In terms of revenue, the only line projected to increase was the Local Tax Levy at 2% (which is the maximum allowable according to current state law). We kept the categorical state aid line at 0...no reason to expect that to change.
Bottom line, if we calculate the increase in expenses over which we don’t have control (without changing program, staff, etc.), and the maximum increase we’re allowed in revenue, the District will face a $655,191 deficit, just to break even. That is, we would need to come up with $655,691 in cuts. Any increase in the teachers' salary line would require additional budget cuts.
It will now be up to the administration to come up with recommendations for how to balance the budget. I think we'll see the first recommendation at the February 24 BOE meeting.
The preliminary budget as presented the other night will be posted to the website soon, and I’ll provide the link when it’s there. But I’ll share a few of the highlights here.
The largest increases in expenses are projected to be:
RAA (Administrators’ Salaries) 3.6% (per their contract)
PERS 18.8%
Workers Comp 5%
Health Benefits 12%
Utilities 5%
Tuition 5%
Liability, Property, Casualty Insurance 5%
Most other expenses were projected at 2% increase. The line for REA (teachers' and secretaries' salaries) is posted at 0% right now, as there is not yet a contract for 2011-14.
These increases are things we already know about (and can’t do much about). For example, the increases in PERS (pension contribution) and Workers Comp come from the state. Increases in Tuitions (the tuitions we must pay for Ridgewood students who are educated in other districts, often for Special Ed) are set by the state. Insurance increases are projected by our broker based on our actual health history.
In terms of revenue, the only line projected to increase was the Local Tax Levy at 2% (which is the maximum allowable according to current state law). We kept the categorical state aid line at 0...no reason to expect that to change.
Bottom line, if we calculate the increase in expenses over which we don’t have control (without changing program, staff, etc.), and the maximum increase we’re allowed in revenue, the District will face a $655,191 deficit, just to break even. That is, we would need to come up with $655,691 in cuts. Any increase in the teachers' salary line would require additional budget cuts.
It will now be up to the administration to come up with recommendations for how to balance the budget. I think we'll see the first recommendation at the February 24 BOE meeting.
Find out about K-5 Math online resources.
Parents/guardians of K-5 students in the Ridgewood Public Schools are invited to attend a preview of online mathematics materials that are available to them and their children for working at home. Provided by Pearson Success Net, these resources offer interactive games, review and enrichment opportunities.
There are two ways you can get the information:
In-Person: Wednesday, February 2, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, in the Third Floor Board Room: This will be an in-person preview conducted by Pearson staff member Jackie Thompson.
Online Webinar: Tuesday, February 15, from 7:30-9 p.m.: Pearson staff member Jackie Thompson will give an online webinar, which can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer. Click here for directions about how to participate in the webinar.
There are two ways you can get the information:
In-Person: Wednesday, February 2, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, in the Third Floor Board Room: This will be an in-person preview conducted by Pearson staff member Jackie Thompson.
Online Webinar: Tuesday, February 15, from 7:30-9 p.m.: Pearson staff member Jackie Thompson will give an online webinar, which can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer. Click here for directions about how to participate in the webinar.
Should funds be taken from Ridgewood schools to pay for charters?
Today the New Jersey Left Behind blog questioned whether charter schools can serve a purpose in successful school districts. The writer was bothered by testimony at the charter school hearings in Trenton, at the Assembly Education Committee, where the school board president from Princeton argued that “regulations should require charter applicants to prove there was a true educational need for their new school, rather than just a desire for it among a select group of parents. She cautioned against the spread of “boutique” charters for studying Hebrew, Mandarin and “the extensive recycling of plastics.” Others made similar arguments.
The NJ Left Behind blogger commented, “In some ways this is a choice between philosophical inconsistency -- limiting school choice for some and not for others -- or the targeting of ed reform resources to those truly in need.”
I will not deny that having a choice of charter schools can be (although not always) a positive thing – in districts where the existing public schools are failing. But of course ed reform resources should be targeted “to those truly in need.” How could it be otherwise? That seems to make basic sense. The fear of high-performing districts is well-founded. If a charter wants to come into Ridgewood, why should our public school students have to give up successful programs in order to support it? Our district is high-performing. Our budget is stretched beyond the limit. We get $0 in state funding, and the 2% tax levy cap means we have to cut just to balance the budget. Our community already sends plenty of income tax dollars to Trenton, where it is redistributed to other districts. It simply would not be fair to siphon additional funds out of our schools, thereby affecting the quality, so that parents could set-up a “boutique” school, for something like Mandarin immersion. NJ Left Behind makes a good point with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “"a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." That sounds about right, especially when the “consistency” is at a level our community is not willing to accept.
The NJ Left Behind blogger commented, “In some ways this is a choice between philosophical inconsistency -- limiting school choice for some and not for others -- or the targeting of ed reform resources to those truly in need.”
I will not deny that having a choice of charter schools can be (although not always) a positive thing – in districts where the existing public schools are failing. But of course ed reform resources should be targeted “to those truly in need.” How could it be otherwise? That seems to make basic sense. The fear of high-performing districts is well-founded. If a charter wants to come into Ridgewood, why should our public school students have to give up successful programs in order to support it? Our district is high-performing. Our budget is stretched beyond the limit. We get $0 in state funding, and the 2% tax levy cap means we have to cut just to balance the budget. Our community already sends plenty of income tax dollars to Trenton, where it is redistributed to other districts. It simply would not be fair to siphon additional funds out of our schools, thereby affecting the quality, so that parents could set-up a “boutique” school, for something like Mandarin immersion. NJ Left Behind makes a good point with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “"a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." That sounds about right, especially when the “consistency” is at a level our community is not willing to accept.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pizza.
Have I mentioned how glad I am to see the new "take and bake" pizza place, called HomeMade Pizza, opening downtown soon? There was a similar place we used to frequent back in California and I never understood why the idea wasn't more popular out here. Anyway, I don't usually talk about local businesses too much (at least not on this blog), but just thought I'd mention this one...also they have online ordering. Way cool. I'll probably see you there sometime. If you get there first, post a comment and let me know how it was.
Monday, January 24, 2011
On the BOE agenda for January 24.
Updated 1/24/11 @ 12:42 p.m.
The Ridgewood Board of Ed will meet tomorrow (Monday) night at 7:30 p.m. As always, the meeting is open to the public and we have plenty of seating available :) so come on down. You can also watch live on Cablevision Channel 77 or webcast at this link.
A few highlights from the agenda:
• Dr. Fishbein will give an update on referendum budgets and costs. Good news – we’re still under budget!
• We’ll get a presentation on middle school schedules and the 6th grade world languages program.
• Dr. Fishbein and Mr. DeSimone will present the first pass of the working budget for 2011-12. This is an in-process document, but it’s important to share with the community so you can see where things are as of right now.
• The Communications Committee (Sheila Brogan and myself are the BOE members) will discuss the document responding to neighbors’ concerns regarding RHS and Stevens Fields.
• Finance Committee (Michele Lenhard and Bob Hutton are BOE members) will report on the 2009-10 audit and the status of software corrections.
• I will give a brief update on the status of the revised Fields Use Policy, currently being worked on in the joint Fields Committee. (Please note: the revised Fields Use Policy itself will not be presented or reviewed tonight. There may be general discussion, but the committee is not presenting the revised policy tonight.) (Updated 1/24/11 @ 12:42 p.m.)
Any questions, let me know.
The Ridgewood Board of Ed will meet tomorrow (Monday) night at 7:30 p.m. As always, the meeting is open to the public and we have plenty of seating available :) so come on down. You can also watch live on Cablevision Channel 77 or webcast at this link.
A few highlights from the agenda:
• Dr. Fishbein will give an update on referendum budgets and costs. Good news – we’re still under budget!
• We’ll get a presentation on middle school schedules and the 6th grade world languages program.
• Dr. Fishbein and Mr. DeSimone will present the first pass of the working budget for 2011-12. This is an in-process document, but it’s important to share with the community so you can see where things are as of right now.
• The Communications Committee (Sheila Brogan and myself are the BOE members) will discuss the document responding to neighbors’ concerns regarding RHS and Stevens Fields.
• Finance Committee (Michele Lenhard and Bob Hutton are BOE members) will report on the 2009-10 audit and the status of software corrections.
• I will give a brief update on the status of the revised Fields Use Policy, currently being worked on in the joint Fields Committee. (Please note: the revised Fields Use Policy itself will not be presented or reviewed tonight. There may be general discussion, but the committee is not presenting the revised policy tonight.) (Updated 1/24/11 @ 12:42 p.m.)
Any questions, let me know.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Great blogs to follow if you're interested in education.
A new list of the "Top 100 School Administrators' Blogs' was recently published and it looks like a great compilation and a really useful and fascinating resource, especially for information about technology and learning. All the big guns are there, plus lots of amazing little blogs from around the country. You'll find big picture theoretical discussions about how kids learn...opinions about how schools should be run or financed...interesting perspectives on teaching and leading...and lots of great information about how 21st century technology is being put to creative and successful use in classrooms around the country.
A lot of the blogs on the list are those that I already follow via RSS feed or on Twitter. Even more are new to me -- I wish I had time to read them all every day.
And one of them holds particular interest -- because it's mine! My blog is the only one listed in the School Board category. What does that mean? Hmmm...mostly it means that there aren't a lot of school board members blogging. I realize that. But there are a few, and I follow their posts from time to time. I'll share links to them, if you're interested. But I have to admit -- it's not always so interesting to read about local school events in Ohio or Idaho. That is, until they are faced with a challenge similar to something we face in Ridgewood, then it's truly fascinating!
Anyway, check out the Top 100 list (featuring yours truly). Bookmark it and see what else is going on in the big world of education.
A lot of the blogs on the list are those that I already follow via RSS feed or on Twitter. Even more are new to me -- I wish I had time to read them all every day.
And one of them holds particular interest -- because it's mine! My blog is the only one listed in the School Board category. What does that mean? Hmmm...mostly it means that there aren't a lot of school board members blogging. I realize that. But there are a few, and I follow their posts from time to time. I'll share links to them, if you're interested. But I have to admit -- it's not always so interesting to read about local school events in Ohio or Idaho. That is, until they are faced with a challenge similar to something we face in Ridgewood, then it's truly fascinating!
Anyway, check out the Top 100 list (featuring yours truly). Bookmark it and see what else is going on in the big world of education.
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