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Parents press West Orange board over involuntary staff transfers, loss of continuity at Gregory Elementary
Summary
Three Gregory Elementary parents told the board that involuntary transfers of staff — including a library media specialist and a security guard — are harming student continuity and shrinking staff diversity; the superintendent said moves reflected certifications and budget constraints and the board cited personnel confidentiality.
Several parents urged the West Orange Board of Education on July 21 to prevent involuntary staff moves and to address what they described as shrinking staff diversity at Gregory Elementary.
"I just wanted to voice a little bit of concern over two involuntary transfers that are happening at Gregory," said Jill Harris of Ardmore Road, naming library media specialist Mira Franowitz and security guard Ralph Damaris and saying the changes have hurt school stability and staff morale.
Emily Pease of Harvard Terrace, speaking with a representative group called West Orange Parents for Education, said she counted more than 230 teacher shifts last year — 99 of them certified teachers — and said the turnover disrupted classroom continuity for young students. She asked the district to engage parents early in budget planning and to consider a citizen advisory group so the community can help shape decisions.
Kenya Gates, also from the Gregory community, told the board she had observed a decline in staff diversity at Gregory and asked whether the district is taking steps to retain staff who reflect the student body.
The board acknowledged receipt of emails and public feedback but said it cannot comment on personnel specifics. "We did talk to Mister Moore about it," President Rock said, adding that personnel recommendations come from the superintendent and some details must remain confidential.
Superintendent Moore responded that transfers — voluntary and involuntary — are not taken lightly. He said some moves were driven by certification alignment and the need to address a budget deficit while preserving jobs and programs. "There were a lot of movements of teachers this year because we had a budget deficit," Moore said, describing involvement of human resources and contract obligations.
No formal board action was taken at the July 21 meeting. Parents asked for continued engagement on budgeting and staffing; board members and at least one board member offered to follow up separately with parents to discuss a potential citizen advisory group.
The board will consider public input as it continues contract negotiations and budget planning ahead of the next school year.
