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Ridgewood board signals personnel consolidations; superintendent says goal is to keep class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s
Summary
Amid budget pressure, the Ridgewood Public School District told residents it is considering consolidating certain positions rather than widespread layoffs; Dr. Schwarz said the district aims to avoid routine class sizes above 30 and will discuss personnel in executive session before final decisions.
The Ridgewood Board of Education discussed personnel options on a meeting focused on budget pressures, and district staff signaled possible consolidations of positions to reduce costs while attempting to minimize harm to students.
Dr. Schwarz told attendees the district is proposing a variety of cuts and consolidations as part of a broader package of budget options. He characterized many items as consolidations rather than outright layoffs and said the district is working with principals and staff to understand implications and keep impacts on students small.
Responding to a public commenter and former teacher who said she had taught classes of 28 students, Dr. Schwarz said the district does not want to routinely create class sizes that exceed 30 and is aiming to keep most classes in the low twenties or high teens where practicable. “We don't wanna see class sizes that that push or exceed 30 for the most part,” he said, adding the district will rework master schedules and consider vacancies carefully to redistribute students and preserve offerings where demand is high.
After public comment the board voted to enter an executive session pursuant to NJSA 10:4-12 to discuss personnel matters; the motion passed with members saying “Aye.” Board materials indicate minutes of that closed session will be released when confidentiality is no longer required.
No formal staffing decisions were finalized during the public meeting; the district scheduled a more detailed budget presentation at its next meeting where personnel outcomes may be finalized.
