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Parents urge Ridgewood board to preserve Infant Toddler Development Center as budget choices loom
Summary
Multiple parents and program advocates told the board that the Infant Toddler Development Center (ITDC) is not interchangeable with other early‑childhood options and urged a full, transparent analysis before any reductions. Administrators said they value the program but need to balance budget and placement obligations for preschoolers with disabilities.
A string of public commenters asked the Ridgewood Board of Education to delay or rethink proposed changes to the Infant Toddler Development Center (ITDC) after administrators included possible program realignments in tentative budget planning.
Dana Thalassinos, who identified herself as chair of the ITDC parent‑teacher group, told the board the programs are not interchangeable and urged that the district "do a more thoughtful, comprehensive, and transparent review." She said ITDC has driven "over $1,500,000 in profit" for the district over the past four years and asked the board to model the full financial and service consequences of moving classrooms to other sites.
Other parents made related points: one parent said ITDC generates multi‑year continuity that attracts families to the district; another asked for a side‑by‑side financial comparison showing projected lost tuition versus savings from in‑district placements. Board members asked administrators for more granular data and promised family engagement. Dr. Schwartz reiterated that the tentative budget is built on projections and that final staffing decisions will be refined before the May 4 final vote: "It does come down to math," he said, adding that the administration wants to preserve as many positions as feasible but must account for obligations to provide placements for preschool students with disabilities.
The board later authorized a transfer of net position from the ITDC enterprise fund to the general fund for one‑time maintenance and curricular needs; one board member recorded an abstention on the transfer while most voted in favor. Administrators said enterprise funds are permitted to be used for one‑time capital or program purchases but that the district will continue dialogue with parents and staff.
Next steps: the administration will provide updated financial modeling and a plan for family outreach before the budget is finalized on May 4.
