West Orange superintendent warns of $14 million shortfall; community objects to plan that could outsource paraprofessionals

Superintendent Moore told the West Orange Board of Education on April 20 that the district faces a “real and immediate” $14 million budget shortfall and that personnel costs — salaries and benefits — make up roughly 80% of the operating budget. Moore said the district is considering a set of options to close the gap, including measures that could change how paraprofessionals are employed, though no final action was taken at the meeting.

The prospect of moving paraprofessionals off the district payroll prompted more than three hours of public comment. Josh Goldbarb, president of the West Orange Education Association, called the outsourcing plan “farcical” and said it could leave students with unfamiliar staff and weaken long‑term supports that are critical for students with disabilities. “Many paras who have been here for years or even decades…have already said they will not stay,” Goldbarb said during public comment.

Superintendent Moore said the district has explored multiple budget paths and characterized the options as difficult but unavoidable if the district is to remain financially solvent. “We have to close a $14 million shortfall,” he told the meeting. Moore said administrators are trying to identify a way to preserve services where possible and to provide pathways for affected employees, but acknowledged the proposals would be deeply disruptive for staff and families.

Parents, teachers and special‑education professionals described the paraprofessionals as essential to safety, instruction and continuity for students with individualized education programs. Many warned that an agency model — in which an outside company supplies staff — typically produces higher turnover and raises risks for students who need consistent, trained adults.

Union counsel and speakers cited New Jersey statutory procedures for subcontracting when a district is operating under a collective bargaining agreement; the law cited in public comment was NJSA 34:13A‑46. Speakers urged the board to pursue other options first: a temporary levy increase, a targeted forensic audit of noninstructional spending, renegotiating transportation services and deeper administrative savings.

No outsourcing contract was approved at the April 20 meeting. The board approved routine agenda items — minutes, personnel and finance motions — by roll call vote. Moore said the administration will continue analysis and return to the board for further deliberations; the next public board meeting is scheduled for May 4, when the community expects additional discussion.

What’s next: the board has not taken a final vote on any outsourcing plan. Moore said decisions will require further financial detail and legal review, while community groups signaled they will press for alternatives, including a possible ballot question to raise local revenue.