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Glen Ridge board reviews resolution on rising health costs, approves routine items
Summary
At its public session the Glen Ridge Board of Education observed a moment of silence for a departed teacher, heard a History Club presentation, discussed a resolution urging relief from rising public-employee health premiums and approved minutes, administrative, personnel, business and curriculum items. Public comment praised a new business and engineering curriculum and donor support.
The Glen Ridge Board of Education opened its public meeting with a moment of silence for Jennifer Gonzaga, a longtime second-grade teacher at Lynen Avenue School who died last Sunday, and said service information will be posted on the district website.
Board President opened the meeting and explained agenda item A2, a resolution urging relief from rising public-employee health insurance costs. The president said the New Jersey School Boards Association encouraged districts to pass the resolution and that the finalized resolution will be sent to the governor’s office, legislative leaders and the district’s legislative delegation; she also reported the borough council plans to pass a similar measure. "It is largely because of very dramatic increases in health premiums," the president said, describing health benefits as a major cost driver for many New Jersey districts.
The board paused its agenda to hear a presentation from the Glen Ridge High School History Club. History Club advisor Mr. Majuski introduced the club and its newly elected officers; club president Nate Yaso told the board the club hosted nearly 150 visiting students for a Feb. 28 regional competition and said 14 Glen Ridge students advanced from regionals, with teams competing at nationals in Arlington and Orlando. "It is my honor to speak on behalf of the Glen Ridge High School History Club," Yaso said, thanking Superintendent Keevit, Mr. Lawler, Miss O'Donnell and Mr. Hill for their support.
Routine business followed. Board member Joselyn moved to approve the minutes from the April 28 executive session and regular meeting (M1); Anthony seconded. A roll-call vote recorded two abstentions (Mr. Dorenzi and Mr. Franklin) and the motion carried. Board member Kristen moved the administrative items (A1–A3); the motion passed on a roll-call vote. Anthony moved the personnel items P1–P9 (including addenda); Joselyn seconded and the personnel slate carried after roll-call voting. The board also approved business items B1–B9 (including an addendum B4B and the removal of duplicate copier entries under B5) and curriculum items C1–C2; all passed by roll-call vote as recorded by the board secretary.
The board recognized donations: Forest Avenue Home and School Association donated bike racks for the Forest Avenue playground (approximately $478), and Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association donated $2,000 for the Grade 6 field trip to Fountain Springs. The president thanked those donor organizations and the educational foundation for funding a new high-school business curriculum.
During the second public-comment period, Fran Wong of 16 High Street praised the new business and engineering curriculum and thanked the administration, staff and donor organizations for their support. "We're really excited about this," Wong said, urging community backing for the district’s fundraising efforts.
The meeting adjourned after the board completed its listed agenda items. The A2 resolution on health benefits remains on the board’s agenda for formal consideration and, per the president’s remarks, will be distributed to state and local officials for advocacy.
What’s next: the president said the resolution will be forwarded to the governor’s office, legislative leadership and the district delegation; the borough council indicated it will consider a similar resolution at its next meeting.
