Ridgewood Board of Education approves district goals for 2026–27
The five goal areas will guide classroom work and budget choices as the district weighs facility needs and tighter finances.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — board approves updated district goals for, gw middle school girls’ toilet room, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
The superintendent said the goals are meant to guide work across schools, from teaching and student support to facilities and budgeting.
A new set of goals will guide classrooms and budgets. The Ridgewood Board of Education unanimously approved updated district goals for 2026–27 after the superintendent presented changes based on feedback and an administrative review. The five areas cover students’ progress through graduation, school culture and safety, facilities and finances, academics, and engagement with families and the community.
The goals put several current projects in one plan. The superintendent pointed to literacy instruction, intervention services, common assessments and work on AI protocols. The facilities and finance goal includes maintaining buildings in a tight budget environment, launching an aftercare program and beginning a multi-year effort to replace an unsupported district system. The school culture goal calls for adults to intervene early when problems arise and considers students’ technology use and screen time.
During the Ridgewood Board of Education’s discussion, one member urged the district to teach AI literacy, not just set limits on its use. The superintendent said that work includes staff training, lessons on ethical questions and early talks about possible courses. Another member called for consistent experiences across grades, responsible care of buildings and finances, and communication that lets the district hear from students, staff and families. With the goals approved, those priorities now provide a guide for work across schools and future budget decisions.
GW Middle School Girls’ Toilet Room Renovation Contract Approved
The Ridgewood Board of Education approved a contract to renovate the girls’ toilet room at a middle school after the bid remained open for four weeks. The Ridgewood Board of Education’s Facilities Committee reported on the bid and said the boys’ toilet room at the same school was nearly complete, including epoxy work.
The Facilities Committee discussed a longer list of building needs. The superintendent wants to begin planning with architects, and the committee said adding projects to the five-year facilities plan would not mean doing them immediately. Possible summer 2027 work includes gym HVAC, retaining walls and classroom renovations. At another school, the committee said HVAC systems were operating but still needed adjustments; it reported positive feedback from students and staff on new windows and doors.
The Facilities Committee also reported that alumni had raised enough money for benches, trees and a seating area outside a high school theater. A home-school association funded a canopy and outdoor lunch seating planned for spring. After a member asked whether disconnected underground ducts had been sealed, the committee said it would check entrances at classrooms and joints.
Opening school comment period draws no speakers
The Ridgewood Board of Education opened its first public comment period to people attending in person and remotely, but no one spoke. Speakers were asked to keep remarks to four minutes and give their municipality of residence; a second comment period was scheduled for the meeting’s end.
Residents had another opportunity to speak later in the meeting, even though the opening period drew no comments.
Member requests details on proposed facilities work
A Ridgewood Board of Education member reported on HVAC technologies discussed at a state school boards conference, then requested written details on proposed facilities projects. The requests covered equipment condition, pricing, projected energy savings, financing and architect fees. The member said the statement would enter the minutes and go to the business administrator.
Those answers could help residents assess the costs and alternatives before the district advances major building projects.
District prepares engineering request for fields
The Ridgewood Board of Education heard the superintendent report that the district was finalizing a request for engineering services related to its fields. A recent community discussion gathered ideas on long-term field solutions and flood mitigation. Another coffee event is scheduled for November 12; a possible November 17 facilities meeting still needs confirmation.
The engineering request could help determine the district’s next steps for fields affected by flooding.
Academic Bowl expands to middle school students
The Ridgewood Board of Education’s Curriculum Committee said the academic bowl will include middle school students this year and move to a high school venue. Last year, 99 students in grades 3, 4 and 5 took part. The committee said some competitions described in its Gifted & Talented newsletter are open to any interested student.
More students may have a chance to participate as the academic bowl expands beyond elementary grades.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Ridgewood had 25 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEStudent Safety Data System (SSDS) / HIB Report for Full Year 25–26. Administration presented the full-year 25–26 SSDS report, including violence, vandalism, weapons, substances, and HIB data. The district reported 37 total incidents, with 30 confirmed HIB and 7 unconfirmed HIB, and zero weapons. Board discussion addressed definitions, reporting practices, and how the district uses the data to improve climate and early intervention.
- GOVERNANCEBoard Appoints Goldman Spitzer as Bond Counsel. The Finance Committee recommended Goldman Spitzer for bond counsel after reviewing bid scores and cost. The Board approved the appointment, with one member abstaining.
- GOVERNANCEApproval of Finance Items (including donations and AI/MTSS data tool discussion; sustain grant submission). The Board approved finance items including multiple donations and discussed a data/AI-enabled tool supporting MTSS documentation (adult-facing, read-only Skyward integration). A board member also supported approval of a sustain grant submission for bird-safe window film. The finance block passed unanimously.
- GOVERNANCEPolicy Committee Reviews Revisions and Abolished Regulations. The Policy Committee reported on policies scheduled for first reading and regulations slated for abolition, with topics ranging from diplomas and curriculum to family leave. The Board briefly referenced those revisions later in the meeting; no separate vote was recorded in that discussion.
- GOVERNANCEStudent Representatives Report (Ridgewood High School and District Activities). Student representatives reported on recent and upcoming Ridgewood High School activities, academics, clubs, arts, and athletics. Highlights included homecoming week, PSAT administration, honor society events, band achievements, sustainability activities, and upcoming student debates.
- GOVERNANCEBoard Member Announcements – CPAG Meeting and Special Education/504/ESL Resources. A board member reported attending a CPAG meeting and encouraged parents to view the recorded presentation. The member highlighted resources for families with IEPs and 504 plans and identified district contacts for 504 and ESL questions.
- GOVERNANCEDistrict/Board Announcements – Human Rights Speaker, Teal Pumpkin Project, NJHS Ceremony, Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame Recognitions. Announcements included a visit by human rights activist Sha Pond to BF and GW, the Teal Pumpkin Project flyer for inclusive trick-or-treating, congratulations to GW 8th graders inducted into NJHS, and recognition of Ridgewood alumni and athletics honorees at an induction dinner, including distinguished alumni and athletic hall of fame inductees.
- GOVERNANCERecognition of National Merit Scholars (including student representatives). The Superintendent recognized National Merit Scholars for the year and congratulated the honorees. The Superintendent noted that student representatives were among those recognized and apologized for a missing/misspelled name, stating it would be corrected in the minutes.
- GOVERNANCEApproval of Bills (with abstentions on specific NJSBA conference-related bills/checks). The Board approved payment of bills, with a board member abstaining from voting on specific New Jersey School Boards Association conference-related bills/checks. The Board identified the exceptions as bill/check numbers 122943, 122782, and 122665.
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