Superintendent Ruth Turner on The Montclair Pod

It’s All Up in the Air. Our School Vote, Lackawanna’s Future…Mike’s Apology

February 26, 2026

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This week, so much is in flux.

First, Mike has to face the music after literally falling asleep at a recent Town Hall meeting. He also issues a formal apology to the MSU Men’s Basketball team for jinxing their perfect season.

But it’s not all fun and games—we get down to serious business with three major interviews. Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner invites us into her office to discuss the high-stakes March 10th special referendum, while developer Dave Placek gives us an update on the long-awaited Lackawanna Plaza project and addresses his critics. Plus, we hear part two of our conversation with Montclair legend Lonnie Brandon, detailing his civil rights activism in college. Finally, Farnoosh confronts her fears of injectables in our latest installment of Farnoosh and Mike Get Healthy, this week sponsored by SkinSplendid, and we break down a massive news week including a new lawsuit trying to stop the upcoming school vote.

The Superintendent SPEAKS

We sit down with Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner at the District offices on Valley Road. After busting Mike for snoozing, we dive deep into what’s at stake on March 10th: the cuts, the potential for a State Monitor, the bond referendum, and why she believes the schools deserve a cut of the town’s PILOT tax revenue.

LACKAWANNA UPDATE WITH Dave Placek

Lackawanna Plaza has felt a bit more alive lately, but the massive redevelopment—complete with housing and a grocery store—is still creeping along. We check in with developer Dave Placek about the timeline, the PILOT program, and how he handles the intense public scrutiny.

Living History: Lonnie Brandon (Part 2)

Former Montclair Parks & Rec Director Lonnie Brandon returns to share an incredible story from his days at Wagner College. He recounts his time with the student group “Black Concern,” a building occupation, expulsions, a federal court case, and a run-in with the Students for a Democratic Society.

Farnoosh & Mike Get Healthy: SkinSplendid (Sponsored)

In our newest segment, we head to Skinsplendid in Upper Montclair. While Mike chickened out, Farnoosh sits down with founder Nurse Christy to rethink her stance on aesthetics, learning about the “Sprinkle-tox,” ultrasound safety, and why skin care is healthcare.

News Roundup: Lawsuits, Hacks & Pools

Hold onto your hats: Local activist David Herron is suing to stop the March 10th referendum. We also cover the town’s massive $2.3 million tech upgrade (a lingering hangover from recent cyberattacks) and the new SwimQuest aquatic school proposed for Valley Road that has the local business association concerned about parking.

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