Since the December 9 canceled vote, many Montclair residents have been left uncertain about the district’s next steps in addressing the nearly $20 million school deficit. This week, Superintendent Ruth B. Turner shared an email outlining the district’s path forward, including budget priorities and the upcoming special election, to provide greater clarity on what comes next for Montclair schools.
the March 10 Special Election
Turner reported that the Montclair Board of Education approved two ballot questions that will be presented to voters on March 10, 2026, as part of the district’s strategy to address a prior-year deficit and ongoing operational needs. Full ballot language is available in the Board of Education presentation can be accessed HERE.
Additional Spending Proposal Question 1 would raise $12,600,000 for the 2025–2026 school year to address a prior-year deficit from the 2024–2025 school year. Approval would result in a one-time increase to the district’s tax levy.
If approved, these funds would be used to pay outstanding debts and obligations. This increase would be non-recurring and would not be built into the base tax levy used to calculate future tax increases.
Additional Spending Proposal Question 2 would raise $5,000,000 for the 2025–2026 school year to support general fund operating expenses. Approval would result in a permanent increase to the district’s tax levy.
If approved, these funds would be used to reduce the impact of reductions in force among teaching, security, and support staff; address ongoing maintenance needs; and mitigate cuts to athletics, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs. This increase would be built into the base tax levy for future years.
Turner noted that if the ballot questions are not approved, the district would need to implement additional significant cuts beyond those already made to balance the budget. She also clarified that while a forensic audit is not included in the ballot questions, funding for this work is intended to be part of the proposed 2026–2027 budget to strengthen oversight and long-term financial planning.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the proposals and their impact on the community, Turner emphasized that the questions were prepared by new legal counsel and reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Education. She shared that opportunities for community engagement will take place ahead of the special election and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship moving forward.
2026-2027 plan
Turner emphasized that focus is not about asking staff to do more with less, but about establishing clear priorities, aligning efforts, and protecting educators from unnecessary distractions so they can concentrate on what matters most for students. In the near term, this will include pausing nonessential initiatives, reducing duplicative reporting, and eliminating tasks that do not directly support teaching, learning, or student wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Turner shared that development of the 2026–2027 budget will be approached with discipline and intention, remaining closely aligned to the district’s vision. She underscored the importance of transparency and community collaboration, encouraging families and staff to participate in upcoming budget town halls and Board of Education presentations. Even amid tightening resources, Turner reaffirmed a commitment to prioritizing classroom stability and equitable student access to opportunity.
Shared Values
Ruth B. Turner acknowledged the anxiety and fatigue many are experiencing amid fiscal uncertainty, expressing appreciation for the professionalism and dedication staff continue to show in supporting students. She emphasized that moving forward, the district will be guided by transparency, respect for collective bargaining agreements, and consistent communication, with a commitment to pursuing excellence without compromising trust or dignity.
Turner noted that while this is a challenging moment, it is also a defining one, underscoring the importance of ensuring schools continue to reflect the community’s shared values. She reaffirmed the responsibility to protect classrooms as spaces where curiosity, dignity, and opportunity thrive, and called for a system that cultivates excellence, expands opportunity, and prepares students to lead purposeful lives.
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