Montclair is a town that takes pride in its public schools. But what happens when the system meant to anchor the community finds itself in an $18 million deficit? In this episode of The Montclair Pod, co-hosts Farnoosh Torabi and Michael Schreiber dig into the financial crisis, what it means for families, and how residents are responding.
From the Board of Education race and smartphone battles in middle school, to real estate decisions and college application stress, this episode paints a vivid portrait of how education in Montclair shapes nearly every part of local life.
in this episode:
- Why Superintendent Ruth B. Turner says the budget crisis is about incompetence, not fraud
- What parents are demanding: a forensic audit, transparency, and accountability
- The five candidates vying for three BOE seats, and their priorities for the district
- Ask Our Agent: How real estate agent Karin Diana advises families weighing a move to Montclair – sponsored
- Screen Aware Montclair’s tips for resisting the pressure to hand kids an iPhone too soon
- The Montclair Cooperative School’s progressive approach to middle school education – sponsored
- College counselor Ali Pitt’s advice on admissions, “hot” schools, and skyrocketing tuition
- Our new series, Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Brunch at Oso Felipe – sponsored
Superintendent Ruth B. Turner on Facing the $18M Deficit
The episode revisits our sit-down with Superintendent Turner, who insists the shortfall stems from poor accounting and a culture of not saying “no,” not fraud. While she stresses transparency, many parents believe only a forensic audit will restore trust. “We need a hard reset,” guest co-host Danielle Neff says, echoing concerns voiced across town.
Sponsored: Ask Our Agent: Should Families Still Move Here?
In our new, sponsored series, Compass real estate agent and founding partner of The Home Collective, Karin Diana, shares how she approaches nervous buyers. While the deficit raises real questions about taxes and cuts, she points to Montclair’s strengths: strong test scores, the magnet system, and a diverse community that nurtures kids beyond academics. “Montclair is truly a village,” she says. “It nurtures growth in many different forms.”
Screen Time: Finding the Middle Ground
When should kids get their first phone? Parent advocate Denise Culhan, founder of Screen Aware Montclair, offers practical strategies: start with alternatives like watches or simplified devices, and set clear rules around who, what, where, when, and why. The group’s workshops and community support are helping local parents navigate the pressure.
Sponsored: Inside the Montclair Cooperative School
A sponsored visit to the Montclair Co-op highlights its progressive, small-class approach to middle school, which kicks off in the 5th grade. Students, parents, and teachers describe how individualized attention helps kids gain confidence and thrive during these critical years.
College Admissions in 2025
Private college counselor Ali Pitt explains the latest shifts: the University of Michigan now offers binding early decision rounds, Northeastern students can start abroad, and tuition is pushing $90K at some schools. Her advice? Be strategic about applications and realistic about debt. “Student loan burdens can shape an entire life,” she warns.
sponsored: farnoosh and mike eat food
We debut Mike and Farnoosh Eat Food, a weekly dining review powered by Twocents, which provides patrons an easy and anonymous way to give feedback and suggestions to businesses. Our stop at Oso Felipe, near Walnut Street Station, was impressive, featuring guac, crispy mahi-mahi tacos, and a standout watermelon salad with sesame oil and chilies.
