Editor’s Note: This is the first of what we hope will be many op-ed contributions to The Montclair Pod. This installment comes to us from a parent voting “no” on both questions for the upcoming Dec. 9th referendum. (For more on that topic, read this, this, this, not this, and this.)
You’ll notice that the author below is anonymous, and as you may have heard on The Pod, we’ve had a bit of trouble getting No-No voters to come on the show. We can verify the writer is a real person, with real kids in the school district, but the opinions expressed here don’t necessarily represent the views of The Pod. Our goal is to get topical issues, particularly those where there are areas of disagreement, out in the open, so that ideas can be debated, refined, and maybe, eventually, we can make some progress.
We invite others with thoughts on this or other subjects entirely, to submit their ideas to hello@montclairpod.com.
Thanks!
Farnoosh & Mike
As a parent of three children in Montclair’s public schools, I think every day about the kind of future we’re building for them and for all the kids in town. Like many families, we came to Montclair because it is special. We have schools that inspire curiosity, a community that celebrates diversity, and a town pulsing with creativity, conversation, and great food. My family and I are proud to live in Montclair.
Now, with this big decision on the special election, I find myself thinking about how we can preserve and strengthen what makes this community so special. And unfortunately, the proposal on the ballot feels like a missed opportunity. Are we voting for a quick fix that asks taxpayers to dig deeper into their pockets, or for a smarter approach that puts forward sustainable solutions?
The proposal to vote on the two questions as written feels far too narrow. It presents a false choice: approve new funding now, or risk the collapse of our schools and compromise our children’s education experience. That framing is misleading, and I refuse to believe it’s the only choice we have. The Board of Education and district leadership could—and should—be engaging the community to identify more sustainable, cost-effective approaches that don’t automatically rely on a higher-taxes-first approach. We can find solutions that honor both our children’s future and our town’s financial reality.
Question 1: Vote for A Needed Reset, Not a Bailout
I believe we should vote NO on Question 1. The unpaid bills and over-budget costs we face are the result of poor oversight by prior superintendents and the Board of Education. Approving new funding now would only reward past mismanagement.
Instead, accepting the state loan and the appointment of a fiscal monitor is a responsible and corrective reset. It introduces real financial discipline, prevents further waste, and, most importantly, allows us to develop long-term solutions with transparency. If the district runs efficiently, we can repay the loan early and end state oversight. This is a reversible safeguard that enforces accountability and rebuilds trust, and should not be seen as a punishment.
In addition, and regardless of the outcome of the vote for question 1, the district must confirm that all goods and services were actually delivered and, where possible, negotiate more favorable terms for any overdue payments. Fiscal responsibility starts with asking questions and knowing how we got here.
Question 2: Don’t Vote For A Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Pain
I will also vote NO on Question 2. A permanent tax increase to cover a projected $7.6 million shortfall in the 2025–2026 budget ( roughly $170 million in total) is not a sustainable solution. This gap, which has been adjusted higher a number of times this year, represents less than 4.5% of the district’s annual budget. The Superintendent and Board of Education should be able to identify efficiencies within the existing budget rather than passing the burden to taxpayers.
Moreover, including funding for a “forensic audit and better accounting software” in this question is misleading for a few reasons:
- The forensic audit is a one-time cost. Including this item in a question that would result in a permanent tax increase doesn’t add up.
- The upgrade on accounting software should not be a large ticket item, and well below $100-$150K.
- Question 2 is also misleading because it promises a forensic audit and accounting software upgrade only if the vote goes forward. Those two actions should be taken whether question 2 passes or not.
There are smarter ways to stabilize the district’s finances without burdening taxpayers. For instance, the district could take a temporary loan to bridge this year’s budget gap while developing long-term reforms for the future. What we need is a plan for structural change, not another patch.
Real Solutions Start with Transparency and Efficiency
The path forward begins with understanding where our money goes. To start, the district should analyze and communicate the top 20–30 cost drivers in detail, likely 80% of our total budget, and benchmark them against other New Jersey districts. From there, we can:
- Renegotiate or rebid contracts where Montclair is paying above market, such as transportation, where, according to Superintendent Ruth B. Turner, costs increased by more than $7 million between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years.
- Rationalize high-cost services even when they meet benchmarks, or convert recurring operating expenses into capital investments where possible.
Take transportation as one example. If we’re spending tens of millions annually on third-party services, it might actually be more efficient to purchase and operate our own buses. Funds for this kind of investment could be repurposed from the $187 million bond approved in 2022 by reprioritizing existing projects.
If those measures still aren’t enough, we need the courage to ask, debate, and decide on bigger questions. We need to evaluate whether all existing facilities are necessary, or if consolidation could reduce both operating and capital expenses while maintaining or even improving student experience.
Consider our elementary schools, which serve, on average, 400 students each with an approximately 11:1 student–teacher ratio. Some of them had over $20 million allocated from the bond funds for upgrades and likely have annual operating budgets of $8–$10 million. Should we at least study whether consolidating elementary schools could generate significant savings, potentially exceeding $25 million in combined operational and capital costs?
And why not explore ways to repurpose or sell underutilized assets to generate revenue? Or have we really looked at data to understand what the right coverage model might be for specific staff so that we distribute resources according to demand and need, instead of tradition? We deserve creative, data-driven options before we turn to taxpayers for more.
Data can I’m voting for a long-term vision. I’m voting for the opportunity to bring our community’s ingenuity to how we address this deficit. I demand a plan because we can, and should, do better for our children and for the future of Montclair’s schools.
Montclair Deserves Better
In summary, the December special election asks voters to approve narrow, short-term fixes that fail to address the root causes of our district’s financial and operational challenges. Voting no isn’t about denying our children a great education or shortchanging their experience in the near term. It’s about demanding better – better planning, better use of our resources, better accountability. It’s a vote for vision.
We all want thriving schools that inspire and challenge our children. That won’t be built on a blank check or a quick fix. Lasting excellence comes from discipline, transparency, and partnership. We have an engaged community of experts who are eager to help. Let’s bring them to the table. The opportunity right now is to reset, to rebuild community trust, and to do this the Montclair way – together.
I’m voting for a long-term vision. I’m voting for the opportunity to bring our community’s ingenuity to how we address this deficit. I demand a plan because we can, and should, do better for our children and for the future of Montclair’s schools.
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