Montclair School Districts looks for way forward amid $20 million budget deficit
A voter referendum, which was scheduled for earlier this month, was struck down by a judge, who said the questions were too confusing.
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The Montclair School District is looking for a way forward amid a $20 million deficit.
The district isn’t the first to face a difficult budget season in the Garden State. There have been similar issues in Wayne, Toms River and East Orange.
In a Dec. 8 notice to the Montclair Public Schools Community, Superintendent Ruth Turner called Friday, Dec. 5, a difficult day. That’s when principals sent letters to families confirming staffing cuts to meet financial obligations. It is just one of the ways the district is trying to close the gap.
A voter referendum, which was scheduled for earlier this month, was struck down by a judge, who said the questions were too confusing. These questions would address both the $12.6 million debt and the $7.6 million shortfall.
Wednesday was the last meeting for this calendar year. Parents, teachers and students were presented with a five-year budget analysis.
Interim business administrator Dana Sullivan broke down the budget analysis and talked about how the district got to be $20 million in debt.
"This is how these deficits came about. In order to get these budgets at cap, I would assume there were cuts that were made in the budget itself, but the cuts weren’t actually made to programs, to staff. Going forward every year, we’re going to have to make reductions in order to get to cap," Sullivan said.
Superintendent of Schools Ruth B. Turner elaborated on community engagement opportunities, like asking parents to volunteer.
"We are partnering with M.F.E.E and our P-tech community to have volunteer portals for individuals who are interested in providing some support to our school district, regardless of what talent, time or opportunity you have," Turner said.
As for when a vote with new questions can happen? Legally, the district can't lump its election with the special election for the 11th Congressional District that will fill the seat left vacant by Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, is the district's goal.
If the new questions are approved, depending on the outcome, taxes could go up, another way the district is trying to close the gap.
The superintendent will propose new questions to the board, and those questions will be voted on ahead of a special election. News 12 will continue to follow this story and will report updates as they happen.
