Montclair Superintendent Addresses Public ‘Anxiety’ About School Finances

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Feeling anxious about the financial state of Montclair’s public schools? You’re not alone, the district’s superintendent says.

The Montclair Public School District is facing a looming budget gap that was recently reported at nearly $20 million. In an effort to bridge the gap and prevent future financial woes in the district, the Montclair Board of Education has approved the creation of a public referendum with two questions – each of which would cost local taxpayers.

A special election is set for Tuesday, March 10.

>> Read More: Montclair Takes Another Crack At School Taxpayer Bailout, Board OKs New Questions

At Monday's board of education meeting, Superintendent Ruth Turner shared a statement about the upcoming election and the ongoing financial struggles the district is facing. She also commented on the new ballot questions approved this week.

If approved, the funds would be used to reduce the impact of reductions in force among teaching, security and support staff. The money would also be used to address ongoing maintenance needs and mitigate cuts to athletics, co-curricular and extracurricular programs, Turner said.

If these questions are not approved, the district will need to make significant additional cuts beyond those already implemented in order to balance the budget, Turner added.

Turner also addressed a point that some community members have been raising: the lack of a specific clause funding a forensic audit in the district.

“While a forensic audit is not referenced in Question 2, the Board of Education and administration intend to include funding for a forensic audit as part of the proposed 2026–2027 budget,” Turner said.

“This work is an important component of strengthening oversight, accountability, and long-term financial planning, and it will be addressed through the regular budget development process,” the superintendent said.

Turner noted that the new ballot questions were prepared by legal counsel and reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Education.

The superintendent also commented on two other issues:

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026-2027 – “Focus does not mean asking people to do more with less. It means clarity of priorities, alignment of effort, and protecting staff from unnecessary distraction so energy is directed where it matters most for students. In the near term, this means pausing the rollout of nonessential initiatives, reducing duplicative reporting, and removing tasks that do not directly support teaching, learning, or student wellbeing. In the months ahead, we will develop the 2026–2027 budget with discipline and intention. This work will remain aligned to our vision, because vision without alignment creates confusion. We welcome community collaboration throughout this process and encourage families and staff to attend upcoming budget town halls beginning in mid-January, as well as budget presentations to the Board of Education. This moment requires honesty and discipline. Budgets reveal values. Even as resources tighten, we will prioritize classroom stability and student access to opportunity.”

SHARED VALUES – “I also want to acknowledge what many are feeling. Fiscal uncertainty brings anxiety, fatigue, and real concern about workload and stability. I see the professionalism and care with which our staff continue to serve students under pressure. As we move forward, transparency, respect for collective bargaining agreements, and consistent communication will guide our decisions. Excellence will be pursued through clarity and alignment, not through erosion of trust or dignity. We are at a challenging moment, but also a consequential one. How we respond now will shape the next chapter of this district. It is essential that our schools continue to reflect our community’s shared values. I am reminded of bell hooks’ reflection that ‘the classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in our society.’ Our responsibility, especially in moments of constraint, is to protect that space. Our schools must remain places where curiosity is nurtured, dignity is affirmed, and every child has the opportunity to grow, question, and lead. That is the work before us: building a system where excellence is expected, opportunity is cultivated, and students are prepared to lead lives of purpose and possibility. Let our children hear our love melody in every word we speak to them. Thank you for your continued partnership, professionalism, and belief in our students. Our work matters, and our future is still being written.”

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