Share Your Opinion About Montclair School Budget Woes: Take The Survey

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair school administrators are looking for feedback from community members as the district continues to struggle with a severe budget crunch – including dozens of staff cuts.

The district launched a Budget Priorities Survey earlier this week, seeking anonymous input from local families, staff, students, alumni and other community partners. It will be open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026.

>> Access the survey online here

Some of the questions the survey asks include what “matters most” to them, what “investments” they believe should be protected, and where the district might be able to make difficult trade-offs if necessary.

The Montclair Public School District is facing a looming budget gap that has swelled to nearly $20 million. More than 100 staff members have been laid off or impacted by a “reduction in force” notice due to ongoing financial struggles.

The district also faces the possibility of having a state monitor installed if it needs a bailout from the New Jersey Department of Education.

In an effort to bridge the gap and prevent future financial woes in the district, the Montclair Board of Education approved the creation of a public referendum that was set to go before voters in a special election on Dec. 9. However, a judge recently cancelled the referendum, siding with a local resident who filed a lawsuit to stop the election.

>> Read More: Judge Nixes Montclair School Referendum, Financial Woes Loom On Horizon

“As we begin planning for the 2026–27 school budget, it is essential that our decisions reflect the values and priorities of our families, staff, students, and community,” Superintendent Ruth Turner said, encouraging the public to take part in the district’s survey.

“Your feedback will guide our budget development process and help ensure that our choices are grounded in transparency, community voice, and the needs of our students,” Turner said.

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