Retiring After 9 Years, Ridgewood Schools HR Manager Is 'Honest, Fair, Thoughtful'

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — It was a bittersweet day for Ridgewood Public Schools, school board President Hyunju Kwak said at Wednesday's meeting as she announced the retirement of the district's Human Resource Manager Ojetta Townes.

"Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to work here," Townes said at the meeting. "It has been the best part of my career. I am grateful, just grateful."

Townes has served as the Human Resource Manager "with the utmost distinction and integrity" since 2013, a board resolution honoring her said.

"Be it resolved, that we, the members of the Ridgewood Board of Education, wish Ms. Townes all the best in her future endeavors and retirement," the resolution said.

Board members were not short on praise for Townes, thanking her for her hard work and diligence throughout her tenure, and wishing her well in retirement.

"Thank you for making me laugh and keeping me grounded," board Vice President Michael Lembo said.

"The joy of working with you," board member Sheila Brogan said. "You bring a sense of humor, yet you have a gravitas when it comes to our staff and protecting them, working with them and trying to do the best for the district."

"The district will miss you," board member Saurabh Dani said. "It is difficult to find people like you who are calm, heartfelt and fair, and guide when it's needed."

Appreciation for Townes was not conveyed only by board members, however. Ridgewood Education Association's chief negotiator Laura Grasso also thanked her colleague of nine years for her role as the "go-to person" for the more than 500 members of the association.

"People have turned to Ojetta in times of need, for information gathering, for confidential private matters and to celebrate milestones," Grasso said during the meeting's public comment period.

"The work we've done together," Grasso continued, "has been with one goal in mind — to make Ridgewood Public Schools a better place. And because of you, Ojetta, I feel that we have succeeded."

Townes, the resolution said, has "continuously acted" in the best interest of the school district, demonstrating "honesty, fairness and thoughtfulness" in all of her dealings with various stakeholders.

As such, the district owes Townes an "enormous debt of gratitude" for all that she has done to serve and advance personnel initiatives, the resolution added.

"I know it is time," Townes said. "But I really, really appreciate the wonderful staff members and administrators. We are the real deal, and I am so thankful for all of you."