Week in Review: School Changes, Water Worries

Wyckoff students may not be back in school yet, but the consequences of this spring's difficult budget season are already being felt.

This past week we detailed the decision by the Wyckoff Board of Education to charge fees per sport at Eisenhower Middle School, a conclusion reached as the only way to preserve the interscholastic program after funding was cut per the defeated 2010-11 school spending plan. Fees will be supplemented by a to-be-determined sum paid by the school board, which will largely determine the rates for each sport. Expect the board to codify the fee schedule at its Sept. 13 meeting.

Older students' school programs also may be affected at the regional high school level, although Board of Education members say money is not to blame for its proposal to open three of six University Programs to any student as a general elective. Rather, lower enrollment compelled the Education Committee to make the recommendation, which was met with opposition by parents and students. Those interested stakeholders are mobilizing support to keep the programs as they've been run, as committed four-year courses of study in which students in good academic standing must be accepted. Expect more coverage in the coming days.

The return of classes also will mean the return of athletics, as well. We took a look this past week at the upcoming Ramapo girls volleyball and tennis seasons and will provide further coverage this week on sports teams' prospects in fall 2010.

Other items of note from the past week:

• The regional water supply was a hot topic, as we brought news of a proposal at the municipal level to adopt a comprehensive conservation ordinance. The draft ordinance is being studied, and governing body members haven't committed to pursuing such a measure; if they did, it also would help the township achieve Sustainable Jersey certification, alongside the formation of a "Green Team," which we also reported this past week.

Meanwhile, the state DEP held a public hearing on a drought watch in the northeast. Despite days of rain, the state is not yet ready to proclaim the region as being sufficiently saturated to call off the extra attention, although Ridgewood Water says the rainfall could go a long way toward lifting irrigation restrictions that have been in place much of the summer.

• Wyckoff natives the Jonas Brothers came back to New Jersey this week to play an exhibition softball game at the Newark Bears' home to highlight an effort to keep teens from texting while driving.
• We took a look at a Ramsey couple who will be featured on a DIY network home renovation show, focusing on work at the house they bought with help from a Wyckoff-based real estate agent.
• We also brought news of a longtime Ridgewood ballet teacher and Wyckoff resident's move to Waldwick after 45 years teaching the art form in the village.
• Driving through the township may be a bit hectic starting Tuesday, when road work ensues on both Russell and Cedar Hill avenues. While the Cedar Hill work is planned as a one-day job, the Russell work could last seven business days. Detours routes will be posted by the police.
• Speaking of police, this week's blotter brought news of a variety of arrests on drunken driving and drug charges.
• Did you read a comic book in public on Saturday? If not, you missed out on an initiative that aims for more acceptance of the medium. Reporter and comic book writer Don E. Smith Jr.'s story discusses how comic books can be a good way to get youngsters interested in books.
• Columnist Gloria Johnson took a look at the popularity of pre-made lunches at grocery stores, wondering if their prices are worth the convenience. And columnist Mia Brady returned to college to find herself one-year wiser but cognizant of the long road ahead.
• Also, we provided our weekly list of homes having open house showings over the weekend, in case your looking to put down roots in Wyckoff.

As always, please feel free to reach me anytime at nick@patch.com or 201-208-3349.