Glen Ridge Board honors educators, notes state-level changes and potential school-finance bills

The Glen Ridge Board of Education opened its Jan. 27 meeting with a president's report that included a remembrance of longtime resident and former board member Cherry Provost, who died at 92, and a review of state-level changes that could affect district funding.

"I would like to remember Cherry Provost, who is a longtime Glen Ridge resident and former board of education member who died on Saturday at the age of 92," the board president said during opening remarks, offering condolences to the Provost family. The president also noted the Jan. 20 gubernatorial inauguration and the swearing-in of a new state legislature, adding that several education-related bills recently referred to the Senate Education Committee could affect Glen Ridge's school finance.

The board then presented a series of Governor's Educator of the Year recognitions across district schools. Forest Avenue teacher Jenna Pollara was honored after receiving numerous nominations praising her "steady, positive impact" and classroom leadership. The superintendent described Pollara as bringing "a rare combination of calm, warmth, and professionalism into her classroom." Lori Matroka was recognized as the district's Governor's Educational Services Professional of the Year for nursing and health services work that "brings calm, compassion, and clarity to every situation," the speaker said.

Central School honorees included Linda Perata, commended for her long service and dedication to early childhood learners, and paraprofessional Barbara Sutcliffe, lauded for 24 years of service and a reliable, compassionate presence in pre-K classrooms. Linden Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue schools also presented recipients: Beth Colletta (Linden Avenue teacher of the year), Teresa Terabaccio (Ridgewood Avenue, named New Jersey Governor's Educator of the Year), Gabrielle Martz (educational services professional), and others from the high school and district.

High school officials noted more than 75 student submissions for teacher-of-the-year nominations and recognized Yan Wang and Ira Ford among the honorees. The superintendent also acknowledged custodial and maintenance staff for their work during heavy snow that affected parking and campus operations.

Why it matters: The president's mention of newly referred state bills on school finance signals a potential future impact on district budgeting or aid. The educator awards highlight staff recognized by families and colleagues for classroom impact, health services, and support roles; the board recorded the recognitions and plans to post photos and details to the district website.

The meeting then moved from ceremony to regular business and public comment, with instructions posted for sign-in and a two-minute limit for speakers.