Glen Ridge board honors students, retirees and sends health-care premiums resolution to state leaders

The Glen Ridge Board of Education opened its public meeting by celebrating student accomplishments and honoring long-serving staff, and the board noted that a resolution about rising health-care premiums has been sent to state leaders.

Board President said the district has "passed a resolution memorializing the high toll that soaring health-care premiums have taken on New Jersey education and educators," and that the resolution was transmitted to the governor's office and legislative leadership, which acknowledged receipt. The president said some districts face premium increases "sometimes north of 30%" and described the resolution as part of the district's effort to alert officials who can affect change.

The Superintendent highlighted recent student successes in math and chemistry. Introducing the math team, the Superintendent read a limerick about the team and called student spokesperson James to introduce teammates including Finn Peterson, Derek Lynn and Danielle Ha. About the chemistry team, the Superintendent said the students "bonded with ease, earned bronze if you please," and named team members who competed; the Superintendent and team advisors noted one group won first place in its event.

The board honored two retirees. A tribute recognized Chris Triano for 24 years of service to the district, citing his coaching, photography and longstanding support for students. The board also honored Teresa (Terry) Sullivan for 13 years of work at the attendance desk, praising her reliability and institutional knowledge.

Why it matters: The health-care resolution places the local district among many New Jersey districts publicly calling attention to premium increases that officials say are affecting school budgets. The student awards and retiree recognitions highlight the district's year-end activities and personnel transitions.

The meeting proceeded to routine committee reports and a roll-call series of votes on consent items; a second public comment period and adjournment followed.