The opinions contained within reflect my own observations during the past year serving as a trustee for the Teaneck Board of Education. These are only my personal opinions, solely based on public information. They do not reflect the opinion of the BOE.
As of October, I have spent 10 months as an elected BOE trustee. This period follows the period of January 2013 to February 2018 as a trustee. Experience has provided additional context to the issues.
Academics as Priority No. 1
Academic achievement is the priority goal of the BOE. Determinants of school outcome include student factors (aptitude, prior success, motivation), classroom factors (quality/quantity of instruction, classroom environment, peer group), the home environment and teacher factors. 42% of Teaneck students receive free or reduced lunch.
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for English Language Arts (NJSLA-ELA) focuses on reading, comprehension and writing effectively, whereas the NJSLA for Mathematics (NJSLA–M) focuses on applying skills and concepts, understanding multi-step problems that require abstract reasoning, and modeling real-world problems.
There are five performance levels.
Levels 4 and 5, meeting or exceeding expectations; levels 1, 2 and 3 approaching, partially meeting or not meeting expectations. As per the table below, 41% of students in Grade 4 math achieved levels 4 and 5. Grade six and Algebra 1 results are lower.
The base year performance in English Language Arts (ELA) is somewhat better at 48-58%. Science scores are abysmal at 13-20%. As noted for math, strategic measurable goals have been established for the next three years. Specific grades were selected as transitional years for educational growth.
It’s important to recognize that Teaneck also has strong students, outperforming the averages. The achievement gap is real, and needs to be addressed.
Finance: High Spending Going Higher
Teaneck is spending $127.9 million for the 2024-25 school year. This includes $102.3 million in tax levies accounting for 60% of the Township total. Other sources of budget revenues include special revenue funds of $9.1 million—preschool education aid ($5.7 million), non-public aid ($1.1 million) and other state and federal aid ($2.2 million); and state aid of $9.6 million.
Education-related taxes in Teaneck rose 2.0% in 2024-25, a significant decline from the prior year (3.5%). Note, however, that expenses increased 3.9%. The difference is being paid for by the budgeted fund balance ($4.8 million), also known as the “rainy day” fund. An analysis of July-May (11 month) data for 2023-24 suggests a much higher budgeted fund balance than originally estimated, implying an excess of reserves. Expenditures are driven by regular instruction, special education, insurance and benefits, operations and maintenance, transportation (including special needs students) and administration.
Opportunities clearly exist to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and re-allocate monies to areas of greatest need. Health care expenditures, medical and specialty drugs also need to be better managed
In 2024-25, there are 3,939 students from grades K-12, a figure including charter school enrollment of 388. Special education students represent 20.9% of total enrollment; 132 out-of-district students represent 3.4%. Special education students are associated with disproportionate spending. New Jersey provides extraordinary aid for (per student) special education costs that exceed $40,000 (public school) and $55,000 (private school), respectively.
Subtracting preschool enrollment (258) and preschool education aid ($5.7 million) results in an enrollment, as mentioned, of 3,939 and expenditures of $122.2 million. This figure equates with $31,023 total spending per student, a figure including lower-cost elementary school students. This compares unfavorably (+26.6%) with the New Jersey average of $24,511 and median of $23,531. High spending is partially as a result of the disproportionate number of special students funded by the Teaneck school system.
The budgetary cost per New Jersey student (minus pension, Social Security, medical, debt service) in Teaneck was $24,058, a figure 26.1% higher than the New Jersey average (for K-12 schools with <3,500 students) of $19,072. The figure ranks 93/95 among comparable districts in New Jersey.
Policy: ‘Stuck’ at First Reading
The Policy Committee diligently worked to update relevant policies. Problematic policies include 5520: Demonstrations; and 2260: Equity for School and Classroom Practices. 5520 policy revisions include disrespectful (hateful) conduct during a demonstration and convening a review session, when feasible. It attempts to find a balance between freedom of speech and disruption. 2260 involved the infusion of the Amistad Commission curriculum and the Holocaust education curriculum, among other items. Legal advice has been requested. A reluctance to change policies is evident.
Geopolitical Considerations Extend to the BOE
Shortly after the October 7 massacre, a rally organized by the Jewish community was held in front of the Village Green. Three students described their experiences at Teaneck High School (THS). Other students reported acts of antisemitism. The U.S Department of Education has opened a Title IV investigation which states that “no person shall on the ground of race, color or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination…” The timing and findings of the case are unknown.
A walkout in support of Palestine was staged on November 29. The Palestine Club, approved by the BOE, within weeks of inception had a pop-up booth at THS during lunchtime for three consecutive days; inappropriate materials were disseminated. Throughout 2023, BOE meetings were extended by more than two hours to accommodate geopolitical speakers.
The BOE meetings have, for the most part, been free of rancor during the past few months.
Conclusion
Effecting change is difficult. Inertia exists. A strategic approach is necessary. Strong leadership is required. Opportunities exist to improve student achievement while being financially responsible, i.e., creating value. The latter requires a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and resource allocation. Vote for Jenni Levy in the next BOE election.
David Gruber is a trustee of the Teaneck Board of Education. He can be reached at [email protected].
