UPDATE August 21, 2025: A South Orange-Maplewood Board of School Estimate meeting scheduled for August 27 has been canceled. See attached notice. South Orange-Maplewood School District Director of Communications Eshaya Draper shared the following explanation:
“The school district and the Board of Education have determined the need to postpone the Board of School Estimate vote on the redevelopment of Ritzer Field and our middle school auditoriums while we complete the NJDOE state approval process to maximize available funding, which is delayed.
“Ritzer Field is an important development project that was included in our Long Range Facility Plan (LRFP) in 2019. Our goal this year has been to expedite this project to ensure we break ground in the summer of 2026. Proceeding with the BOSE vote before obtaining this state approval, however, would potentially forfeit additional aid.
“To fulfill our responsibility to taxpayers, we’re committed to securing all available state contributions before moving forward.
“Since the Ritzer project has grown in scope, the state must review it for updated funding at the same time as our new LRFP, which is being submitted to the NJDOE imminently. That review may take two to three months, and once it’s complete, the Board will vote on a new resolution because the current one will no longer be effective.
“The BOSE meeting will take place thereafter.
“Our goal remains to break ground on Ritzer Field next summer. We understand how important this project is to our students and athletes and are fully committed to ensuring this project moves forward. Regular community updates will be shared as we work to finalize state funding.”
From The South Orange Maplewood Board of Education, published on August 16, 2025:
Notice is hereby given to the general public that a public meeting will be held at 525 Academy Street and virtually at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, for the purpose of conducting a meeting of the Board of School Estimate to discuss the Ritzer Field redevelopment and Maplewood Middle and South Orange Middle school auditorium upgrades. Action may be taken.
Agenda, to the extent known:
- Ritzer Field Redevelopment
- Maplewood Middle and South Orange Middle School Auditorium
Choose one of three options to view the meeting:
- Channel 35 in Maplewood
- Channel 19 in South Orange
- Verizon FiOS Channel 22 in both Maplewood and South Orange
Join By Computer/Smartphone
- Watch on SOMSD’s Youtube Live Stream: Click Here (https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthOrangeMaplewoodSchoolDistrict)
- Watch on SOMSD’s Webex Platform: Click Here For More Information (https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/board-of-education/board-meetings/)
Hearings of Individuals and Delegations / Public Speaks – Audio Comment
Community members can sign up to provide audio comments to the Board of Education. Audio comments can be provided by connecting to the district’s Webex platform during a scheduled Board of Education meeting.
Step 1 – Install Webex on your device.
- Install Webex for Windows and Apple computers (Webex Meetings).
- Install Webex for Apple iOS devices.
- Install Webex for Android devices.
Step 2 – Submit a Request To Speak
Submit a request to speak during the public comment section of BOE meeting by completing the following form:
Step 3 – Connect To The Board of Estimate Meeting
Connect to the Board of Estimate Meeting using the information below:
Board of School Estimate Meeting – Public Session
Date / Time: August 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Webex Link: Click Here
Event Number: 2345 088 1957
Event Password: Orange20Maple (67264320 from phones)
Telephone Number: 408-418-9388
Please check your audio connections are set correctly. Failure to do so will prevent you from being heard during the public speaks portion of the meeting.
Step 4 – Provide your audio comment
During your turn to speak, your microphone will be unmuted. Please speak clearly into the microphone/headset. After your time for public speaks has passed, your microphone will be muted.
Imani Moody, Board Secretary
