SOMSD

From the South Orange-Maplewood School District, April 9, 2024: MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – The moon…

Chloe Barter and Benjamin Gevirtz will be recognized with other valedictorians and salutatorians from other Essex County high schools

An aftershock near Gladstone NJ was felt around 6 p.m.; experts said to expect more aftershocks in the coming days and possibly longer.

Locally, numerous residents in NJ and beyond reported feeling walls shake and the ground tremble.  South Orange-Maplewood schools were put in a Code Yellow shelter-in-place until buildings could be inspected for safety.

Three night sessions are part of a developing strategy to develop a restorative justice culture in the District.

The Board of Ed accepted King’s resignation at its March 21 meeting. A new assistant principal at has not been appointed yet.

The Office of Civil Rights investigation is for alleged “discrimination involving shared ancestry.”

BOE President Dr. Qawi Telesford proposed a reassessment of the Long Range Facilities Plan to determine new priorities, particularly those that affect student safety, like the CHS elevator and stage.

“…at this point, we are well beyond trimming fat from our budget. We are cutting into bone,” said Gilbert.
Meanwhile, at Monday’s BOSE meeting, Business Admin. Eric Burnside defended himself and his office against accusations of mismanaging funds.

As district faces unexpected deficit, Board members implore Business Administrator to rethink budgeting process. “None of us feel good about this,” one BOE member said.