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The West Orange district is facing a severe budget crunch. One way to make ends meet? Reorganize middle schools, officials say.

Patch Staff

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange district administrators have released more details about a plan to reorganize the town’s middle schools.

The West Orange Public School District is facing a multi-million-dollar budget crunch for the upcoming academic year. It will likely require a tax hike and teacher cuts, administrators say.

>> Read More: West Orange School Budget Cuts Have Teachers, Parents Worried

As part of the effort to bridge the budget gap, administrators have proposed reorganizing the district’s middle schools to serve grades 6 to 8 in each.

Years ago, the district decided to create a “central 6” school by designating Edison exclusively for sixth-graders, with Liberty and Roosevelt educating seventh and eighth-graders. However – while this may have been suited for the educational environment 20 years ago – current data indicates that this configuration may no longer be effective, Superintendent Hayden Moore said at a recent board of education meeting.

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On Monday, the district’s superintendent gave an update about how middle schools will be configured in 2025-2026 – and what it will mean for students and parents.

Read Moore’s letter to the community below.

"The district administration has dedicated many hours of thought and deliberation into creating middle school communities that reflect the rich diversity of our town, similar to our high school. By considering parity, proximity, and the integration of students from different neighborhoods, we are aiming to create a well-rounded and inclusive environment for all students, while also offering walkability for many families. Aligning our middle schools so that Edison, Liberty, and Roosevelt host students in grades 6, 7, and 8 is a thoughtful approach to enhance our middle school experience and balance the budget for the 25/26 school year, as well as realizing sustainable savings year after year.

"Our middle schools are intentionally designed with a philosophy of academic continuity and ensuring vertical articulation. This approach allows us to build a stronger foundation for our students as they progress through these important years. We believe this consistent and thoughtful approach helps them thrive academically and socially with familiar administration and staff year to year.

"Our middle school principals will be hosting an evening event for parents and guardians specifically for your child's school. I would like to encourage you to attend with an open mind as this is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from your principal and ask concerning questions. You'll also have the chance to tour the school buildings. Notices will be sent out to families shortly and your school administration looks forward to welcoming you to the evening parent night.

"We understand there are many questions. For this reason we have prepared the following frequently asked questions, and I encourage you to review them."

Frequently Asked Questions: Middle School Configuration

When will notice be sent regarding which middle school my child will attend for the 25/26 academic school year?

As the parent/guardian, how do I help with this process of transitioning to another school?

What can the district do to help my 7th-grade student who may be feeling uncomfortable attending a different school in the fall?

May I request both of my middle school students to remain at their current school?

Will there be balance in the new middle school configuration?

Will our middle schools continue to offer clubs? And sports?

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West Orange is facing a school budget crunch. Possible remedies include dozens of staff cuts and a middle school realignment.

Patch Staff

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Community members in West Orange continue to sound off about cost-reduction measures that may soon take place in the district – including dozens of staff cuts.

Several people spoke against the proposed cuts at the West Orange Board of Education meeting on Monday.

Speaking during public comment, an eighth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Middle School said that 36 employees were informed their positions are being eliminated next year, including teachers, case workers, nurses and tech integration specialists. He credited superintendent Hayden Moore for “working to keep this number as low as possible,” but said it will inevitably lead to larger class sizes and other issues.

“These 36 people have dedicated countless hours to helping the students of this district, and they are being let go not because of performance – but to save money,” he argued.

Other local teachers also spoke during the meeting, pushing for more transparency to help alleviate anxiety and rumors about who might lose their job.

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The meeting began with the board’s student liaisons expressing concern about this year’s budget woes on behalf of their peers.

“As student liaisons, we do not have much influence over what the budget cuts resulted in,” one of them said, adding that they are encouraging their friends and family to speak their minds at upcoming board meetings.

“Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, we are losing many teachers staff classes and extracurriculars that have been and always will be honored within our school,” she continued, thanking any teacher who may be laid off and saying that their students are “incredibly sorry and grateful for you.”

A public hearing for the adoption of the final budget is scheduled for May 5.

Watch footage from the April 28 meeting below (video is cued to public comment).

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Moore gave a preliminary budget presentation in March, noting that there are two budget challenges that the district has to contend with: a big drop in state aid, and rising operational costs.

Moore said that if a 2.3 percent tax levy increase takes place, the district would face a gap of about $8 million. Between 80 and 90 full-time positions would face elimination. It would mean a $242 yearly tax increase for a homeowner with a property valued at $615,472. Read More: Staff Cuts, Tax Hike Possible In West Orange School Budget

After the budget presentation, the district launched an online survey seeking feedback from the community about how to close the financial gap. Administrators got “numerous valuable suggestions,” according to Moore, including reorganizing the district’s middle schools to serve grades 6 to 8 in each. Read More: West Orange Schools Hack Away At Budget Gap (See Possible Cuts)

This option is still on the table, the superintendent said at Monday’s board of education meeting.

“It is no secret that our district is facing a financial deficit,” Moore said.

“But it is also no secret that our district has a history of making well-considered changes when needed,” he added, citing the consolidation of two high schools into West Orange High School in 1984.

Years ago, the district decided to create a “central 6” school by designating Edison exclusively for sixth-graders, with Liberty and Roosevelt educating seventh and eighth-graders. However – while this may have been suited for the educational environment 20 years ago – current data indicates that this configuration may no longer be effective, Moore said, suggesting a switch to a “6-7-8” middle school model.

This year’s budget crunch isn’t something that is only taking place in West Orange, the superintendent pointed out.

“School budgets are being cut across the state,” he said. “But unlike our neighbors, our changes can be implemented without further burdening the taxpayer.”

“Creating three middle schools is fiscally advantageous and will reduce transportation costs, which we can funnel back into our classrooms for students and staff,” Moore said.

Watch footage from the meeting below (video is cued to the discussion about middle school realignment).

MANDARIN CLASSES

More than 850 people have signed an online petition that urges administrators to “Keep Mandarin in West Orange Middle Schools.”

“Mandarin is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with over 900 million native speakers and over 1.2 billion who speak it total,” the petition states. “Whether it is because of family, or the interest of culture, many seek to learn the ins and outs of Mandarin in the Western world as it is vastly different from all of the romantic languages.”

“By cutting this program out from middle school, not only will it limit exposure to the world's largest language by native speakers – lowering diversity – but it will also stunt growth for those who do pursue in trying to learn it,” the petition alleges.

“To be inclusive of as many cultures as possible, it would be irrational to [exclude] the only Asian language,” the petition adds.

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A group of West Orange High School students enjoyed "la dolce vita" during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy.

Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School juniors, seniors, and members of the Italian Club enjoyed "la dolce vita" during spring break with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy.

Teacher and Italian club advisor, Rosanna Zamloot and chaperones Anna Maria Grammatica (Italian teacher - RMS), Carlo Felici (Italian teacher - LMS), and Supervisor of World Languages and ESL Felix Plata accompanied students in a truly immersive exploration of Italian culture from April 11-20.

The first stop was Borgo San Lorenzo, a picturesque town just outside Florence.

"The students were welcomed with open arms at Giotto Ulivi Scientific High School, an institution we have held bi-monthly virtual classes with for the past three years," began Ms. Zamloot.

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"Meeting their Italian peers in person for the first time was a touching and exciting experience for everyone involved."

The students were warmly received by Professors Emanuela Agasisti and Elisa Mei, along with Vice Principal Paolo Cinelli. They organized a rich and engaging visit. Although the school’s principal, Marco Menicatti, was away in Finland at the time, the warmth and enthusiasm of the Giotto Ulivi staff made students and faculty feel right at home.

"The visit included a gourmet luncheon featuring regional Tuscan specialties, a beautiful student-led presentation, and an in-depth tour of the school and its unique academic programs. Students shared stories, laughs, and cultural insights, bridging continents through shared curiosity and friendship," said Zamloot.

After departing Borgo San Lorenzo, the group traveled through the Renaissance city of Florence, marveling at iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. The students had hands-on culinary experience at a culinary institute in Florence. They learned how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and cooked a traditional polpettone (Italian-style meatloaf), discovering the joy of Italian cooking. In San Gimignano, they experienced the charm of the Tuscan countryside with a visit to a local agriturismo, sampling farm-fresh products and learning about Italy’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions.

Their journey continued to the Eternal City of Rome, where history came alive. Students explored the mighty Colosseum, strolled the Spanish Steps, tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, and stood in awe inside the Pantheon and the Vatican City. Along the way, they indulged in Italy’s famed gelato and soaked in the vibrant energy of Roman life.

"One of the most impactful stops was Pompeii," noted Zamloot, "where walking through the remarkably preserved ancient ruins felt like stepping back in time."

The trip concluded in Sorrento and the island of Capri, two jewels of the Amalfi Coast. In Sorrento, students had the unique opportunity to learn the tarantella, a lively and traditional southern Italian folk dance. Students were captivated by the breathtaking views, the amazing pizza, the welcoming locals, and the magical evenings spent in lively piazzas filled with music and the spirit of la dolce vita.

"From bonding with Italian classmates to exploring world-renowned sites, every day of the trip offered something new and inspiring. It was a journey of discovery—not just of a country, but of culture, language, and connection," explained Zamloot.

"The memories made on this trip will last a lifetime, and many students returned home with a deeper appreciation for the Italian language and way of life—and perhaps dreams of returning someday," she concluded.

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More from West Orange

A 120-acre forest in the Watchung Mountains, privately owned by a billionaire family, is once again at the center of a land development battle.

More than two decades ago, a plan to build single-family homes on the property in West Orange was rejected by the local planning board.

Now, after a legal settlement, the proposal to develop the wooded property is back. This time, the developer wants to build nearly 500 apartments.

The project was proposed by Garden Homes, a Short Hills–based company owned by billionaire real estate developer Zygmunt Wilf and his family. Wilf is also a co-owner of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

But the plan is facing pushback from some environmental experts who say building a sprawling, four-building, four-story apartment complex on the forested land would cause irreversible harm.

West Orange’s next planning board hearing on the application is scheduled for Wednesday. The board is still reviewing the site plans with input from experts and community members.

A spokesperson for Garden Homes said the company will not be commenting on the project at this time.

According to the company’s site plans, 100 of nearly 500 apartments in the complex would be affordable housing units. About 30 of the 120 forested acres would be cleared for development, with the remaining land preserved as open space or recreational areas, such as walking trails.

Initially in 2006, the Wilf family proposed building 136 single-family homes on the land. But the township planning board rejected the plan, citing safety and environmental concerns.

In 2020, under pressure to meet the state’s affordable housing requirements, West Orange officials entered into a court-approved settlement with the developers. The agreement allowed a project to move forward as long as it included 100 affordable housing units.

By 2035, New Jersey municipalities are expected to add or rehabilitate more than 146,000 affordable housing units, according to state calculations. The quotas for each town in the state stem from the Mount Laurel Doctrine, a set of New Jersey Supreme Court decisions that require municipalities to provide their fair share of affordable housing.

The requirements have become a contentious issue, with some towns unsuccessfully suing the state over what they consider to be an unfair obligations to build affordable units.

West Orange is expected to add 1,000 more affordable units over the next decade, according to state requirements.

The township council settled with the Wilfs’ company to allow development of the land because they were worried a judge could approve a larger project under a “builder’s remedy,” giving officials less control and potentially causing greater environmental damage, West Orange Council President Joe Krakoviak said.

Still, the developers must go through a lengthy hearing and approval process, and township leaders say public opposition to the plan hasn’t slowed down.

“Given the wide-ranging and significant concerns raised during the planning board hearings, I fully expect opposition to the project to grow well beyond the board’s decision,” Krakoviak said.

Opposition to the planned development intensified last year after plans to build in the forest resurfaced before the planning board. In July, the West Orange Environmental Commission asked the board to postpone reviewing application, pointing to serious environmental concerns, according to town documents.

The commission warned that building in the sections of the Watchung Mountains could damage state-protected wetlands, cut down thousands of trees, disturb two tributaries of the Canoe Brook and worsen erosion.

One of the most pressing concerns, environmentalists said, is that flooding, which is already a problem in the area, could get worse.

After Hurricane Ida, an apartment building on Northfield Avenue near the Watchung Mountains had to be evacuated due to a rockslide. Environmentalists say building in the forest could increase those risks and lead to more flooding and pollution in nearby areas.

In November, Princeton Hydro, an environmental consulting firm, said the project’s site plans did not comply with state stormwater rules meant to reduce runoff, according to meeting minutes.

In July, the neighboring township of Verona passed a resolution asking the West Orange Planning Board to reject the application. Verona officials said the development would change the landscape in ways that could increase runoff into surrounding areas.

However, the developers say the Department of Environmental Protection issued a stormwater permit last year and their plans meet state regulations to control runoff and water pollution. Garden Homes also plans to implement tree planting and regenerate the forest to replace what will be lost, according to planning documents.

We Care NJ, a grassroots group chaired by prominent attorney Paul Tractenberg, filed an appeal on the issued stormwater permit. Since 2000, the group has worked to preserve environmentally sensitive areas in Essex County and fight against development in the region.

According to Joseph Pannullo, president of We Care, the township’s planning board engineer rejected development on the mountain 20 years ago due to environmental risks. Those concerns, such as flooding, steep slopes and limited access for emergency vehicles still exist and could have only grown, he said.

The organization also argues that developers and the township are using the state’s affordable housing requirements to justify the proposal.

“Public safety and irreparable environmental harm trump, if you will, affordable housing,” Pannullo said. “Our objective is to preserve this site forever, as was the master plan of the town.”

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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