Scheduling Conflicts Eliminate River Dell Organic Chem Class

Students demand to know what the conflicts are and chance for course to run; Board calls situation a "Pandora's Box"

After one year running, some of the highest science-minded students at River Dell Regional are left in a lurch as an organic chemistry class for Fall 2012 has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. But the group, many of which are looking to study medicine later in the life, have taken their fight to the Board of Education in hopes of determining what the conflicts are and how it could be resolved. "We've been pushing for this class to run since the beginning," Anthony said. Each student who spoke with Patch requested that their full names not be used. "My take on this is we shouldn't have to push the district to run this class, they should be pushing us to take the highest classes they offer." The program, considered a required class…

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Petitions Available for Board of Education Spots

Residents can submit their petition prior to the June primary

Each of the three school districts, River Edge, Oradell and River Dell will have three Board of Education seats up for grabs come the November general election on Nov. 6. Legal requirements for becoming a member of a local Board of Education are as follows: The New Jersey School Boards Association has published an online Candidate Kit with information for citizens interested in running for a position on their local board of education in November 2012. The kit includes directions on obtaining and filing a nominating petition, as well as information about legal qualifications for school board candidacy and the role of the school board member. Background about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process…

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Oradell Board of Ed Holds Public Budget Hearing

The interim Superintendent presented the proposed budget for 2011-2012.

The Oradell Board of Education held a special presentation on Wednesday night to present their budget for the 2011-2012 school year. Interim Superintendent Dr. Maria Nuccetelli presented a 20-minute slide presentation in the town council chambers, before local cable access cameras and an audience of about 40 citizens. The presentation will be rebroadcast on OPTV, on Cablevision Channel 77 or Verizon Channel 28. Due to state law, the maximum increase to the tax levy that the Board of Education can institute is 2%. This will amount to a tax levy total of $9,653,205 which will be up for a vote on Wednesday, April 27. The total budget is $10,097,001. That increase, based on the average assessment of $531,810 will come to $64.91 per household …

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Prelim Oradell School Budget Yields $65 Increase to Residents

The Oradell Board of Education held a special session on Wednesday to approve a preliminary budget

The Oradell Board of Education held a special session on Wednesday to discuss and approve the preliminary 2011-12 school year budget. And with the new 2% tax levy cap in place, Oradell residents may see an increase of $65.24 on the average assessed home of $531,810. Interim Superintendent Dr. Maria Nuccatelli spoke at length about the items in the budget, emphasizing that much of the budget will be similar to 2010-2011, and that class sizes will stay the same.  There will, however, be a 3.7% increase in tax revenue that will be occurring. This number, however, will not be seen in its entirety by the citizens of Oradell. Rather, they will have a new tax levy of 2%, which comes to a total of an approximate average assessment of $65.24 per …

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Eamon Harbord

9:37 am on Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thank you for the additional clarifications Dr. Nuccetelli.   more ›

Referendum Request To Change the River Dell Funding Formula Approved

Oradell Council had requested for the district's funding formula to be based entirely on student enrollment

The debate about how to pay for the River Dell school system has been ongoing for several years. The question of how to handle the funding formula between Oradell and River Edge has involved years of hearings, public discussions and even legal suits. Last night, the Board approved unanimously to place a referendum to the voters in the future regarding a change in the funding formula. On Sept. 24, the Oradell Mayor and Council sent a letter to the River Dell Board of Education recommending that they hold a referendum to make 100% of the funding be based on student enrollment. The Mayor and Council requested a response within 60 days. While it is within the purview  of the Board to put a referendum on the ballot for voters, the potential $30…

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New Position Created at OPS

Board of Ed approves Director of Special Education and Student Support Services position

At the meeting of the Oradell Board of Education tonight, the topic of greatest interest was the creation of a new Director of Special Education and Student Support Services. This new position will allow for a single person to make certain that all necessary areas of coverage for special students will be taken into account and covered. This includes special needs students, students facing language barriers, and more. The new Director makes certain that the programs meet all state and federal guidelines. Requirements for the new Director include a Principal's Certificate. This serves to provide an additional supervisor for the overall 800 students in the 100,000 square foot building. Interim Superintendent Dr. Maria Nuccatelli also says the…

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'09 Saw 13 Acts of Vandalism Plus One Fight at River Dell

Fletcher discussed activities to combat violence, vandalism and bullying at recent Board of Ed.

At last month's Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Patrick Fletcher gave a presentation on the activities that have and will take place in honor of Violence and Vandalism week. The purpose of this week is to inform parents and students in the community about the dangers of violence and the effects that it is has on the community as well has how to address it. Even though the week was held from Oct. 18-22, the school recently had some activities and will be having a few more during the next few weeks. It is to promote a positive school climate and culture. Fletcher stated that fourteen acts of violence and vandalism occurred over the course of the 2009-2010 school year. Thirteen of those reported acts were vandalism, which mainly …