Issue 4 of 8
Communication
Budget decisions have been shared too late to change. The administration and BOE must present options in the Fall and Winter — through letters, town halls, surveys, and two-way dialogue.
The local public school system is a responsibility that belongs to all of us in West Orange. When making hard decisions, prioritizing limited resources, everyone must be informed, involved and included. Communication must be strong, constant, and inclusive.
The details of the last two years of budget cuts have been communicated only through the presentation of preliminary and final budgets in March and May, when it is too late to make significant changes. This cannot continue. We know now that the 2026-2027 school budget will contain the same challenges. The administration and BOE must share options with the community in the Fall and Winter, before there is no chance to make choices. This must include:
- Regular letters to the community
- Social Media
- Town Halls
- Two way dialogues with community leaders from all parts of town
- Surveys for parental and resident input
- Sharing of all options
- Collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council
- Clear strategic planning for 1, 3, 5 and 10 year time horizons