This Recommendations document proposes a Work Plan for a comprehensive review of Montclair Public Schools’ (MPS) budget and policies: identifying areas where the District can save, spend better and smarter, and improve the quality of education. It also outlines a potential pathway for accomplishing this process, one that operates within the resource constraints facing our district by leveraging volunteer capacity within the community.

This document is divided in two parts. First, it outlines a comprehensive Work Plan for MPS with two clear goals: identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies, and improve the quality of academic achievement and equity. It provides some preliminary examples of areas that could be explored by the District. It builds on the important planning that the Superintendent and Business Administrator have already done in a short period of time, including identifying and educating the public about core problems and areas for improvement.

The second part presents a strategy for undertaking this work that leverages the talent and resources of volunteers from the community. It outlines how this process could work and the safeguards that would need to be put in place to protect privacy, prevent conflicts of interest, respect the workforce, promote transparency, and ensure follow-through and effective management.

With thoughtful, methodical, and creative planning and partnership, the District has the opportunity to harness the momentum of the current budget crisis and help our District emerge stronger.

READ THE RECOMMENDATIONS