Dear CHB  Families,

We are reaching out with an important and difficult message regarding the budget crisis impacting our schools. We anticipate this week will be especially challenging for our CHB community, and we want to share information about what to expect and how we can all support our schools.

Background:

The Montclair Public School District (MPS) faces a $19.6 million budget deficit. All 11 public schools are facing serious cuts to staffing (including nurses, untenured classroom teachers, curriculum support teachers and security guards), bussing services, sports and club programming, and more. The BOE voted to hold a special election on December 9, 2025 to put forth two ballot questions that would close the deficit through taxpayer funds, which would avoid the immediate cuts and set up the district for long-term fiscal stability and success.

What to Expect at CHB This Week:

In the event that these questions do not pass, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, MPS is legally required to notify potentially 13 teachers and support professionals at CHB that their positions may be eliminated effective January 1, 2026. These are just some of the more than 100 positions that are up for elimination in the district. These potential cuts would trigger a disruptive cascading reassignment of remaining teachers, forcing staff with seniority to potentially move into new roles in the middle of the school year.

We are sharing this now because your children may hear about these changes at school. This news will understandably create uncertainty and emotion within our community. Let’s make sure to show our amazing CHB teachers and staff some extra love and gratitude. 

The critical point is this: Unless there is a YES vote on question 2, these heartbreaking cuts will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

The PTAC’s Recommendation: Vote YES-YES!

The December 9 special election poses two important questions:

Question

Purpose

Financial Impact 

Question 1

To raise $12.6 Million to pay back the State loan and prevent 10 years of State Fiscal Monitorship.

Estimated one-time tax of ~$1,100 on the average assessed home.

Question 2

To raise $7 Million in recurring revenue to bridge the budget gap for the current 2025-2026 school year and save critical staff/programs.

Estimated annual tax increase of ~$680 on the average assessed home.

After multiple in-depth meetings and due diligence, the Montclair PTA Council (PTAC) has officially voted to support a resounding YES on both Question 1 and Question 2. 

We understand the financial burden this poses, but our recommendation is rooted in these core principles:

• Short Term Stability: A YES vote on Question 2 is the immediate step needed to stabilize our budget and minimize the job loss notices scheduled for October 22. Without Q2, mid-year cuts in January will eliminate specialists, arts, and teachers, leading to significant cascading disruption and new teachers for many students after the holiday break.
• Preserving Local Control: A YES vote on Question 1 prevents 10 years of State Fiscal Monitorship. This protects local control and avoids externally mandated cuts that could deeply disrupt our schools. A state monitor will cost the district at least $1.2M in reduced aid each year for the next 10 years, resulting in additional cuts anyway.

Call for Accountability

We acknowledge the poor leadership that created this financial situation. It is important to clarify that Superintendent Turner inherited this crisis upon beginning her tenure, well after these financial issues were in place. She has since demonstrated genuine commitment and proactive leadership in stabilizing the budget and preventing potential State Monitorship. We have confidence in her new vision, the procedural reforms being implemented, and her commitment to transparency and cooperation with stakeholders via the Community Advisory Council. Furthermore, Question 2 funds a necessary full forensic audit to investigate the root causes of the financial deficit and ensure accountability moving forward. Passing both measures is the vital first step toward financial stabilization and a sustainable future.

We urge all Montclair families to educate themselves, practice empathy, and commit to voting YES/YES on December 9. Together, we can protect our schools, preserve our educators, and strengthen the foundation of our community.

With appreciation and partnership,
Colleen Hornung and Risa Whipple, Co Presidents

Charles H. Bullock Parent-Teacher Association