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.