Washington teacher Patricia Villarosa dies following accident

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Washington Elementary School first-grade teacher Patricia Villarosa died March 9 at University Hospital after being struck by a car on Pleasant Valley Way on Feb. 26. Villarosa had been on her way to the Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Jeff Rutzky released the following statement to faculty and staff: “We are […]

Kelly Elementary School student overcomes adversity to inspire others

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Saniyah Williams is a fifth-grade student at Kelly School who loves math and loves to run 5K races with her Girls on the Run group. Her favorite running shoes are turquoise and pink. She also loves gym classes, recess and jumping rope. The only difference between Saniyah and her fellow students […]

Middle school STEM program expands

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program is expanding in West Orange middle schools, according to a press release from the school district. Currently the middle school has programs operating in sixth and seventh grade. Discovering STEM is now in its second year at Edison Middle School. Investigating with STEM is […]

BOE votes 3-1 to renew Rutzky’s contract

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education renewed Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Rutzky’s contract at its Feb. 26 meeting with a vote of 3-1. BOE member Irv Schwarzbaum was the only opposing vote and President Ron Charles abstained due to his wife’s employment with the district. Rutzky’s new contract takes effect July […]

BOE postpones vote on Rutzky’s contract

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education delayed the vote on whether to renew Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Rutzky’s contract at its Feb. 12 meeting, so board members could take into consideration comments they heard at the meeting. The vote is now scheduled for Feb. 26. Many members of the community spoke […]

BOE speaks to community about superintendent’s contract

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Board of Education released the following letter to the community on Feb. 20: Dear School District Community, There have been a number of inquiries concerning the West Orange Board of Education’s consideration of the Superintendent’s contract. The Board is legally precluded from publicly discussing personnel matters, but assures the public […]

West Orange mayor looks back on 2017

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual breakfast at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Jan. 31, celebrating local businesses and Mayor Robert Parisi’s State of the Township Address. Parisi also presented the Employee of the Year Award to police dispatcher Chris Babinski and Citizen of the Year Award to […]

Gregory’s ‘Great Kindness Challenge’ warms hearts and spirits

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The annual Gregory Elementary School “Great Kindness Challenge” warmed hearts throughout West Orange, sharing smiles, hugs, and words of inspiration and support. Organized by guidance counselor Sarah McIntosh, this year’s challenge was held the week of Jan. 22. Members of three branches of the military, Mayor Robert Parisi, Superintendent Jeff Rutzky, […]

Charles to helm WOBOE in 2018

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education kicked off the new year with its reorganization meeting on Jan. 8, swearing in new BOE member Ken Alper, unanimously electing new President Ron Charles and Vice President Mark Robertson, and approving 2018 BOE liaisons. In addition to joining the board, Alper was designated as […]