EAST ORANGE, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Education says the East Orange School District violated state regulations.
According to East Orange City Hall, 71 in-school staff members and four district employees are being laid off, and 18 employees are retiring or moving to new assignments. This is all due to a $25 million budget shortfall.
In a statement Tuesday, the DOE says the district failed to promptly notify them about the conditions behind the deficit:
“East Orange School District’s reports that they are experiencing a budget shortfall and must lay off staff so early in the school year raises concern. Notably, the New Jersey Department of Education’s (Department) regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(b)) provide clear direction for districts that are at risk of falling into a fiscal deficit, which includes promptly notifying the Department of the conditions that caused the deficit. Unfortunately, East Orange School district did not follow these steps, including timely notification to the Department, so the Department is now attempting to gather information from the district. Representatives from the Department met with district officials yesterday morning and will continue to seek additional information from the district to better understand their current fiscal situation.”