Top Bloomfield School Stories of 2013

Schools Budget Debate, Controversy

The Bloomfield budget passionately discussed and debated starting late February, when the School Board voted down an “Armageddon” budget that would have entailed the loss of 100 school staff members in an 8-1 vote.

The budget passed by a divided school board at their special meeting on Tuesday, March 5, entailed the loss of 86 teaching jobs for the district, as well as between four and five secretaries and two to four members of the administrative staff. Then-Superintendent Bing passed a budget that preserved all district jobs. That budget was later amended, with school officials having to make cuts. 

Bloomfield Schools Supt. Jason Bing Resigns

Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Jason Bing surprised many in the district by abruptly leaving his job as schools chief in May following a prolonged school budget crisis that brought staffing cuts for the district. In September, the Jersey City school district hired Bing as its chief academic officer.

School Board Plans for Post Bing Future

Bing was replaced by BOE Director of Human Resources/Labor Relations Nicholas Dotoli, who became interim Superintendent of schools.

Goncalves Becomes the New Schools Superintendent

In a split vote in October, the Board appointed Bloomfield Middle School Principal Salvatore Goncalves Superintendent. Montclair High School Principal James Earle had also been in contention. After an executive session, the board voted in favor of Goncalves seven to three, with Board President Board President Emily M. Smith and board members Kent Weisert and Dr. Paula Zaccone voting no on Goncalves. 

Former BOE President Resigns From Board 

After stepping down as School Board president, Mary Shaughnessy resigned from the Board entirely. Shaughnessy joined the board in 2009. She stepped down from the role as president in June citing personal and family reasons.