For the second time in three months Columbia High School was under lockdown today, according to police on the scene who declined to offer specifics, but barred vehicle and pedestrian traffic in front of the school. The incident began at about 11 a.m. as police blocked off the entire stretch of Parker Avenue in front of the school and portions of some side streets. Only a few students were kept outside as the scanner indicated police were going floor by floor to search, but did not say for what. As of 11:47 a.m., the lockdown was still in place.
Maplewood police issued an alert that stated: Advisory: The Maplewood PD is investigationg a lockdown alarm at CHS.
It is being investigated as a possible false alarm or system error. The last lockdown occurred on November 10 after a student and former student got into a fight in which brass knuckles were used. The former student was eventually arrested.
The average property tax bill in Maplewood rose by $269 in 2014, from $13,657 to $13,926, according to data released Tuesday by the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.
The records also indcate that in the last 10 years the average tax bill has increased by $4,305 since 2004 when the average rate was $9,621.
We told you last week about the Board of Education plans to hire a consultant for $78,000 as part of the agreement to settle a claim of racial discrimination in student punishment and promotion. The Board followed through with the hiring on Monday night in a unanimous vote that gives the contract to Sage Educational Consultants, which was the lowest of three bidders. See more HERE.
Mayor Vic De Luca revealed at Tuesday night's Township Committee meeting that the Township was in negotiations with South Orange to share services in the area of animal control.
The update follows the township's recent move to dismiss its animal control officer and contract with a Newark organization for the service. He noted the potential for a shared service below:
11:00 am – 11:30 am Hilton Branch Library * Ages birth – 2 1/2 * Valid Maplewood Library card required All children must be accompanied by an adult * No registration required
A vocal group of Seth Boyden School parents showed up at Monday night's school board meeting to demand more resources and funding for the demonstration school, claiming it is not being provided with enough support.
Parents contend that they have more difficulty raising funds through the PTA because its members are from lower-income families than most of the grade schools. For instance, 43% of Seth Boyden students utilize free or reduced lunch, twice as many as any other elementary school in the district. Several parents stood with one parent, PTA Co-President Amelia Riekenberg, as she made their case before the board.
The Board of Education on Monday night honored the district's advanced placement students with accolades and reading of their names. See the honorees HERE.
