PARSIPPANY — The African American Cultural Club (AACC) at Parsippany High School invites the community to participate in a special Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21. The event will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the school parking lot, 309 Baldwin Road.

This car wash is more than just a chance to get your vehicle sparkling clean. It’s an opportunity to support a great cause that directly benefits the students of Parsippany High School. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the Frederick Douglass College Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to graduating seniors who are members of the AACC. These funds will help ease the burden of college expenses and support the students pursuing higher education.

The Frederick Douglass College Scholarship is a cornerstone of the AACC’s mission to empower and uplift African American students within the Parsippany High School community. The scholarship is awarded to students who have shown academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service throughout their high school careers.

“We’re excited to host this car wash and look forward to seeing our community come together to support our graduating seniors,” said a representative from the AACC. “This fundraiser is part of our ongoing effort to ensure all students have the resources to succeed after high school. We appreciate everyone who comes out to support us!”

Participants are encouraged to bring their cars, SUVs, or trucks to the high school, where members of the AACC and volunteers will be ready to wash vehicles in exchange for a suggested donation of $5.00 per car. Donations are accepted in cash; all contributions will go directly to the scholarship fund.

The AACC at Parsippany High School has a long history of organizing events and activities that promote cultural awareness, unity, and academic excellence. This car wash is one of many community-based events planned for the 2024-2025 school year, all designed to enrich the lives of students and the broader community.

Don’t miss this chance to get your car cleaned while supporting a worthy cause. Join us on September 21 and help make a difference in the lives of Parsippany High School’s future leaders.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Cube Club is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement this summer with its Rubik’s Cube Bootcamp, scheduled from August 19 to 23, 2024, at Kumon of Parsippany. This engaging camp will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is an excellent opportunity for young students to learn how to solve the Rubik’s Cube or enhance their skills.

For a fee of $300, participants will engage in activities aimed at boosting concentration, improving finger dexterity, and connecting with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. This boot camp offers more than just fun; it provides a chance to build valuable skills in a supportive environment. All proceeds from the camp will benefit special needs children and help with hunger relief efforts.

Anikait Sota, the founder of the Parsippany Cube Club, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to offer this boot camp as a way for kids to not only improve their cubing skills but also develop critical thinking. We are also hosting a small competition on the last day to provide a great experience to our camp participants.”

Space is limited, so act quickly to secure a spot. You can register by visiting the Rubik’s Cube Bootcamp Registration page or scanning the flyer’s QR code. Prepare to turn your summer into a mind-bending adventure with the Parsippany Cube Club!

PARSIPPANY — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Sutter recently conversed with Christopher Waack, Principal of Intervale Elementary School, and Juan Cruz, Principal of Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, to discuss plans and preparations for the upcoming elementary back-to-school season. The discussion focused on ensuring a smooth transition for students as they return to the classroom, emphasizing the importance of a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Dr. Sutter and Principals Waack and Cruz are committed to making the new school year a successful and positive experience for the entire school community.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band is rolling out the sponges and suds for a good cause! On Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the band will host a Car Wash fundraiser at Parsippany High School at 309 Baldwin Road. For just $5.00, community members can get their vehicles sparkling clean while supporting the local high school’s talented musicians.

This fundraiser is crucial for the band as they gear up for their upcoming season, which promises to be filled with thrilling performances and competitions. Funds raised will help cover costs for new equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and other essential resources to ensure the band performs at its best.

PARSIPPANY — Correspondence from community members has recently been received concerning the recent waiver of Policy #2312. The rationale for waiving this district policy for the 2024-2025 school year deserves clarification. It is important to emphasize that there is no intention to “pack classrooms” with students. Current enrollment numbers indicate an overall average class size in the district’s elementary schools of 21.32 students, and the registration documentation as of this date does not suggest an influx of students at this time.

However, as the public knows, numerous “PILOT Building Projects” have been approved or are in the approval phase within the Township. Given this, the district has been discussing potential contingency plans for educating the significant number of additional students anticipated to enroll in the district once these PILOT projects open.

The district has been fiscally prudent with its funds, as evidenced by the ability to fund Phase I of a six-classroom building addition at Littleton Elementary School. This construction was budgeted without asking the taxpayers of Parsippany-Troy Hills for additional funds via a referendum. The intention is to continue saving for Phase II of the Littleton building addition, including another seven classrooms. This will result in thirteen additional classrooms without seeking additional money via referendum from the taxpayers; these classrooms can accommodate a maximum of 325 additional students. This achievement is particularly notable considering that the district cannot legally raise its operating budget by more than two percent, except for any banked cap that may be available. The public needs to understand that the two percent increase may include, among other recurring costs, raises of three or more percent a year for staff, health care premium cost increases of approximately nine to ten percent a year, district liability insurance premium cost increases of seven to eight percent, increased transportation costs, as well as building and district maintenance (e.g., roof replacements, HVAC replacements/fixes). Additionally, the district has managed to retain all district positions (i.e., administrators, teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance, custodians, bus drivers, bus aides, and non-affiliated staff members), while surrounding districts have been forced to eliminate staff due to the two-percent budget constraints.

While waiving the classroom size policy is not ideal, it was not abolished. It would not benefit the district to have a policy it cannot follow. In the interest of honesty and transparency, the policy waiver has been granted for the 2024-2025 school year, and it will be revisited at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. It should be noted that the portion of the policy that allows for hiring an aide for a classroom, grade level, or school to be recommended by the Superintendent has not been waived. The district has various classrooms that include one to two “shared paraprofessionals.” As the Board of Education and administration continue to address the issue of increased enrollment, all options will remain open for discussion, including a potential referendum.

Finally, any proceeds the Board of Education receives from these PILOTs are certainly appreciated. However, the continued annual expenses of funding these additional anticipated students—such as hiring extra staff and adding transportation routes—cannot be addressed by PILOT payments. These recurrent costs must ultimately be incorporated into the school district’s budget, which depends on the local tax base.

The Board of Education strives to secure a third meeting with the Mayor and the Township’s Business Administrator to discuss revenue sharing from these PILOT projects to house and support additional students properly. While a meeting has not yet been arranged, there is confidence that the Mayor will fulfill his commitment to meet with the Board for this purpose, leading to an arrangement that benefits both parties and does not adversely impact the taxpayers. Once a firm monetary commitment concerning revenue sharing is secured, the district will be in a better position to assess and update its plans.

If community members have ideas that could assist the district, especially regarding class size, funding additional classroom space, and hiring additional staff for these new classrooms, in light of the obligation to educate all students, the Board of Education and district leadership are happy to listen.

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PARSIPPANY — Upon being elected Mayor, I inherited a fiscal mess. We have successfully addressed our challenges and put the Township back on a sound financial footing by making fiscally responsible decisions. We prioritized public safety by hiring 20 police officers. We maintained the exceptional services our residents deserve, increasing senior services and recreation programs, and we are very much focused on turning vacant commercial buildings into revenue-producing properties, thereby transferring the tax burden from our residential taxpayers to our increasing commercial tax base.  This plan takes a long-term and ongoing commitment, but the early success is evident.

As a product of the Parsippany public school system, I am a staunch supporter of our children and schools. I have a proven track record of that.  I do not believe it is too much to ask of any potential partners looking for money from the Township to prove they share our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

At the most recent meeting of the Township Council on Tuesday, August 6th, I read into the record my reply to a certified letter received from the Parsippany Board of Education Board President regarding discussions with the school board about ongoing shared services and PILOT revenue the Township will not receive for at least two years. Despite alarming concerns about the board’s political activity, I asked the Board to join me in working together to benefit our residents and students.

During the public portion of this Council Meeting, a public member eloquently expressed concern about the schools and their direction.

This concerned Parsippany Mom sent an email to the superintendent and board president last week expressing disappointment in their new policy of abandoning the 25-student per classroom maximum rule, creating unnecessarily crowded K-5 classrooms. In response, this concerned Parsippany Mom received an email from the superintendent “doing a lot of finger-pointing,” ultimately blaming the school board’s misguided policy change that could create classroom overcrowding on the Township and PILOTs. I share her concern after hearing about Parsippany’s Mom’s interaction with school leaders.  The BOE and its Administration have not appropriately planned and blame anyone they can for overcrowded classrooms, which the NJEA calls “a serious safety hazard and poor learning environment.”

The Superintendent and the school board know well that the only active PILOT is with UPS, and no students live in that facility. The next PILOT to come online is for a project that remains under construction and was negotiated and agreed upon by the prior administration in 2021. Large projects take at least a few years to come online, so there is plenty of opportunity for a well-run organization to perform its fiduciary duties and properly plan for the good of our children.

After what they have described in texts as “very positive meetings” with the school board, the public is now subjected to misinformation, political deviousness, and what seems to be the makings of a negotiation in bad faith by school board members for political gain or to whitewash.  Rarely do you see a school board so politically motivated; frankly, it is why we have found it easier and more productive to work directly with the various volunteer parent groups doing fantastic work for our children despite the school board.

Enrollment is down. State aid is up. No new project is adding enrollment in September. The strangeness of their gross mischaracterizations and oddly defensive blame game could make one wonder why they are so money-hungry.

63% of every tax dollar goes to the Board of Education. The total school tax is by far one of the highest in the County. Their financial decisions impact all of us, and the irrefutable fact is that the Board of Education receives every dime of money in its approved budget, whether there are PILOTs or not. No one, not my Administration or prior Administration, has stopped the school board from receiving what it is legally obligated to receive.

At our last meeting, I announced that the Township will engage a highly regarded school finance expert to advise my Administration and the Township Council so that we can determine whether the Board of Education is a good steward of our taxpayer dollars.

The challenges of governing are significant.  We need to work together to meet those challenges for a better Parsippany.  I have dedicated my life to doing just that.  I am willing to sit and negotiate a fair and amicable shared services agreement with the Board of Education upon being confident that they are good stewards of our taxpayer dollars.  It would be irresponsible for me to do otherwise. It is my sincere hope that Board of Education President Andy Choffo and the rest of the Board will put aside focusing on politics, the blame game, and the misinformation campaign that has hurt our community, and I ask them again to join me in focusing on working together in the interest of our residents and students.

Editors Note: All articles on www.parsippanyfocus.com are subject to copyright protection laws and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

PARSIPPANY — Montclair State University congratulates the Red Hawks for being named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.

The Dean’s List, issued by the academic deans after the close of the Fall and Spring semesters, recognizes students with a 3.50 or higher semester GPA if a minimum of 12 credits are earned in courses that contribute to the GPA and if there are no incomplete grades for that semester.

The following Parsippany students were named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List: Disha Patel, Ariana Foster, Anabelen Delgado, Daniel Lupo, Jenna Wear, Faith Mostillo, Meghan Brennan, John Bunao, Nina Falivene, Alexis Cajas, Michaela Tomanelli, Nicholas Roepke, Farah Sheira, Tori Freire, Miriam Aguirre, Davin Budich, Aunmol Malik, Jack Bellardino, Chetsi Patel, Alexandra De Martinis, Nevaeh Jordine, Cory Wechsler, Alyssa Lopez, Nidhi Mistry, Kevin Preston, Zhi-Yi Hsu, Nakul Raj, Gabrielle La Rosa, Ilana Mina Henao, Safiye Okuyan, Lindsey Depetris, Alex Picinich, Emily Carriero, Dominick Verducci, Armaan Patel, Alexa Dela Cruz, Melanie Carlos, Terence Bernardo, Samantha Freitag, Michael Cohen, Dominick Tomanelli, Stephanie Lupo, Noelia Aguirre Reyes, Rene Modesto, Christopher Stauffer, Erika Vandooijeweert, Ami Babaria, Henry Montesano, Alana Marzullo, Mo Hassan, Jonathon Mercado, Tarnchanok Chada, Melissa Trujillo, Yoosuf Bouzaitoun, Deanna Degrandis, Luqmaan Bouzaitoun, Stefani Stojanoska, Harmond Atienza, Joey Jankovic, Samantha Catalini, Harold Atienza, Lena Edwards, Christopher Roepke, Eliza Silva, Michelle Randazzo, Yousef Abdelhalim, Sebastian Callie, and Brandon Schwab.

PARSIPPANY — Isaiah J. Washington received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies during the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges on Sunday, May 19. Isaiah, a graduate of Delbarton School Class of 2020, is the son of Jermaine Washington and Julie Washington.

Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn delivered the Commencement Address. She told the Class of 2024 that building connections can be some of the most essential parts of people’s lives. “My call to all of you Statesmen and Herons of the Class of 2024 is to nourish and seek out connection fiercely,” said Spahn. “Do not stay in your bubble or pod; I am talking about the kinds of deeply personal, curious, human connections made across differences that have the potential to alter the course of human history following a period of deep uncertainty and isolation.”

In his valedictory address, President Mark D. Gearan called upon the graduates to honor the mission of Hobart and William Smith by leading a life of consequence, one committed to purpose, meaning, and accomplishment. He stressed that the latest research reveals the significant impact that even casual interactions with people can have on our mental health and social well-being. “I believe we all have the opportunity, perhaps even a responsibility, to make an impact on others even if we don’t realize it in the moment,” said Gearan. “So, Class of 2024 – dream big. Live a life inspired by Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirlief, the first elected female head of State in Africa: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

This year, HWS conferred four honorary degrees to individuals who represent the values and ideals of Hobart and William Smith. They included Spahn; best-selling author, screenwriter, and producer Jessica Knoll ’06; decorated air combat veteran and former HWS Director of Alumni Relations Lt. Col. John E. Norvell ’66, P’99, P’02; and the late HWS Trustee Michael Rawlins ’80, P’16, who served at the Walt Disney Company as Head of Enterprise Content and the Broadcast Media Design Team.