Supper with the Super: Cuts, Confusion and the Fight for Trust

In this second installment of Supper with the Super, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for a candid, wide-ranging conversation—this time over Ethiopian comfort food at Mesob, a beloved local institution on Bloomfield Avenue.

We dig into the realities behind the district’s budget crisis, the difficult decisions shaping the next school year, and what it will take to rebuild trust with families. Turner speaks openly about the pressure of the role, why transparency matters more than ever, and how she’s approaching leadership in one of Montclair’s most challenging moments.

We also get specific about what parents and students can expect - from middle school consolidation and cuts to sports and clubs, to changes in language offerings, transportation, and more. Plus, we bring your questions directly to the table, covering everything from “Where’s the money?” to the forensic audit timeline, the search for a new business administrator, and whether a state monitor could still step in.

Beyond the numbers, we talk about the human side of this story: the students advocating for their schools, the parents stepping up in meaningful ways, and the superintendent’s own commitment to seeing this through.

Plus in this episode:

• A closer look at how budget cuts will impact elementary, middle, and high school students
• Why the “missing money” narrative persists—and what’s actually true
• Updates on the forensic audit and key district hires
• The debate over Lackawanna Plaza PILOT funds and school funding
• Whether another school tax vote could happen
• Local news, including the NJ-11 election and Renaissance Middle School deadlines
• A deep dive into Montclair’s oldest restaurants
• And a classic Montclair “One Big Thing,” from pizza debates to weekend plans

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