Superintendent's Corner Column

Investing in Fair Lawn's Educational Future

March 21, 2025

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin

Dear Fair Lawn School Community,

We are pleased to share many highlights of our 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget. This Budget was presented to the Board of Education on March 13, 2025, and it was adopted on March 18, 2025. The Budget represents a thoughtful balance between educational excellence and fiscal responsibility—upholding our commitment that "the leaders of tomorrow attend Fair Lawn Schools today."

Budget Priorities

Our proposed Budget focuses on strategic investments in several key areas:

Maintaining academic excellence through curriculum enhancements and educational resources

Supporting student well-being through continued mental health initiatives

Investing in our facilities with necessary capital improvements

Enhancing technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures

Addressing enrollment needs with targeted staffing additions

Key Highlights

Total General Fund Budget: $138,074,188 (1.12% increase from the previous year)

Tax Impact: For the average homeowner with a property assessed at $338,016, this represents a $10.19 monthly increase ($122.25 annually)—a 1.60% increase, which is below our 10-year average of 1.81%

Strategic Staffing: Addition of an elementary teacher, a high school counselor, a district behaviorist, and a high school science teacher to address enrollment and IEP requirements

Capital & Maintenance Improvements: $5.6 million designated for essential facility upgrades throughout all schools, including playground replacements, HVAC systems, and facility renovations

Educational Resources: Enhanced literacy screening tools, updated textbooks, technology support, and professional development initiatives

Fiscal Responsibility

Our district experienced a reduction in state aid amounting to $674,116. We have worked diligently to identify fiscal efficiencies without compromising educational quality amounting to nearly $792,000. These efficiencies include specific reductions in staffing that do not impact teaching and learning to maintain the quality of education our community has come to expect to serve our students. Additionally, we've preserved $3.4 million in banked cap, providing flexibility for future budgets. Compared to similar K-12 districts in Bergen County with over 3,500 students, Fair Lawn ranks 6th out of 8 districts in per-pupil expenditure at $20,274, demonstrating our commitment to substantial educational value while maintaining cost efficiency.

Next Steps

We invite you to learn more about the annual school budget process by reviewing our complete budget presentation and watching the video of our presentation. Following a public hearing, the final budget adoption is scheduled for April 24, 2025.

We want to thank our Board of Education, administrative team, educators, staff, and community for your ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we continue to create educational opportunities that prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world.

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Reminder: Get Your Tickets for “Mamma Mia!” at FLHS

Musical season hits a crescendo this week with the high school’s production of “Mamma Mia!” and it runs March 20-23. Channel your inner dancing queen and take a trip to the Greek Isles for a wedding weekend as the lead character Sophie looks to have her biological father walk her down the aisle. But the burning question lingers … who exactly is Sophie’s father? Take a chance on this Broadway smash and buy your ticket for the remaining performances!

Gianna Bonaccorso Nabs State Wrestling Tourney

Fourth Place Win &

Coach Dimitri Named BCWCA Coach of the Year

Gianna has made Fair Lawn High School history, becoming our first ever Girls Bergen County champion, Regional champion, and highest state medalist (since Scott Kemp, 1990) at the NJSIAA State Tournament in Atlantic City, where she earned 4th place in her weight class. As Senior Captain, Gianna had a season to remember – ending her season and career with a 27-3 record. Coach Vince Dimitri says, “Gianna’s performance was focused and determined with her eyes set on placing in the state. She made the most of her opportunities by wrestling tough opponents to earn a state medal. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments!” Check out her interview with Garden State High School Wrestling here.

In addition, the Bergen County Women Coaches Association recently named Coach Dimitri their wrestling Coach of the Year. Recognizing his success, FLHS Athletic Director Cory Robinson notes, “The size and success of the program are a testament to Coach’s commitment and passion for the sport. His efforts are truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a positive impact on the team and the wrestling community in Fair Lawn.”

Warren Point, Forrest “Mix It Up” at Lunchtime

As Fair Lawn’s No Place for Hate Initiative looks at ways to implement initiatives at the elementary level, two schools got a jump start last week sharing snacks and fun facts. Warren Point and Forrest held a “Mix it Up Lunch” where students in different classes sat across from each other in the lunchroom and picked up colorful cards to spark conversation. Simple questions about favorite books & colors promote a larger effort of kindness, inclusivity, and building new friendships!

FLHS Senior Honored at Bergen County “Unsung Hero” Awards

Fair Lawn High School senior Johnny Fitzgibbon was recently recognized as a “Bergen County Unsung Hero” at the county-wide awards ceremony on March 4 at Bergen Community College. Since 2022, high school administrators each select 1 student for this prestigious honor via the Bergen County School Boards Association. Unsung Heroes are students who make a lasting impact through their “unique and outstanding contributions” to their schools.

In her speech at BCC, HS Vice Principal Nicole Mattina proudly stated, “[Johnny’s] determination and strong will have allowed him to hold leadership positions in the social studies honor society, become the FLHS morning announcer, and an active member of the volunteer club Access for All ….. staff and students alike want to celebrate him.” Congratulations Johnny, you earned it!

Celebrating Read Across America Week

Oh, the places you’ll go… when you pick up a good book! Our schools were the center of literary magic March 3-7 for the time-honored tradition of Read Across America Week. Alongside special events like Lyncrest’s Dr. Seuss Breakfast, we extend a huge thanks to numerous Central Office staff, Board of Education Trustees, Supervisors, parents, and the FLHS Impact Club who bopped around the district as daily mystery readers. We put together a little wrap-up video to mark the occasion - check it out here!

Ramapo College

Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership

2025 COHORT

Dear Fair Lawn Community,

The Fair Lawn Public Schools is thrilled to present a remarkable opportunity that aligns with our mission to advance education and support the professional growth of esteemed educators for learning, teaching, and leading.

We are excited to introduce the second-year partnership between Ramapo College and Fair Lawn Public Schools towards a Masters of Arts in Education Educational Leadership (MAEL), hosted in Fair Lawn. This program is designed to empower passionate educators like yourself to make a lasting impact through learning and leadership as you earn a NJ Principal and Supervisor Certificate.

Program Overview:

NJ Certificate of Eligibility for Principal (36 credits): Equipping you with the necessary credentials for principal roles.

Post-Masters NJ Supervisor Certificate Program (16 credits): Completion in Summer I & II for further career enhancement.

Cohort & Hybrid Model Classes: Taught by outstanding educational leaders in the Fair Lawn Public Schools, offering flexibility and convenience.

Accelerated Option: Complete your MA in just 2 years or accelerate it to 1 year, tailored to your needs.

Affordable & Flexible: Benefit from discounted tuition, tuition reimbursement, payment plans, and financial aid options to make your education accessible.

Next Steps:

The Ramapo College MAEL Program is a graduate master's program open to everyone.

If you are interested in this transformative opportunity, please complete the Google Form below to indicate your interest and to receive details about upcoming Information Sessions. Priority registration will be provided to Fair Lawn faculty and staff.

Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and excellence in education.

http://tinyurl.com/RamapoMAELCohort2025