State Monitor or Local Control? Montclair Is Divided. Plus: Town Manager Stephen Marks on Budget Challenges

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This week, Montclair’s financial story gets real. We sit down with Town Manager Stephen Marks to talk candidly about the township’s budget, his first six months on the job, and why he believes a state fiscal monitor might be “warranted” for Montclair’s schools, given a nearly $20 million deficit.

Then: What can Montclair learn from our neighbors in Nutley, who are currently experiencing the effects of a state takeover of their school district? We unpack the lessons, the trade-offs, and the emotion behind what it means to lose (or preserve) local control.

Plus:

• Why are some residents voting Yes/Yes to fund both deficits, and others are saying No to send a message?
• Montclair principals send letters to families outlining potential cuts and encouraging a YES vote on December 9, which raises flags.
• A new resource SaveMontclairSchools.com, is a grassroots group urging residents to vote Yes/Yes in the upcoming special election.
• A lighter break: Farnoosh & Mike Eat Food (sponsored by Twocents) heads to Libélula Café for empanadas that might change your day.
• “Ask Our Agent” with sponsor Karin Diana of Compass: Options for Montclair homeowners who want to downsize but stay local.

And your favorite local pod just got some hardware. The Montclair Pod is officially a Signal Awards winner for Best Local News Podcast!

Join for a special live taping of The Montclair Pod at The Montclair Film Festival. Reserve your seats.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber

Produced by The Montclair Pod

Edited by Bob Raynor

Sponsored by Twocents and Karin Diana, Compass Montclair

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