MONTVALE — A message circulating among Pascack Valley Regional High School District families is urging residents to attend the Board of Education’s April 13 meeting to support custodial staff amid concerns they could be replaced by a private contractor.
The message, shared online and among school community members, claims more than 20 custodial positions could be affected and describes the workers’ role in maintaining school facilities, supporting events and ensuring daily operations run smoothly.
The district’s public agenda for the 7:30 p.m. meeting at Pascack Hills High School does not include any item explicitly referencing custodial outsourcing, privatization, or a cleaning-services contract.
The concern surfaces as the regional district navigates budget pressures tied largely to rising health care costs. As previously reported by Pascack Press, the board approved a $72.8 million preliminary budget for 2026–27 that would raise taxes by about 5.11% across its four sending towns.
Business Administrator Cynthia Kirk told trustees in March that the district reduced its initial proposal by approximately $3.5 million—including cuts to two instructional positions and six support staff—to limit the tax impact. It remains unclear whether the custodial concerns raised by residents are connected to those reductions, to a separate proposal, or to a matter that could arise outside the listed agenda items.
Similar financial pressures are playing out in neighboring districts. In Westwood Regional, officials recently introduced a proposed $78.9 million budget that includes a tax levy increase above the state’s 2% cap and potential reductions affecting administrative and teaching positions, also driven in part by sharp increases in health insurance costs.
Across both districts—and statewide—administrators have pointed to escalating benefit expenses as a primary driver of budget gaps, forcing difficult decisions about staffing, programming and spending priorities.
The April 13 Pascack Valley Regional agenda is otherwise focused on student recognitions, personnel matters, finance approvals and routine business. The board is also scheduled to enter executive session for a harassment, intimidation and bullying matter.
Residents may address the board during two public comment periods—one for agenda items and another near adjournment for general comments. Speakers must attend in person and are limited to three minutes.
The meeting will be held in the Pascack Hills auditorium and livestreamed for viewing only on the district’s YouTube channel.