Midland Park January 30, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 The minimum number of credits needed to receive a Midland Park High School diploma may be cut from 131 to 126 if the board of education adopts a policy revision up for a final vote at its next meeting. The State of New Jersey requires a minimum of 120 credits for a state diploma. The revision, up for first reading at last week’s board meeting, drew disagreement Board considers reducing graduation credits among board members, two of whom voted no on the policy’s introduction. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella said administrators would make a presentation to the board on the proposal before the final vote is taken. When adopted, it will be effective with the graduating class of 2014, trustee Dr. MaryAlyce Thomas said. The Midland Park Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary will meet Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Faith Reformed Church at 95 Prospect Street in Midland Park. This session, which is being co-hosted by the Waldwick Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, will feature Nancy Rosin. This Auxiliary announces events guest speaker will present “Vintage Valentines,” a history of the delicate art of valentine giving. Auxiliary members are reminded to bring their dues and donations for the group’s Bakeless Bake Sale. Fashion Show tickets will be distributed at this meeting. Area The Ridgewood Village Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing shared services with neighboring towns. The Ridgewood Council authorized a shared service agreement for adult health care at a fee of $1,381 charged to the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus for nursing staff and services for an adult health clinic. The council also authorized a shared services agreement with a fee of $1,500 charged to the Borough of Glen Rock for medical checkups and immunizations for Ridgewood approves shared service agreements The existing policy was last revised in April, 2010 when the state increased its requirements from 116 to 120. At the same time, Midland Park’s minimum credit requirements were increased from 126 to 131. In reality, however, the practice at that time was to require 136 credits for a Midland Park diploma. The five-credit reduction for seniors was recommended by then Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Heebink as one of the budgetary cuts made to deal with the loss of $1.15 million in state aid for the 2010-11 school year. The district has been complying with that policy ever since, Dr. Cirasella said. The current move to roll back the policy to 126 credits, according to Dr. Thomas, is that the lower number has the least impact on the greatest number of students. She said that a review of graduates in 2009, 2010 and 2011, classes not yet covered by the policy, indicated that the higher number would have had an impact on special education students in those classes had the 131 credit policy been in effect . “A number of students would not have reached 131 and would not have graduated,” she said, noting that it would have been difficult to build in those credits into their IEP (individualized educational plan). Trustee Brian McCourt, who along with trustee James Canellas voted no on the first reading of the revised policy, said he felt the reduction will not challenge students to do more. Dr. Cirasella said the minimum number does not limit the number of courses students can take, noting that most students take 140 and even 160 credits during their four years at MPHS. “This plan limits no one, but the 131 limits the lower third,” Dr. Cirasella said. She added that the higher number presents greater scheduling difficulties and does not make allowances for the possibility of a failed course. Trustee Timothy Thomas, who chairs the policy committee, said his colleagues should go with the superintendent’s recommendation. “We have zero experience on education. We should rely on the people with that knowledge; listen to the people who do this for a living,” Thomas said in refusing to delay introduction of the policy. preschool age children. The contract for food service at Graydon Pool was awarded to Food to Please of Mountainside, with guaranteed revenue for Ridgewood of $18,000. The council declared that more than 100 Motorola radios and 275 one-gallon tote bins were non-compliant and authorized the village manager to dispose of those items. J. KOSTER