The Report Cards · Montclair
The Montclair Report Card
Montclair is a well-regarded district that outperforms the state on most measures. But significant gaps exist.
A well-regarded district that outperforms the state overall
But significant gaps exist
Share of students who DID NOT meet ELA expectations (NJSLA), this group vs. their peers.
Economically disadvantaged
Montclair
62% vs. 24%
A 38-point gapStatewide*
63% vs. 35%
Students with disabilities
Montclair
69% vs. 20%
A 49-point gapStatewide*
80% vs. 40%
Multilingual learners
Montclair
79% vs. 29%
A 50-point gap, and the one group below the stateStatewide*
75% vs. 43%
* Student demographics, Montclair vs. Statewide: economically disadvantaged 15% vs. 43%, students with disabilities 19% vs. 18% and multilingual learners 3% vs. 12%. Demographic differences are a significant driver of the Montclair vs. Statewide results.
Every student benefits. These students benefit most. A School Library Program benefits every student in the building, but the gains are consistently largest for exactly the groups above. This is not a supplemental extra. It is a foundational part of a well-rounded education.
How a school library would specifically benefit Montclair
Narrows achievement gaps
Three decades of impact studies find the gains are largest for the groups furthest behind: economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and multilingual learners. Supports the implementation of the science of reading.
Magnet themes & unfunded mandates
Every Montclair school has its own magnet theme, diluted as core requirements grow. A program supports each theme while helping meet unfunded state mandates like Gifted & Talented.
Leads on information, media & AI literacy
New Jersey’s information literacy law names the school library media specialist; districts must implement by September 2027. AI literacy is the next stage of what librarians have taught for decades. They can write the curriculum, teach and lead professional development for educators.
Helps write the technology use policy
School Librarians are trained in digital citizenship, online safety and student privacy. They are the one educator whose preparation covers instructional technology and intellectual freedom together, positioned to weigh access against overuse.
Takes the pressure off
A room with no grade attached to it, where reading is something a student chooses rather than something scored. Reading for pleasure is one of the strongest predictors of reading achievement.
Builds & strengthens community
A physical space for students to meet, read, study and collaborate. Book clubs, study groups and events give every student a reason to be together in person rather than alone on a device.
District policy requires a librarian. It doesn’t have one.
District Policy 2428.1 — Standards-Based Instructional Priorities
“The school district shall provide library-media services that are connected to classroom studies in each school building… under the direction of a certified school library media specialist.”
- 2019
5 librarians employed.
- 2020–24
Reduced to 2 districtwide.
- 2025–26
During the budget crisis, all School Librarian positions are eliminated.
- 2026–27
The District allocated 0% of its $160 million General Fund budget to the School Library budget.
Policy 2428.1 still requires these services, and Montclair now employs no School Librarian. It joined the over 25% of New Jersey districts with none.
New Jersey statute already prices a Certified School Librarian into what it calculates a thorough and efficient education costs. See here for more information.
What peer districts spend
of Montclair Township’s $160 million General Fund budget went to school library services in 2026–2027, and there is no certified school librarian.
What comparable, high-performing districts spend: share of general fund (2026–2027 budgets)
These are all comparable, high-performing districts spending on this core resource. Montclair’s 0% is not explained by need or wealth. It comes down to whether anyone decided to protect the line.
The proposed five-year plan
Funding of 1.0–1.5% of total General Fund expense, phased in over five years, with a report to the Board every year.
One High School Certified School Librarian (also serving as Director of School Library Programs), one Assistant Librarian, plus print materials, technology and subscriptions.
One Head Middle School Librarian and one Head Elementary School Librarian, plus additional support staff.
One Middle School Librarian and five Elementary School Librarians, plus additional support staff, completing coverage across all Montclair schools.
Built on NJDOE, AASL and IFLA Global standards. Written into district policy. Reported annually to the Superintendent, the Board and district stakeholders.
The ask
Fully reinstate and develop Montclair Public Schools’ School Library Program within five years.
A verbal commitment
From the Superintendent and Board of Education, including candidates in the 2026 election, to develop a 5-Year School Library Strategic Plan within the Districtwide Strategic Plan, with total proposed funding of 1.0–1.5% of the General Fund budget phased in over five years.
Funding behind it
In the 2027–2028 budget, for Phase I: one High School Certified School Librarian who also serves as Director of School Library Programs, plus one Assistant Librarian (not a library assistant or an aide), print materials, technology and subscriptions.
New Jersey already prices a school librarian into what a thorough and efficient education costs. Montclair taxpayers are already funding an adequacy budget that should include school librarians, yet the district allocated 0% of its General Fund to school libraries in 2026–27.
What Montclair community members can do
Sign the Montclair petition
Add your name and share it with other community members. Signatures from inside the district carry the most weight with the Board.
Raise it with your PTA
Your school’s PTA, the PTA Council and SEPAC. NJ PTA has already adopted positions supporting full-time School Librarians.
Email or speak to the Superintendent
Ask for a five-year Strategic Plan and Phase I funding in 2027–2028.
Speak at a Board of Education meeting
Public comment is on the record and guaranteed a hearing. Speak before the budget vote, not after. Find a public comment template.
Write an op-ed
For Montclair Local or another community paper, describing what your child’s school library does, or what disappeared when the position was cut.
Join our team!
Become an advocate and help collect signatures. You can also join our WhatsApp group to connect with us and other community members.
Not in Montclair?
We started with Montclair and are adding more districts as we go. If you have a petition that you want to share for your district, let us know.
Ready to take action?
Sign a petition, speak at a Board of Education meeting or an NJDOE public forum, or write to your legislators. Take Action has the next steps for your district and for the state.
Take ActionSources: NJDOE School Performance Reports, Montclair’s own District Policy 2428.1, the Montclair User-Friendly Budget 2026–27 and Niche’s district rankings. More at Know Your Sources.