• The BOE recently presented four options to build a multipurpose synthetic turf field at Ritzer Field, ranging from $3.5 - 6 million.
• Let's ask the BOE to consider another option: an improved all-grass multisport field.
• Currently, Ritzer Field at Columbia High School is a grass field used for HS & youth sports, gym, lunch, marching band, nearby daycare, and many other activities.
• Give Ritzer what it needs to be a successful flexible sports field -- one our athletes, student body and community deserve -- while protecting our local environment.

• $5 million for Ritzer turf would increase our school budget by ~$500k for annual debt service.
• Or we can pay ~$1 million to rehab/rebuild the grass field, with annual maintenance of ~$25k.
• Due to a looming fiscal cliff, the district is threatening to cut special ed and busing. Why is installing synthetic turf a higher priority?
• Taxpayers will still be paying off this bond when it is time to replace the turf for $1+ million.

• Current Ritzer field conditions are poor -- because it has not been maintained (besides mowing). There is not even an outdoor water source.
• It is irresponsible to install synthetic turf without first trying to improve and naturally maintain Ritzer.

• Add TWO softball fields for CHS girls teams while keeping space for soccer, girls flag football and lacrosse.
• As many as 1,000 playable hours per year like Glen Ridge's natural field.
• Keep the flexible open, green space that serves our ENTIRE student body.
• Keep Project Adventure (popular PE class) in its entirety.
• Keep our old-growth trees and permeable ground, which absorb stormwater and mitigate flooding.
• No heat island for CHS and the neighborhood.
• No costly stormwater management system.
• No costly replacement of synthetic turf every ~10-12 years.
• No toxic PFAS and heavy metals from synthetic turf added to our local environment and river.
• Learn more at somaaction.org/playing-fields
• THIS is the plan for a progressive community that recognizes that climate change is real.

• In 2019, the BOSE approved a $2.2 million plan for artificial turf on Ritzer Field. But, the money was used for other projects in the Long Range Facility Plan.
• In 2024, the BOE requested $4.6 Million for Ritzer, and the BOSE voted no.
• Now, new members on the BOE and BOSE are more willing to vote yes, even though costs ballooned higher.

• SOMa taxpayers do not vote on the school budget like in other places.
• Instead, the Board of School Estimate (BOSE) approves budget and tax increases for us.
• The BOSE includes voting members from Maplewood Township Committee, and South Orange Village Council and non-voting members from the Board of Education.
• This Wed July 9, the District will host a Town Hall Q&A about Ritzer.
• On July 26, the BOE will meet to vote on a plan to present to the BOSE.
• In August, the BOSE will meet to vote whether to approve the plan and its tax increase.

• Fill out the "Take Action" form at the top to write an email to the BOE and BOSE.
• Give public comment at one of the meetings this summer.
• It’s important to let our elected leaders know how the community wants them to vote.
• Don’t forget to share with your friends and neighbors!

If you prefer not to use this form, you may send your own email to: All Board of Education Members <boemembers@somsd.k12.nj.us>, Superintendent Bing <jbing@somsd.k12.nj.us>, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum <scollum@southorange.org>, South Orange Council Member Jennifer Greenberg <jgreenberg@southorange.org>, South Orange Council Member Steven Schnall <sschnall@southorange.org>, South Orange Council Member Bobby Brown (alternate) <bbrown@southorange.org>, Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams <nadams@maplewoodnj.gov>, Maplewood Township Committee Person Deborah Engel <dengel@maplewoodnj.gov>, Maplewood Township Committee Person Dean Dafis <ddafis@maplewoodnj.gov>, Maplewood Township Committee Person Malia Herman (alternate) <mherman@maplewoodnj.gov>