Home Care In Nutley, NJ

NUTLEY, NJ - When word first spread through town about Nutley High School's first tricky tray, many long-time residents proclaimed that it would never work. Nutley being Nutley, the naysayers are keeping quiet because the event was a success by every measure and exceeded the organizers expectations.

Held October 24 in the main Township of Nutley Parks and Recreation gymnasium, tickets for the event sold out days before the first ticket was sold. Those hoping to score tickets at the door were disappointed.

Gina Thomas, Nutley PTO Council President told TAPinto Nutley, “Thank you, thank you to everyone that came out Saturday night for Nutley High school's first tricky tray.”

She shared that the event had a packed house, a good vibe, good music, and what she called “tons of prizes.”

Despite being one of the people who made the evening happen, TAPinto Nutley learned that Thomas didn't win any of the more than 200 prizes that were donated by local businesses and residents.

Thomas told TAPinto Nutley that, “Nutley High School needs as much support from their PTO as the elementary schools.” She said high school parents should consider joining the PTO. To join, email: [email protected] more information.

Thomas expressed her gratitude on behalf of the entire PTO and tricky tray team, “To all of our local businesses, our commissioners and families, thank you for supporting us."

TAPintoNutley has it under pretty good authority that the NHS PTO Tricky Tray will return in 2027.

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"We built it – they came," a developer said about the former home of Hoffman-La Roche.

NUTLEY, NJ — A new restaurant. A neighborhood grocer. A hotel with a rooftop bar. And an 11-acre parcel that may eventually become home to a data center. These are some of the latest developments (and possible developments to come) at the ON3 complex in Nutley and Clifton.

Prism Capital Partners acquired the 116-acre property on Route 3 in 2016 after it was left vacant by the former owner, pharmaceutical giant Hoffman-La Roche.

Over the past several years, the firm has been redeveloping the sprawling complex, which now hosts tenants that include Ralph Lauren and the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Other tenants include Starbucks, Chase and Chipotle.

Last week, the company gave an update about what’s been happening at ON3, and what is planned for the near future.

The list included:

“ON3 is at a pivotal moment,” noted Edwin Cohen, a principal partner at Prism. “The next phases of development will establish the campus’s true 24/7 environment.”

“We built it – they came,” Cohen said.

The township has had a checkered past with the developers of ON3, who have seen pushback over previous proposals for the property and concerns about traffic, environmental impacts, and strains on local infrastructure.

Prism has claimed that some of these concerns have been addressed, with an on-site power plant helping to reduce energy draw from the grid. Other improvements to the campus have included nearly 4,400 parking spaces in three locations, new sewer and storm water systems, and a reduction in “impervious coverage” from 97 percent to about 80 percent via more green space and other natural features, the firm said.

Prism released a summary of its Phase IV plans for the campus two years ago, which can be seen here.

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Danchak-Martin, Battaglia and Balsamo Share Priorities for “Moving Nutley Forward”

Three independent voices committed to strong schools, responsible financial oversight and long-term planning.

NUTLEY, NJ — With multigenerational roots in Nutley and 28 years of combined trustee experience, Lisa Danchak-Martin, Joe Battaglia and Salvatore Balsamo are running together as “Moving Nutley Forward” in the November 3 Board of Education election.

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The three candidates bring different experiences and independent perspectives, along with a personal investment in the community their families have called home for generations. They share a commitment to strong academic opportunities, responsible financial oversight and a long-term plan for Nutley’s schools.

“We won’t agree on every issue, and we shouldn’t have to,” the candidates said in a joint statement. “What we share is a commitment to asking questions, listening to our community and making thoughtful decisions for our students. Nutley is our home, and we care deeply about the future of its schools.”

Their priorities include strong academic programs, student safety and wellness, and fair access to educational opportunities across the district. They also support clear communication with families, continued financial accountability and a practical plan to address facilities needs.

“Financial oversight is an essential responsibility, but our work cannot stop there,” the candidates said. “We need to focus on what our students need today and what our schools will need in the years ahead. That means setting clear goals, making responsible choices and following through.”

Voters can find Lisa Danchak-Martin in position 1G, Joe Battaglia in position 2G and Salvatore Balsamo in position 3G.

Early in-person voting continues through Sunday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The committees to elect Lisa Danchak-Martin, Joe Battaglia, Salvatore Balsamo

NUTLEY, NJ - Millions of dollars in under budgeted expenses, overstated revenue projections, and financial warnings that failed to reach the Board of Education contributed to the Nutley Public School District's financial crisis, which ultimately required a $9 million advance in state aid, according to findings presented during an independent forensic audit.

Richard J. Corcoran III, of PKF O'Connor Davies Advisory LLC, presented the findings during the Oct. 26 Board of Education meeting, detailing how financial problems during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years depleted district reserves and left the district unable to meet its financial obligations.

The investigation, covering July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024, found that the district spent approximately $6.77 million more than it collected during 2022-23, using its accumulated fund balance to cover the difference.

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The following year, an additional $7.8 million budget shortfall left the district dependent on state assistance.

Of the $9 million received, approximately $7.8 million was needed for operating expenses, while the remaining $1.2 million provided a financial cushion.

"The money didn't disappear or go anywhere," Corcoran said. "You didn't budget enough for it, but you could pay for it because you had savings."

The investigation found that the money was spent on district operations, including employee health benefits, student transportation, custodial services, and special education tuition.

Millions in Underbudgeted Expenses and Overstated Revenue

Among the largest discrepancies was the district's employee health insurance budget. For 2023-24, Nutley budgeted approximately $11.7 million but spent $14.7 million, creating a $3 million shortfall.

Corcoran said the district's insurance broker had provided the information needed for accurate financial projections, but it was not properly communicated beyond the business office.

"There's no reason that your budget should have been off by this much with your health insurance," Corcoran said.

Other significant discrepancies included approximately $958,000 in under budgeted out-of-district special education tuition, $548,000 in student transportation, and $475,000 in custodial services.

The audit also identified overstated miscellaneous revenue, particularly anticipated rental and royalty income that never materialized.

In 2021-22, the district budgeted approximately $200,000 in miscellaneous revenue but collected only about $2,000. The following year, it budgeted approximately $600,000 but collected just $14,000.

Rather than correcting those projections, the district continued increasing anticipated revenue during the 2023-24 budget cycle.

Corcoran said the discrepancies were less noticeable in earlier years because additional state and federal COVID-related funding helped offset shortfalls.

Financial Warnings and Missing Records

The investigation found that financial concerns identified by the district's former auditors were not adequately communicated to the Board of Education.

Corcoran said investigators found communications concerning the 2022-23 deficit as early as June 2023, after the district's 2023-24 budget had already been adopted in May.

Although records referenced finance committee meetings during June, July, and August, investigators could not determine which members attended or what information was shared because documentation was incomplete.

According to the audit, critical financial information remained largely within the former business administrator's office, limiting the board's understanding of the district's financial condition.

Investigators attempted to interview former Business Administrator David DiPisa but were unsuccessful. Corcoran said the firm spoke briefly with his legal counsel but did not obtain an interview.

Corcoran explained that the forensic auditors had no subpoena power and relied on voluntary interviews and available financial records. Some vendors also declined to participate, limiting investigators' ability to examine certain transactions.

The investigation was further complicated by a previous flood that damaged financial records.

"There was a flood at some point and some of the files were damaged," Corcoran said.

He explained that some documents developed mold and had to be destroyed, making it difficult to determine whether investigators had access to every relevant record.

During a later public comment period, resident Chris Corino questioned where the flooding occurred and whether the damaged documents had been backed up.

District officials explained that paper records had been stored in the basement of the middle school, where water problems occurred during power outages and sump pump failures.

Business Administrator Michael DeVita confirmed that the district's electronic accounting system, including vendor information and invoice records, remained backed up. Officials said records had since been relocated and additional safeguards implemented.

A verified source also told TAPinto Nutley that water damage at the Board of Education office "produced moldy files."

Audit Identifies Purchasing and Procurement Problems

The forensic investigation also examined vendor contracts, purchasing procedures, and whether services billed to the district were actually performed.

Corcoran identified deficiencies involving competitive bidding, cooperative purchasing agreements, and state contract procedures.

"This is a perfect example where things were not being done correctly as far as the procurement process," Corcoran said.

Investigators confirmed that the work examined had generally been completed, including projects at district facilities. However, they could not determine whether vendors had overcharged the district because they lacked access to internal vendor financial records.

The audit also identified unusual billing practices, including supplies ordered on a per-student basis rather than through an inventory system tracking actual needs.

State Monitor Describes Weak Financial Controls

Following the audit presentation, outlined additional problems involving the district's former financial practices.

Makus said the accounting system previously allowed employees to override account restrictions, permitting purchases even when sufficient funds were unavailable.

"And I'm going to say it — it was like the wild west," Makus said.

She also revealed that board members had received shortened financial reports rather than the complete eight-page board secretary's report, limiting their ability to identify budget concerns.

Makus said those practices have since been corrected, although she could not determine when they began or who initially authorized them.

District Faced Cash Shortage, Nearly $11.3 Million in Cuts

DiPisa was placed on leave March 14, 2024, and resigned June 29, 2024, TAPinto Nutley previously reported.

As the , the district sought emergency state assistance, developed a corrective action plan, and worked to address outstanding obligations.

Makus said the district received its $9 million state aid advance in June 2024, when it lacked sufficient funds to cover payroll and outstanding bills. Vendor checks had been set aside because money was unavailable.

The district subsequently cut approximately $6.7 million from its 2024-25 budget, affecting about 30 positions.

Another $4.61 million in reductions followed in 2025-26 through staffing changes, attrition, and contract reductions.

Combined, the district has eliminated approximately $11.3 million in spending and about 42 positions since the crisis.

The $9 million state aid advance must also be repaid. Corcoran said the interest-free advance is scheduled for repayment at approximately $1 million annually over nine years, following a one-year deferral approved by the state.

Public Questions Accountability and Potential Recovery

During public comment, Nutley resident Nick Frey questioned whether earlier financial warnings, previous audit findings, and temporary COVID funding should have alerted officials to the district's growing financial problems.

Frey also asked about DiPisa's previous tenure in Lyndhurst, where Makus confirmed a similar deficit had occurred, although she could not determine whether the same financial practices were involved.

Questions were also raised about possible consequences for DiPisa. Makus said concerns had previously been referred to state education officials for consideration of potential licensing action, but no additional action was announced.

Resident Donna Ferraro questioned whether the district could recover any financial losses through its errors and omissions insurance policy rather than leaving taxpayers responsible for the consequences.

The district's attorney confirmed that an insurance policy existed but said it was unclear whether the budgetary shortfall would qualify for reimbursement. Any potential claim would require establishing an insurable loss and determining damages.

Financial Improvements and Remaining Recommendations

Since the crisis, Nutley has hired Business Administrator Michael DeVita, strengthened purchasing procedures, implemented more conservative revenue projections, and expanded financial reporting to the board.

Makus said the district ended 2024-25 with approximately $2.67 million in unrestricted fund balance, $1.8 million in capital reserves, and $850,000 in maintenance reserves.

The annual audit contained no repeat findings, although six additional recommendations were issued to strengthen procedures. Corcoran said most corrective actions have been implemented, while some remain pending because of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.

Makus also reported that the district's 2025-26 annual audit was still being finalized, but preliminary figures indicated another positive year-end balance. Two additional recommendations had already been addressed, she said.

Makus said her priority is ensuring the district maintains stronger financial practices after state oversight ends.

"My feeling is that when I leave Nutley that I want the practices and procedures that are in place and that people understand so what transpired 3 years ago does not transpire again, and that truly is my goal," Makus said.

Related Content

A Recap of the Nutley Public School's $7.8 Million Financial Crisis, First Reported in 2024

TAPinto Nutley is the township's only locally-based news source, and the Official Electronic News Source of the Township of Nutley and the Nutley Board of Education.

Find events, including cultural events, educational events, public meetings, and more on the . Stay informed, sign up for our .

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Sunday is the best day of the week to buy gas in New Jersey, experts say – here's the worst one.

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — Looking for cheap gas in Belleville or Nutley? Wait until the weekend, experts say.

According to GasBuddy, the best time to fuel up in New Jersey is Sunday, which has the lowest average prices of any day in the week.

The most expensive day to gas up? Wednesday, researchers found.

In Essex County, the price of a gallon of gas was $4.30 on Oct. 23 – about 11 cents more expensive than the statewide average, according to AAA.

Here are some prices that were observed at gas stations near Belleville and Nutley this week, GasBuddy reported:

Gas prices in New Jersey have fallen over the past week and month, but drivers are still paying significantly more to fill their tanks than they did a year ago, reports say.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $4.19 on Oct. 23, according to AAA. That was down from $4.27 a week earlier and $4.41 a month earlier. However, the current average was about $1.24 higher than the $2.96 drivers paid at this time last year.

New Jersey's average was slightly below the national average of $4.28 per gallon reported Oct. 19 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA. The national average fell by about 5 cents from the previous week but remained about $1.27 higher than a year earlier.

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