Essex County Daily Buzz: Mar. 25, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Families can attend a free talk discussing the history of cherry blossom trees on Apr. 1 in Newark. It begins at 11 a.m. at Branch Brook Park. It will also discuss how cherry blossom trees grow and the history of Branch Brook Park. Talks are held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout April.
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Branch Brook Park Alliance

West Orange school district is expected to receive $34,532,959 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $32,578,262. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit to be stationed in West Orange on Apr. 1. Services are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ginny Duenkel Pool Parking Lot. Appointments for registration renewal, REAL ID, and replacement title accepted online. Disability placards and license plate returns do not require appointment.
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West Orange Township

Registration is open for Mountain Top League’s spring 2026 sports programs. Offerings include soccer and softball. Registration is available online.
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Mountain Top League

West Orange children and youth can register for the recreation department’s spring 2026 programs. Offerings include track, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer, and more. Registration is available online.
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West Orange Recreation Department

South Orange-Maplewood school district is expected to receive $11,595,011 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $10,938,691. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Free movie admission at SOPAC on Mar. 25-26. Free admission is being offered after Box Office Cinemas, the new operator of SOPAC, held a ribbon cutting for the building’s reopening.
South Orange Downtown

Orange school district is expected to receive $136,594,621 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 2.25% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $133,594,539. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Nutley school district is expected to receive $12,840,191 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $12,113,388. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Nutley public works will collect vegetation waste starting Apr. 1. Residents can place bundled sticks and branches on the curb.
Nutley Township

“Oh Freedom” history exhibit is on display at Newark library’s Main Branch through May 15. It focuses on African American soldiers during and after the American Revolution in N.J. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library

“Meet and Mend” upcycling club meeting planned at Newark library on Apr. 1 at the Main Branch. Attendees will work on their projects from 4-7:30 p.m. Basic hand sewing supplies, two sewing machines, and assorted scrap fabric and references books will be provided. Registration is not required. Library card not required.
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Newark Public Library

Mobile mammogram and cervical cancer screenings planned with University Hospital on Apr. 1 in Newark Screenings are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 Lincoln Ave. Appointments can be scheduled online.
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University Hospital

Breast health information workshop planned with Newark library on Apr. 1 in the Main Branch. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. and will include information about assessing breast health. Take-home materials provided. Registration required. Library card not required. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library

Newark school district is expected to receive $1,386,720,085 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 4.57% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $1,326,144,594. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Montclair school district is expected to receive $10,469,700 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $9,877,075. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

People can attend Keep Creating Art Wellness Center’s drop-in art sessions on Saturdays in Montclair. It is from 12-4 p.m. at Lackawanna Station. Admission is $10.
Keep Creating Art Wellness Center

Irvington school district is expected to receive $190,014,533 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 6% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $179,258,993. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Essex County residents can register for free English Second Language classes through Mar. 31. It meets Tuesdays starting Apr. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. at Irvington library. Document showing proof of ID and address required. Registration is available online. The program ends Jun. 6.
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Irvington Public Library

Glen Ridge school district is expected to receive $2,607,143 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 3.78% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $2,512,075. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

East Orange school district is expected to receive $189,132,715 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 2.44% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $184,622,894. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

East Orange families can enroll their children for preschool and kindergarten for the 2026-27 academic year. People can register in-person at East Orange School District Enrollment Center, 135 Glenwood Ave., on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 2-3 p.m. by appointment only. People can also register online. A list of required documents is available online.
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East Orange Public Schools

Zufall’s mobile dental unit to be stationed in Bloomfield on Mar. 28. Services such as dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and preventative care will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the municipal building. Cost is determined by household income and size. Registration required by calling 973-325-2266 ext. 1040 or emailing emelo@zufallhealth.org.
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Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield school district is expected to receive $49,978,624 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 3% decrease compared to the previous year, when the district received $51,524,356. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Belleville school district is expected to receive $67,268,777 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 1.51% decrease compared to the previous year, when the district received $68,302,115. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

REGIONAL NEWS

Four hundred of N.J. school districts are expected to see an increase in state aid funding while 167 will see a decrease under Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed spending plan for 2027. Proposed increases are capped at 6% and decreases are limited to 3%, state officials said. State aid is calculated by N.J.’s school funding formula law. It determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. That is based on the district’s aggregate income, school enrollment, number of special education students, and transportation costs, among other factors. State aid for public schools accounts for roughly 20% of Sherrill’s drafted budget, which is consistent with last year’s funding plan. The preliminary budget for 2027 will undergo a public review process before it is finalized on Jun. 30. A list of each school district’s anticipated state aid funding is available online.
NJ Advance Media