It's Time to Ignite the Spirit of Garfield
- Nancy Kutsup
- Jan 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Garfield is truly a special place. For as long as I can remember, people have formed deep connections and developed a strong sense of affection for this community, whether they’ve stayed or moved away. The bonds forged here have remained strong through the years, creating a network of care and support that endures across generations. This sense of connection is reflected in the dedicated, compassionate employees who work within our schools, who care deeply about the students and the community they serve. It’s a place where roots run deep, and those who are part of it are never truly far from home.
However, it is time for homeowners in Garfield to wake up to a looming crisis that could have lasting consequences. Our schools could be on the verge of collapse, and the cost of this disaster will be paid by our children. For years, despite facing numerous challenges, our schools have been sustained by dedicated teachers who have worked tirelessly to help our students thrive. However, that foundation is now under threat.
Teachers are faced with a difficult choice: stay in a district where the risk of financial devastation looms due to a newly implemented insurance plan, or leave in search of better, more secure options. The Board of Education’s decision to sever ties with the State Health Benefits Program and pursue an independent insurance plan has left educators in a precarious position. They now face the potential for steep medical costs, especially if they are forced to seek care from out-of-network providers.
Though Garfield schools may not have always been the strongest in Bergen County, they have been a place where dedicated teachers have stepped up, often against the odds, to ensure students have the support they need to succeed. This is why I, like many parents, chose to send my children to Garfield Public Schools. Even though our district didn't always offer the most resources, our teachers made up for it by providing invaluable guidance and nurturing that extended beyond the classroom. In fact, many of our students have gone on to excel at the college level, proving that hard work and determination can overcome limited resources.
But now, the very heart of what makes Garfield Schools special—the teachers—may be at risk. We stand to lose these amazing educators who have sacrificed so much to help our children. And how do we repay them? By stripping away one of the most vital incentives for staying—affordable, reliable healthcare. Over the years, we've seen many programs in the district falter, but nothing will have a more profound impact than the loss of talented teachers who are the backbone of our students' success. Take, for example, the Early College Program. The lack of an in-district Chemistry teacher has already compromised this program since we do not have an in-house dual-enrollment qualified teacher, and without the ability to offer dual enrollment courses, we risk limiting opportunities for students who would otherwise benefit from these advanced classes. Was it a wise choice to hire an assistant transportation coordinator for $98K instead of a critical teacher? Chemistry is needed for college.
Homeowners, do you realize the direct link between the quality of our schools and the value of your property? If we lose our best teachers, our schools will inevitably fail, and the value of our homes will plummet. Are you prepared to watch your investment shrink, or will you stand up and support our educators and our schools?
This is a critical moment. We must act now, not only for the sake of our children’s future, but also to protect the community that so many of us call home. I implore you to attend the Board of Education meetings to help ensure that our schools and community will be the best that they can be without wasteful or unthoughtful spending.
In summary, the quality of schools plays a crucial role in the real estate market, with many studies confirming that good schools tend to elevate home values. For homeowners, this means that the fate of their property investments is closely tied to the success of their local educational institutions.
The knowledgeable and experienced citizens of our “town” must step forward and make their voices heard regarding the needs of our city. Too often, there is a misconception that our community lacks education or is easily overlooked. I urge you to challenge that narrative—get involved, speak up, and be the strong, passionate voice that helps shape the future of our city. Together, we can demonstrate the strength, intelligence, and resilience that defines our community, ensuring that our needs are met and our potential is realized.
Resources:
The link between the quality of schools and home values is well-documented and supported by numerous studies. Research shows that homebuyers prioritize good schools when choosing where to live, and strong schools can significantly boost property values. Below are some key resources and findings:
1. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Study
Study Overview: A comprehensive study by the NBER found that homes located in school districts with high test scores (or those deemed to have higher-quality schools) tend to see their home values appreciate more quickly than those in districts with lower-quality schools.
Key Takeaway: School quality is a major factor in driving real estate prices, often contributing to as much as a 10-20% premium on home values in better school districts.
Link: NBER Study on School Quality and Property Values
2. Zillow's Research on School Quality
Study Overview: Zillow, the real estate platform, has published research showing that homes in top-performing school districts can sell for up to 15% more than comparable homes in lower-ranked districts.
Key Takeaway: Homes near well-rated schools often sell faster and for higher prices. Zillow also found that school ratings on their platform influence the decisions of potential homebuyers significantly.
Link: Zillow Research: How School Quality Impacts Home Prices
3. The Brookings Institution
Study Overview: This policy think tank’s research highlights that school quality is a major driver of long-term property values. Homes in high-performing school districts tend to appreciate in value at a higher rate than those in lower-performing districts.
Key Takeaway: The positive correlation between school quality and home prices is particularly noticeable in suburban areas. Homebuyers are willing to pay a premium to live in districts with strong schools because they view this as an investment in their children’s future.
Link: Brookings Institution Report on School Quality and Housing
4. Redfin Research
Study Overview: Redfin, another major real estate platform, has examined how school districts influence home prices. Their findings mirror those of other research: homes in areas with higher school ratings often see up to a 7% higher sales price compared to similar homes in districts with lower ratings.
Key Takeaway: Buyers are willing to pay more for homes in school districts with strong reputations, as they expect the schools to offer better educational outcomes and enhance the future prospects for their children.
5. Economic Policy Institute
Study Overview: The Economic Policy Institute notes that homebuyers often prioritize school quality because it is not only an investment in their children’s education but also their future financial security. Homes in areas with top-rated schools see more sustained and predictable increases in value over time.
Key Takeaway: The consistent demand for homes in districts with quality schools contributes to increased home prices, even in economic downturns.
Link: Economic Policy Institute on the Relationship Between Schools and Housing Prices
6. Greater Boston Housing Report Card (Prepared by the Boston Foundation)
Study Overview: This annual report tracks various aspects of the Greater Boston housing market, including the role of school performance in property values. It finds that even modest improvements in school performance can lead to a significant increase in home prices.
Key Takeaway: Even small changes in local school performance can have a measurable impact on the value of nearby homes, highlighting how sensitive the real estate market is to the quality of education in a given area.
Additional Considerations:
School District Funding and Real Estate Market Trends: Areas with well-funded schools that are consistently ranked among the best in the state or nationally see a "halo" effect that boosts home values not just for the first-time buyers, but also in terms of future resale potential.
Local Data and Realtor Insights: For more localized, up-to-date data, contacting a local real estate agent can provide insights into how the schools specifically in your area are affecting home values.
