About West Orange Parents for Education
West Orange Parents for Education (WOPE) is a grassroots civic group originally formed by parents from Gregory Elementary, but now has supporters from every school in the district. We came together in Spring 2025 in response to the structural budget deficit driven by the state's SFRA funding formula, and widespread concerns about transparency, equity, and long-term planning. Now entering our second year of advocacy, WOPE continues to push for formula reform at the state level.
Our first collective action — a public letter advocating for transparency and solutions — received over 400 signatures from families representing every school in the district. Our second petition this year to our elected officials received over 600 signatures. That outpouring of support sparked this growing movement to bring families, educators, and community members together in a united effort to strengthen our schools.
WOPE has engaged directly with elected officials on SFRA reform and produced independent policy analysis used in legislative discussions. We are building a coalition with other formula-affected districts across New Jersey who face similar structural challenges.
We believe:
- Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education and modern, safe, and well-maintained schools.
- Parents and caregivers should have a seat at the table when major decisions are being made.
- Transparency and long-term planning are key to rebuilding trust and ensuring stability for the district for years to come.
- The state funding formula should be updated to reflect the actual economic diversity of communities like West Orange, not penalize them based on aggregate wealth statistics that mask real household capacity.
WOPE is committed to sustained advocacy, informed community engagement, and collaboration with district leaders and elected officials. We aim to be a constructive force — asking hard questions, offering creative solutions, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on the students.
If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or concerned resident — you have a voice in this work. Join us.