{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6753786ea8461f164e67bf3a/698404781976ad12370aba8e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Rethinking Public School in Montclair? The Private Pivot, Preschool Lottery & More #Slushiegate","description":"<p>Watch the show on <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@themontclairpod\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a></p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re also joined by tech founder-turned-educator Anand Sanwal, who’s launching a new private school in New Jersey and asking a bigger question: if we were designing school for today’s kids — and tomorrow’s world — would it look anything like what we have now?</p><p><br></p><p>Plus, we cover the rest of the week in Montclair: ICE presence in the area and the state’s response, snow removal rules, the closing of a beloved BBQ spot, a look ahead at the spring housing market in our sponsored Ask an Agent segment — and yes, we finally get to the bottom of #Slushiegate with a real review!</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Learn more about<a href=\"https://forge.school/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">&nbsp;Forge Prep</a></li><li>Learn more about&nbsp;<a href=\"https://actonacademyessex.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Acton Academy</a></li><li><strong>Snow Removal:</strong>&nbsp;Read Councilwoman<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02RAmJNKbyXHmuSHB4ZU13VtyepDdUcCqpvoAzNga6JUGqC21Zr4EvV5dSR9mJysMil&amp;id=61557095913541\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">&nbsp;Susan Shin Andersen's update</a></li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Sponsor:</strong>&nbsp;Order from&nbsp;<a href=\"https://pendragonssmokehouse.com/pages/2026-super-bowl-menu\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Pendragon’s Smokehouse</strong></a>&nbsp;for the Super Bowl!</li><li><em>Deal:</em>&nbsp;Use code&nbsp;<strong>MONTCLAIR-POD</strong>&nbsp;for 10% off (Min order $100).</li><li>Order Deadline: Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 pm ET</li><li><strong>Sponsor: </strong>Karin Diana, <a href=\"https://thehomecollectivenj.com/team\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Compass</a></li></ul>","author_name":"Montclair Pod LLC"}