Westfield Week in Review: Dog Attack, School Budget, Principal Retiring

Girls Lacrosse: Westfield Suffers Setback to Rumson-Fair Haven in Top 15 Matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of a suburban neighborhood street, with blurred shapes and pools of warm, golden light, conveying a sense of community and nostalgia.The vibrant community of Westfield, New Jersey, grapples with a range of local issues, from public safety to education, reflecting the diverse challenges facing suburban towns.Westfield Today

This week in Westfield, New Jersey, the mayor discussed increasing fines for owners who let their pets run loose after an incident at Tamaques Park where an off-leash dog attacked and injured a leashed one. The 2026-27 Westfield Public Schools Budget was unanimously passed, and Dr. Andrew Perry, a long-time Westfield Public Schools administrator and current principal of Washington Elementary, is heading into retirement.

Why it matters

These events highlight key issues facing the Westfield community, from public safety concerns around unleashed dogs to the ongoing management of the local school district's budget and leadership. The news reflects the diverse challenges and priorities of a suburban town like Westfield.

The details

After the dog attack incident at Tamaques Park, Mayor Jeremy Berman said he was considering increasing fines for owners who let their pets run loose. The 2026-27 Westfield Public Schools Budget was unanimously passed by the school board after months of open discussion and workshopping. Dr. Andrew Perry, who has been a long-time administrator in the Westfield Public Schools system, is retiring from his current role as principal of Washington Elementary.

  • The dog attack incident occurred at Tamaques Park.
  • The 2026-27 Westfield Public Schools Budget was unanimously passed on Tuesday night.
  • Dr. Andrew Perry is heading into retirement.

The players

Jeremy Berman

The mayor of Westfield, New Jersey.

Dr. Andrew Perry

A long-time Westfield Public Schools administrator and the current principal of Washington Elementary, who is retiring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This week's news from Westfield highlights the ongoing challenges and priorities of a suburban town, from public safety and community resources to education and local government. The stories reflect the diverse issues that communities like Westfield must navigate to serve the needs of residents.