Strategic Plan 2026-2029
A strategic plan is a clear, focused roadmap for improving schools and ensuring student success. These priorities are not merely a set of objectives; they represent a collective vision forged from the valuable insights of our students, staff, and community members.
Goal 1
Academic Excellence
Increase academic rigor and student achievement by strengthening literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring students meet or exceed grade-level expectations.
Objectives
- 1. Reduce the percentage of grades 4-8 students performing below grade level in reading and math by 5% annually, as measured by NJ standardized assessments.
- 2. Expand high school enrollment in Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses by 15%, with a specific focus on increasing participation among underrepresented student populations.
- 3. Standardize counselor/family outreach to ensure that 100% of students in grades 9–12 participate in at least two annual counselor-led college/career activities focused on post‑graduation planning, application steps & deadlines, & financial aid support
1. Reduce the percentage of grades 4-8 students performing below grade level in reading and math by 5% annually, as measured by NJ standardized assessments.
2. Expand high school enrollment in Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses by 15%, with a specific focus on increasing participation among underrepresented student populations.
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Identify 2027–28 advanced program students using data, teacher recommendations, and surveys, while actively boosting underrepresented enrollment.
- Host standardized advanced coursework info sessions for students, staff, and families.
- Train middle and high school teachers in AP, Dual Enrollment, and Honors to foster inclusive collaboration.
3. Standardize counselor/family outreach to ensure that 100% of students in grades 9–12 participate in at least two annual counselor-led college/career activities focused on post‑graduation planning, application steps & deadlines, & financial aid support
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Implement unit lunch counseling groups with a dedicated focus on college/career planning, application steps, and post‑graduation options, while integrating academic and social-emotional support as needed.
- Standardize college/career communications across multiple channels (email, website, flyers, announcements) to clearly highlight application steps, deadlines, and financial aid opportunities (FAFSA, scholarships, and fee waivers).
- Engage college admissions and financial aid specialists to provide expert guidance on the application process.
Goal 2
Facilities & Technology
Modernize facilities and digital infrastructure to ensure safe, accessible environments and enhance instructional technology.
Objectives
- 1. Complete the construction of referendum projects by June 2029 and the middle school addition by July 2028
- 2. Conduct annual assessments of school infrastructure needs and develop a prioritized action plan for improvements
- 3. Conduct an evaluation of classroom technology and use and identify adjustments to reduce technology where appropriate
1. Complete the construction of referendum projects by June 2029 and the middle school addition by July 2028
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Bid, award, and begin construction on the middle school expansion.
- Finalize renovations for the high school auditorium, main office, and elementary vestibules before the 2026–2027 school year ends.
- Update stakeholders via quarterly reports, a project website, and regular finance and facilities committee briefings.
2. Conduct annual assessments of school infrastructure needs and develop a prioritized action plan for improvements
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Form a facilities committee to define the audit scope and create a standardized, district-wide evaluation matrix.
- Combine data from administrator walk-throughs, maintenance logs, and staff surveys to identify all operational and deferred facility needs.
- Prioritize infrastructure needs, estimate costs, and draft a Capital Improvement Plan for Board review.
3. Conduct an evaluation of classroom technology and use and identify adjustments to reduce technology where appropriate
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Communicate and implement the NJDOE-required internet-enabled device ban policy for all schools.
- Form a team to assess current classroom technology use and develop a guide for usage in classrooms.
- Assess the current technology infrastructure to have network filters block non-educational content, reducing non-educational usage.
Goal 3
Support Every Learner
Enhance support for diverse learners and special education through improved services, equitable resource access, evidence-based instruction, and stronger general-special education collaboration.
Objectives
- 1. Increase the percentage of grades K-3 students performing at or above grade level by 5% annually, as measured by the iReady assessment
- 2. Implement targeted, evidence-based intervention programs for grades K-8 multilingual learners and special education students, to close achievement gaps by 15% over the next three years
- 3. Reduce chronic absenteeism by 0.5% each year through targeted outreach
1. Increase the percentage of grades K-3 students performing at or above grade level by 5% annually, as measured by the iReady assessment
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Use Data Days to monitor i-Ready growth and refine student interventions.
- Offer training and coaching for core program fidelity (Into Reading, Arriba, Fundations, Heggerty) and targeted small-group support.
- Create and implement rigorous, standards-aligned quarterly assessments for all applicable grades and subjects.
2. Implement targeted, evidence-based intervention programs for grades K-8 multilingual learners and special education students, to close achievement gaps by 15% over the next three years
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Examine special education referral trends among multilingual learners to analyze patterns and ensure equitable, data-driven placement and support.
- Leverage assessment data to drive targeted small-group instruction, close learning gaps and accelerate grade-level proficiency.
- Implement a scheduled ESL program using assessment data and student needs to guide instruction.
3. Reduce chronic absenteeism by 0.5% each year through targeted outreach
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Create a district attendance committee to improve communication, ensure compliance, and initiate early outreach for chronically absent families.
- Form school-wide attendance teams to meet weekly, analyze data trends, and identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism.
- Launch visible, school-wide attendance campaigns using positive reinforcement to encourage classrooms to beat their monthly rates.
Goal 4
Community Engagement & Development
Strengthen community engagement and staff support by fostering strong communication and investing in teacher and staff development.
Objectives
- 1. Launch a district-wide mentorship program that pairs 100% of new teachers within 30 days, provide monthly ongoing support and achieve an 85% satisfaction rating by year-end.
- 2. Increase parent newsletter open rates to 75% and achieve at least a 90% newsletter satisfaction rate on annual parent survey
- 3. Conduct bi-annual surveys to assess staff morale, with a goal of increasing overall satisfaction scores within three years
1. Launch a district-wide mentorship program that pairs 100% of new teachers within 30 days, provide monthly ongoing support and achieve an 85% satisfaction rating by year-end.
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Create a district mentorship handbook meeting NJDOE standards and pair new teachers with trained mentors within 30 days.
- Update New Staff Orientation and offer sessions on instruction, management, and district standards.
- Continue mentor training, partnership work with Kean University, and retention monitoring to strengthen new teacher support and retention.
2. Increase parent newsletter open rates to 75% and achieve at least a 90% newsletter satisfaction rate on annual parent survey
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Standardize the newsletter template across schools using a consistent layout with shorter text and more visuals.
- Prioritize high-interest content by focusing updates on student achievements, upcoming calendar events, and direct opportunities for parent involvement.
- Maximize open rates by testing send times and gamifying engagement with hidden rewards to boost parent responses.
3. Conduct bi-annual surveys to assess staff morale, with a goal of increasing overall satisfaction scores within three years
2026-2027 Action Steps:
- Administer the NJSCI staff climate survey in the fall and spring to monitor staff morale trends and measure growth over time.
- Utilize a mid-year ThoughtExchange pulse check to gather staff feedback on morale, communication, and workplace climate.
- Review survey data with administrators and develop building-level action plans aligned to staff feedback and identified needs.
- Increase overall staff satisfaction ratings by 5% during the strategic planning cycle.
