To the Glassboro Schools Community:

With the help of more than 75 members of the Glassboro community and nearly a year of meetings and research, Glassboro schools put together a five-year Strategic Plan that was adopted by the Board of Education in June.

And now the real work begins.  Through the course of this fall semester, the Board has been working with teachers and staff, administration and parents, community members and business leaders to begin the process of implementing the plan. There are three core areas of focus of the plan which reflect the needs of the Glassboro school community:

1.     Improve Student Achievement:

Professional Learning Communities have been created to more effectively communicate educational priorities. Teachers are using MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test scores, a tool that allows them to better groups students and immediately address learning challenges. Professional development planning and a new teacher evaluation tool are being incorporated this year, and teachers continue to prioritize differentiated instruction and an enhanced understanding of poverty into curriculum development and teaching methods. Literacy across the curriculum remains a focus of curricular enhancement at all grade levels and prospective new technologies are being explored for incorporation into classrooms. In partnership with Rowan University, the Fine and performing Arts Academy is in its first year and is being expanded to include a dance component next year.

2.     Enhance the Climate and Culture in which the Schools Function:

Glassboro schools remains focused on capitalizing on the resources available in the community, including Rowan University, our religious and civic organizations, a proactive governing body and growing business community. Outreach efforts to these organizations continues, including meetings of our Key Communicators group, enhanced communication efforts across the community, and participation of teachers and administration in community organizations. Parent involvement efforts are being enhanced, including an evaluation of Family Nights, parent technology training options and enhanced parent communications. New ways to recognize staff and teachers for innovation are also being explored.

3.     Balance the Needs of our Educational Program with those of the Taxpayers:

The Board of Education has already approved the hiring of a part-time grant writer to explore revenue options in and out of the classroom. The district is exploring more robust development possibilities with the creation of a formal Alumni Association and enhanced Education Foundation efforts. The schools are also looking into ways to leverage public-private partnerships for things like alternative energy savings, shared services and corporate funding or projects.  We continue to look at cost saving measures, especially as we prepare the 2012-13 budget.  Many of the things listed in the plan are things we had previously analyzed, which tells us we are on the right track.

I encourage you to take a look at the complete Strategic Plan, located on our web site.  The Board of Education will continue to monitor implementation progress and we will strive to keep the community apprised of our achievements and challenges. Your help, opinions and participation in this ongoing process will ensure our students success.  We have been making great strides, but we have a long way to go.  Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark J. Silverstein
Superintendent of Schools