By the Pennsauken Board of Education: Nick Perry, President; Allyson Meloni-Scavuzzo, Vice President; Cheryl Duffy; Michael Hurley; Diane Johnson; Leona Moss; Meg Snyder; Orlando Viera; and JoAnn Young

As an entity that often “works behind the scenes,” it is difficult to understand what the Pennsauken Board of Education actually accomplishes throughout the year. In this month’s article, we would like to share some important board initiatives that have taken place during the last 12 months, along with some proposed programs, all of which highlight areas important to providing our students with a quality education in a safe environment, while maintaining fiscal responsibility to Pennsauken citizens.

Improving Student Achievement Through Instruction

• Reading and math coaches – teachers that help educational staff improve instruction – have been reinstated at all levels
• Technology coach positions were established to better utilize technology in all instructional areas
• The number of Basic Skills Improvement Program teachers for at risk students has increased
• Proposed for the 2016-2017 school year: science coaches for grades K-12

Implementing New Educational Programs

• New language arts program for Grades K-8, aligned with Common Core Standards
• New mathematics programs for Grades K-8, aligned with Common Core Standards
• Proposed: Next Generation Science Initiative, aligns with Common Core Standards for all grades
• BOE is currently investigating the possibility of a Junior ROTC Program for Pennsauken High School

Communicating With Constituents

• Construction of a new district web site is under way; the site will also be accessible via phone and tablet
• Ongoing Board Bits articles in All Around Pennsauken highlight the work of the Board of Education
• Creation of a municipal alliance representative to establish a bridge between the Board of Education and Township officials to communicate shared needs and concerns

Fostering Sustainability

• A local government energy audit was provided at no cost to the district; there can be significant energy savings for the district through an energy savings improvement program (ESIP)
• A district ESIP program enables public entities to complete energy and other capital improvements within the schools on a cost neutral and cash flow positive basis, utilizing energy savings to absorb the cost

Providing Alternative Education Options

• Architect’s plans are complete for a new alternative school for behaviorally disabled secondary students, to be built on Hylton Rd. at the administrative complex; the District has reserved money in the budget for this project, pending approval from the New Jersey Department of Education
• Program of instruction and services are currently being developed for the alternative school

Focusing On Registration And Residency

• The school district has implemented new policies and regulations regarding residency requirements
• A new central office for all registrations will be opened at the administrative complex on Hylton Rd. after plans are approved by the NJDOE
• Contract with Verify Residence to assist in fraudulent enrollments; this program has provided residents with a toll-free number – (888) 800-TIPS (8477) – for reporting residency suspicions

Improving Transportation Services

• A new transportation supervisor was hired to help streamline transportation services
• New technology software for bus routing system has been implemented

Upgrading Facilities

• NJDOE approval received to sell Booker T. Washington School, now sitting vacant and costing money to maintain
• Air conditioning and improved electrical installed in Roosevelt and Longfellow School classrooms
• Proposed: air conditioning in two elementary schools

Enhancing Technology

• All bandwidths and computer equipment upgraded to accommodate PARCC testing
• New network administrator hired to accommodate our technology service needs

Board Bit Of The Month

The Board has a $100 million budget to accomplish these initiatives, a portion of which is funded by the Pennsauken residents. Thus, these initiatives are the community’s tax dollars at work!