Clinton Township Newsletter

CLINTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL NEWS www.ctsd.k12.nj.us A L e t t e r fr o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dear Parents and Community Members: The Board of Education Committees have been hard at work on a number of upcoming items we would like you to watch for in the coming months. One of the key recommendations of the Communication Committee has been to provide some information in this newsletter on the work of the different Board of Education Committees. In addition, they are reviewing parent recommendations on making the school website easier to navigate and utilize. Here is a sampling of the topics the Board Committees are discussing: Personnel and Negotiations is discussing resumes for the permanent Director of Special Services and a district committee will be interviewing candidates soon. We hope to have a permanent Director hired by the New Year. Negotiations with the Clinton Township Education Association are in process and as of this submission no agreement has been reached. Negotiations with the Clinton Township Administrator's Association are in process as well. Personnel provides a representative on the District Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) and works with staff on the new teacher evaluation process. Members of this committee have participated in the review of the Superintendent's Merit Goals and Objectives, along with the leadership of the Board. Finance and Facilities has already started planning for the budget calendar. Many issues are being discussed including the Affordable Care Act and budget implications, as well as the planning of a demographic study to address concerns about decreasing enrollment and facilities. Finance and Curriculum are working together on establishing an Ad Hoc Committee charged with researching the possibility of a full day kindergarten program. The committee will be doing a cost analysis, reviewing curricular implications, assessing facilities feasibility and noting the impact on student achievement. It will consist of Board members, parents and community representatives, administrators and teachers. A presenta- CTSD B o a r d o f E d u c a t i o n Board Meeting Dates for December 2013/January 2014: December 16 January 6, 2014– Reorganization Meeting tion on their findings will be shared at a public meeting. Please watch for more information. Finance and Facilities shares that the old hay barn has finally been cleared and FEMA has authorized removal of the foundation with their archeological experts. The audit has recently been completed and an upcoming report will be scheduled. Budget presentations will be scheduled in February and March. Curriculum and Policy have been reviewing and updating a number of policies and they are posted on our website. The committee is gathering information from parents on the School District Communications Committees (DCC), as well as working with staff on a new homework policy. Administration is in charge of creating a subject and materials review cycle and the committee is an integral part of the Full Day Kindergarten Ad Hoc Committee. Planning has begun on recommendations for next year's school calendar. Public discussion will take place at the December Board meeting, with a probable vote in January 2014. As you can see, many important decisions lay ahead for our district. The Board and Administration are hard at work reviewing all the options and considerations. Please join our discussions and know you are welcome to share ideas with the Board and the Administration. Please watch for important dates on our website and enjoy your time with family over the coming holidays! With appreciation, Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent Clinton Township School District Clinton Township School District Mission Statement Meetings will be held on the fourth Monday of the month, except where noted. Meetings held at CTMS (34 Grayrock Rd.) in the Auditorium or Library at 7:30 pm. Find out what's going on in our schools, meet the Board and the Superintendent! All residents of CT are encouraged to attend, not just the parents of CTSD children. For BOE meeting minutes, visit: www.ctsd.k12.nj.us 1 2 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

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