Changes to the buildings are not the only things being done. Changes in personnel also will be on the new year’s agenda.
The Haddonfield school district is turning over a new page in 2018. Changes to the buildings are not the only things being done. Changes in personnel also will be on the new year’s agenda.
According to a press release by Board of Education President Adam Sangillo, Bob Pupchik, beginning Monday, Jan. 22, will serve as interim Tatem Elementary School principal for the remainder of this school year until a permanent replacement is hired. Karen Schultz’ last day will be on Friday, Jan. 26.
The ongoing construction has been a hot topic over the past year. The board is “trying to be transparent” and will continue to be, according to Assistant Superintendent Michael Wilson. Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School is almost done and the expected completion date is the end of January. Completion of every school is still projected to be in February 2019.
Another urgent matter residents have been inquiring about is the superintendent search and how the board will handle Superintendent Rich Perry’s sooner than originally planned absence. According to Wilson, an interim superintendent is expected to start in January, while the superintendent search takes place. The board’s goal is to have the new superintendent ready to start no later than July 1.
A strategic plan is in the works to provide the next superintendent with a clear image of where the schools are and what direction they are going. Judy Wilson, a former superintendent in both Woodbury and Princeton, will facilitate a Strategic Planning process, according to Wilson.
“The concept is to take an open-minded and close look at our district as it exists today and where we would like to see it in the future,” Wilson said. “The overarching goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of the district to increase student learning in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner.”
Some notable calendar changes have been made that include changes to spring break. Although the school calendar will be “typical” and reflect the previous years’ calendars, students will be able to experience a regular spring break in 2018, which has been approved by the board.
In addition to a full spring break, new fourth-grade report cards will be utilized in September. Parents should expect to see more than just a letter grade, as specific information regarding students’ scores will be added, Wilson explained.
Haddonfield Middle School teachers will also have the opportunity to collaborate with University of Pennsylvania Literacy Network in math and science.
“Teachers are excited,” Wilson said.
A private consultant will also assist with coaching and working collectively with teachers in the language arts department.
In other news:
• Roughly two months ago, Haddonfield Memorial High School formed the debate club, and it will be competing in 2018.
• The robotics club will take place at Haddonfield Memorial High School where students can use 3D printers to create robots.
• The district is taking a look at potential changes to elementary science material and sixth-grade social studies programs.
