State report cards say schools perform well

The four Packet-area public high schools are among top five in the state, based on SAT scores.

By: David Campbell
   The state Department of Education’s New Jersey School Report Card for 2003-2004, released Wednesday, held few surprises for area public school districts, which ranked well above state averages for SAT scores and other standardized student-performance measures.
   In fact, the four Packet-area public high schools are among the top five in the state, based on SAT scores.
   Montgomery High School ranked second in the state, with an average SAT score of 1,244, up from 1,220 in last year’s report card. Montgomery was three points behind Millburn High School, which again led the state — as it did in the previous school year. However, Montgomery managed to close the nine-point gap reported by the state last year.
   Princeton High School, which once held bragging rights to the highest SAT scores in New Jersey, ranked third in the state — as it did in 2002-2003 — even though it boosted its average scores from 1,215 to 1,237.
   West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North ranked fourth in the state with an average SAT score of 1,197, which is down three points from the previous academic year. West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South came in fifth in the state ranking, with an average SAT score of 1,194, up from 1,177 from the 2002-2003 academic year, when it ranked eighth.
   According to the state report card, Montgomery has the lowest total administrative cost per pupil and the lowest total cost per pupil among area public school districts. It also has the lowest median teacher salary and a median experience level for teachers that is four years below the state average, but the same as in the Princeton district.
   Montgomery spent $1,033 per pupil for administration costs in 2003-2004, compared to the state average at $1,160. The Princeton district spent $1,179 per pupil, and West Windsor-Plainsboro spent $1,115 per pupil for total administration costs.
   In a measure of comparative cost per pupil, which allows the comparison of districts with similar operating types, the Montgomery district spent $9,043 per pupil, $1,578 less than the state average. Princeton spent $11,660 and West Windsor-Plainsboro spent $10,941.
   The median teacher salary in Montgomery for 2003-2004 was $42,655, compared to the state average of $50,554. The average years of experience for Montgomery teachers was six years. Statewide, it was 10 years.
   The median salary level for teachers in Princeton was $54,265, while in West Windsor-Plainsboro, it was $55,200 in 2003-2004. The median experience level for Princeton teachers was six years, while in West Windsor-Plainsboro, it was 12 years — two years above the state average.
   According to Stuart Schnur, superintendent of the school district in Montgomery, there were no real surprises in the state report card’s findings. He said spending and testing results were at expected levels.
   Dr. Schnur expressed pride in his district’s performance on the SATs, but indicated that performing well on the standardized test is only one component of high student achievement.
   "We’re proud of how well we did on the scores," he said. "But we also want to emphasize that even though we’re extremely proud of that, people need to know it’s only one piece of the picture."
   Judith A. Wilson, the superintendent of schools in Princeton, said, "We’re very proud of the academic achievement of the students and the preparation given by faculty — they certainly excelled statewide and nationally."
   Ms. Wilson called for "digging into the deeper layers" that are not necessarily reflected in the state report card. Most telling, she said, are the percentages of students in the Princeton district taking the SAT — which are high — and "what’s happening for every child in the district," she said.
   Also telling, Ms. Wilson said, is what’s happening for students in Princeton who may be the first in their families to head to college, and academic achievement among students of varying income levels and cultural or racial backgrounds.
   "There is a much deeper story for every district in New Jersey behind that report card," she said. "But there’s no doubt there is great reason for applause for the students and the faculty."
   At PHS, 100 percent of eligible students took the SAT, compared to the state average of 73 percent, according to the state report card. In Montgomery, it was 96 percent. At West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, it was 99 percent, while at High School South, 96 percent of eligible students took the SAT.
   Robert Loretan, superintendent of schools in West Windsor-Plainsboro, said that while standardized test scores are a valuable measurement, "They are just that — one set of scores for one particular group of students at one particular time.
   "Over the next few weeks, we will evaluate the results of all groups within our district and study ways to ensure the success of all our students," Dr. Loretan said. "It is our responsibility to perform a careful analysis of the results of tests to help us craft curriculum to meet the needs of all our students."
   He said the district is "extremely proud" of the number of students taking and scoring high on the SAT, adding that curriculum across all grade levels continues to be evaluated to meet student needs.
   "With this commitment to curriculum development as well as to professional development, student performance shows that we offer a strong and well-rounded program of studies," Dr. Loretan said.
   The state Department of Education’s New Jersey School Report Card for 2003-2004 can be accessed on the department’s Web site at http://education.state.nj.us/rc.