SOUTH BRUNSWICK: District sets goals

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
   The Board of Education recently announced a list of proposed goals and objectives for the 2012-13 school year.
   During last week’s board meeting, Superintendent Gary P. McCartney pointed out that this year’s district theme is “Success is a Choice” and equated this objective to those of the recent Olympic athletes who “required personal discipline and much hard work to achieve their successes.”
   The new goals and objectives covered nine major areas within the district’s educational areas, according to officials. Mr. McCartney and his administrative team went through its master plan with a presentation lasting more than two hours at the meeting.
   In the area of program and instruction, the district wants to prepare students to be college and career ready upon graduation and to support district teachers implementing new standards and to give parents a greater understanding of student learning.
   In addition to supporting staff and parents, the district will be looking to integrate technology and 21st Century skills, according to officials.
   The district wants to also implement a District Technology Plan for years 2013-2016.
   In addition to staff development and improvements in the changing world of technology, the district will be developing a policy for “Bringing Your Own Technology” into our schools, according to officials. At the same time, the district is committed to move to a more wireless environment in its buildings while maintaining the needed security, officials’ said.
   The district is pledging to enhance student achievement as defined by State of New Jersey in the recently announced No Child Left Behind program waiver. The main objectives would be to improve Focus Schools and student performance on report cards, according to the district.
   The district is planning to keep a closer eye on how students are doing as they move through the system by assessing program effectiveness and student growth in all grade levels by monitoring established benchmarks the students should reach, according to officials. The main objective is to prepare for the 2013-2014 assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics, according to officials.
   In order to strengthen school supervision and evaluation skills, the district will expand educators understanding of what is expected in performance delivery. The objectives call for the creation of a District Evaluation Advisory Committee and the creation of an online evaluation tool, according to officials.
   Other goals listed included; Mandated Training: These programs will be tailored by job descriptions and address all oversight agencies and their required training. The objective is to provide on site training in Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, School Emergencies, and Health. In addition, the plan is to conduct a two-hour required training in Suicide Awareness.
   Facilities: Improve infrastructures in all district facilities. The objectives include evaluating the need for additional classroom space at Brunswick Acres Elementary School and to secure additional security cameras for all school buses and all Buildings and Grounds.
   Cost Effectiveness: Continue seeking avenues to reduce district costs while providing a quality educational experience for our students. Objectives include implementing the 2012-2013 budget, evaluating recommendations made by the newly hired Energy Specialist, secure a Security Grant, and explore debt refinancing.
   Safety and Student Support: Review and update district plans relating to health, personal support, and safety. Objectives include conducting Command Training for District Administrators and reviewing guidelines for the reevaluation process of students with special needs.
   State Monitoring: Participate in New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC). Objectives include self-assessment in five designated areas and hosting onsite State monitors.
   At the end of the school year, the board will evaluate its goals and objectives and report back to the public on the programs that were implemented and the areas that need additional emphasis, according to officials. 