By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Superintendent of Schools Steve Cochrane is about to open schools next week in a different environment and atmosphere than where he and the district were just nine months ago.
The biggest difference: no more strife with the teachers about reaching a contract. The district will enjoy a time of labor peace, thanks to hammering out a deal with the teachers union that shifts the attention from the bargaining table to the classroom.
Now nearing the end of his second full year on the job, he can focus squarely on education: A new dual language arts program at Community Park Elementary School to teach children in Spanish and in English; an effort to help low-income families of students get free Internet access and laptops; a focus on student and staff wellness.
“I could not be more excited to begin this year,” said Mr. Cochrane by phone.
Mr. Cochrane is putting his imprint on the school system, from the feel-good language in the district’s mission and values statement to the strategic goals for the next five years.
“I think that he is poised to make some important, positive changes,” school board president Andrea Spalla said.
From the academic policy side, the district will take a holistic look at homework, from how much students are assigned, how it’s graded and other related issues. The homework issue fits broadly into his effort to improve the physical and emotional well being of busy students who have to find time to balance class work and extracurricular activities.
“Schools should be places of joy,” he said.
One of the district goals is to “ensure that every child is known by promoting relationships and instruction that recognize the potential, the passions, the readiness levels and the learning styles of every student.”
Mr. Cochrane leads a school system of 3,500 students, an enrollment figure current as of Aug. 25. The district said overall enrollment is slightly down at the elementary schools, about the same at John Witherspoon School and slightly up at Princeton High School.
High school enrollment stands at 1,565 students, compared to 1,523 when classes ended in June. Mr. Cochrane said the high school often will start the year with a high enrollment but see the number drop because some children are in private school and have not been withdrawn from the school system.
The district will welcome some new faces. Assistant Superintendent Lewis Goldstein said that there are 47 new staff members. That breaks down to 32 teachers, 13 aides and two supervisors.
