Frank Asante

This Professional Development Plan outlines goals for the preschool program at Orange Township Public Schools Scholars Academy. Key priorities include decreasing chronic absenteeism by strengthening family-teacher partnerships and enhancing engagement, ensuring the consistent and faithful implementation of The Creative Curriculum in preschool classrooms, and utilizing Teaching Strategies GOLD data for assessing child developmental progress and planning individualized instruction.

The board discussed a wide range of business including new contracts and agreements for educational and professional services, such as music therapy, behavioral health, and personnel staffing. Curriculum and assessment resource updates were approved for various grade levels, alongside financial resolutions covering payment of invoices, budget transfers, and financial service appointments. The meeting also addressed student-related matters, including HIB case reports, home instruction, and out-of-district placements, as well as several grant applications and facilities use requests.

The meeting encompassed a wide range of administrative and educational agenda items. Key discussions included the approval of numerous service contracts and memorandums of understanding covering areas such as program evaluation, music therapy, staff recruitment, software licensing, food service management, and facility maintenance. The Board reviewed curriculum updates, including the adoption of new social studies and ELA materials, and authorized renewal of data analysis and tutoring services. Financial actions involved the approval of bill payments, fund transfers, and professional audit services. Additionally, the Board addressed student-related matters, including HIB case reporting, out-of-district placements, and the acceptance of grant funding for various literacy and professional development initiatives.

The board conducted a public budget hearing, focusing on a detailed presentation of the upcoming district budget. Key discussion topics included revenue sources, specifically the reliance on state aid, projected cost increases due to special education tuition, contractual salary adjustments, and health benefits, and the justification for a proposed 2% tax levy increase to bridge funding gaps and meet state adequacy standards. The board also discussed operational efficiency measures, such as restructuring transportation and expanding in-district special education programs, and emphasized the commitment to maintaining school-based funding while ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

The meeting featured student presentations on lunch service improvements, community connections, and environmental awareness initiatives. The superintendent provided reports on Autism Awareness Month, scholarship achievements, National Assistant Principal Week, summer opportunities for 2026, the NJQSAC district evaluation, and attendance performance. The Board reviewed the 2025 district audit presentation, which noted financial stability and improvements in reporting accuracy. Discussions also included facility upgrades, upcoming district arts events, the Pathways to Promise Reentry Initiative Partnership, and a new community initiative regarding e-bike safety. Additionally, the Board discussed youth summit events, police collaboration for autism awareness training, and celebrated administrative staff.