Mike D'Ostilio

This document outlines the Washington Township Public Schools' plan for expanding its free preschool education program for three and four-year-olds, anticipating full coverage for all eligible children. The expansion strategy involves securing state aid, leveraging existing facilities, and establishing new partnerships with various private providers. Key components include a play-based, child-centered 'Creative Curriculum,' a 'Kickstart Literacy' program for four-year-olds, and comprehensive social-emotional support aligned with the Pyramid model. The plan also emphasizes strong family and community engagement through workshops, events, and resource provision, while maintaining high-quality standards evidenced by the Grow NJ Kids four-star rating.

The document is a user-friendly budget summary for Gloucester Washington Township. It includes information on advertised enrollments, revenues, appropriations, and per pupil cost calculations. It also lists employee contracts for the district.

The presentation covers great things, challenges, budget information, a review of budget cuts, state aid comparison, and tax impact. Challenges include S2 reductions, being over adequacy, under local fair share, and projected revenue decreases. Budget cuts include reductions in staff, transportation routes, lease reduction, elimination of middle school sports, and reduction in co-curriculars. The budget includes preschool & kindergarten, curriculum adoption, academies, and in house ESP and BSP programs. The budget utilizes the 2.0% tax levy increase.

The agenda includes discussions on various topics such as the mission statement, Open Public Meetings Act, roll call, video notice, and the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a discussion about the budget, end-of-year student honorees, and senior events. The board discussed letters of discipline, approval of minutes, and the return of Dr. Hibbs. There were also discussions about policy updates, counselor availability, and a former employee hired for summer work. The meeting also involved a public session where concerns were raised about preschool paraprofessionals, equity, discipline, staffing changes, and budget transparency.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. These included updates from the Director of Assessment, Data Technology, Registration, and School Community Outreach, letters of discipline, field trip destinations, proposals for improvement in different areas, the district professional development plan, and school level development plans. The board also addressed policy revisions, student activities and services, human resources matters such as leaves of absence, appointments, and retirements, and financial and facility-related items including budget approvals, account transfers, bill lists, and project approvals.