Trenton Public Schools

The meeting focused on introducing the incoming superintendent to the community, discussing the role of local clergy in reopening schools, and addressing how to support parents lacking skills to help their children. Priorities include ensuring student safety upon returning to school, focusing on student achievement, and creating a vision for the district.

The Trenton Board of Education held a meeting to discuss the strategic plan, focusing on five key areas: student achievement, community engagement and partnerships, developing the whole child, staff development and well-being, and facilities infrastructure resources safety and security. The discussion included upcoming community engagement sessions to gather feedback on action steps and objectives.

The meeting included discussions on adopting the agenda with amendments, including HR new hires and resignations, PD safety officer, TR secretary, AD secretary at Tanga, secretary at Parker JM, and secretary at Jefferson. There was also an addendum for teaching and learning for a student study trip in May for the Hesh past Williams School. The agenda was amended to include an executive session to discuss the superintendent's contract and the purchase of MLK building. The superintendent discussed changing start times for the four-six grade levels due to busing issues and redistricting. The board also discussed the potential purchase of the old Martin Luther King building and concerns about securing the building.

The meeting included announcements and recognitions, such as Harvard Protection Services recognizing district employees and the Trenton Board of Education receiving the Carol El Larson Master board certification. The superintendent presented progress on strategic goals, focusing on student achievement through high-quality instruction and project-based learning, community engagement, developing a safe and nurturing environment for students, staff development and well-being, and facilities, finance, and infrastructure.

The meeting addressed redistricting business and curriculum approvals. Discussions included health and safety protocols, maintaining a mask-optional environment, and updates on COVID-19 infections. The board also covered summer programs, professional development planning, and curriculum resources. The curriculum committee reviewed the upcoming curriculum items and the direction of language arts and math programs, focusing on a phased approach involving auditing, action steps, and implementation. The human resources committee noted the passing of a long-time paraprofessional, new hires, and existing vacancies, with a job fair held to address staffing needs. The potential recruitment of bilingual teachers from other countries was also discussed.