Achievements and Goals

In the relatively short time of serving together on the Montclair Board of Education – Melanie and Phaedra joined in 2022, and Allison in 2020 – we are proud to have led and supported a number of important changes and developments. We have worked hard to gain relevant expertise in board governance, via New Jersey School Boards Association training programs and certifications, and other initiatives. With your vote we would like to see through the transformation we have begun, and with your input find additional innovative ways to make the Montclair public schools the best they can be.

Curriculum and Instruction

  • Focusing on increased instructional time, so that schedules for 2023/24 meet state standards, offering all students access to achievement at high levels, and helping close the achievement gap
  • Introducing historic pre-kindergarten program, with twelve free pre- classes available across the district
  • Improving Response to Intervention (RTI) model with research-based initiatives better able to support learners in need
  • Deepening focus on evidenced-based literacy instruction, including two-year Orton Gillingham training program, giving IMSE training to all curriculum support teachers, and ensuring that Science of Reading training is given to all grade K-5 teachers this school year
  • Implementing a universal screener for dyslexia and other reading struggles (Acadience) with the goal of catching children before they fail
  • Creating a partnership with Essex County College for dual enrollment option for high school students, and expanding the Montclair Academic Dual Enrollment (MADE) program with Montclair State University
  • Deepening partnerships with Essex County Schools of Technology, the Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Weston Health Internship
  • Partnering with the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation/Project Oasis to provide free after-school tutoring
  • Initiating program to provide Montclair Public Library cards for all MPS students
    Focusing on improving professional development, to provide more productive and meaningful experiences for staff

Equity/Cultural Responsiveness

  • Advocating for hiring practices that better reflect the diversity of our student population, including building leaders
  • Restructured Central Office to allow for more oversight in school buildings, making sure trainings on curriculum are being implemented with fidelity
  • Introduced Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color training and support for building leaders
  • Instituted the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” programming at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, with expansion to remaining middle schools and high school for 2023-2024 school year
  • Investing in the “community school” model by partnering with Mountainside Hospital to provide wrap-around health services and clinics at Glenfield and Hillside.
  • Providing free adult ESL classes, including books and childcare, for MPS’s multilingual learner families
  • Expanding and continuing to support restorative justice initiatives, and providing additional training to staff to improve cultural responsiveness in our classrooms and throughout district, including buildings and grounds staff

Facilities

  • Assisted with passage of historic referendum in November 2022 resulting in a total of $188 million for MPS facilities, tens of millions of which will be covered through state grants
  • Commencing renovations and upgrades made possible by the referendum, all of which are currently ahead of schedule and under budget
  • Overseeing repairs to schools damaged by flooding in Hurricane Ida, including dance studios at Hillside and Glenfield, the gymnastics facility at Hillside, and key electrical equipment at Bradford
  • Improving response times with repairs and facilities concerns, including ceiling issues at Nishuane

Mental Health

  • Hiring a permanent mental health coordinator
  • Initiating participation in Imagine NJ’s program providing peer support groups for children and families impacted by grief and loss
  • Implementing Quantum Psychotherapy at middle school level
  • Initiating participation in DREAMS (Developing Resiliency with Engaging Approaches to Maximize Success) program providing educators with resources and training to promote healthy and healing school environments
  • Responding to MHS student concerns with “Zen” spaces and altered homework policies

Special Education

  • Overseeing completion of long-requested special education audit, and implementation of recommendations
  • Restructuring of pupil services department and empowering of new department team
  • Creation of new Director position bridging the gap between Pupil Services and EC&l department
  • Increasing communication with special education community through quarterly newsletter, and responding to parent requests for public posting of available special education programming at each building, and other needs
  • Providing additional special ed-focused professional development and training for paraprofessional staff
  • Supporting inclusion, including enhanced programming for Autism Acceptance Month and participating in various events including the recent “neurodiversity fair” at Bradford