The Lawrence Township Public Schools has been certified as a high-performing district by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)
Every three years, school districts are evaluated in five areas by the NJDOE – Instruction and Program; Fiscal Management; Governance; Operations; and Personnel.
In the latest review, the school district scored 100% in three of the five categories. Overall, the district earned an average score of 95%, Superintendent of Schools Robyn Klim told the school board at its Sept. 11 meeting.
A school district must score between 80% and 100% in each of the five categories to earn designation as a high-performing school district. School districts that earn between 50% and 79% per category must develop and implement an improvement plan for each deficient category.
A district that scores below 50% is required to develop and implement improvement plans. It must undergo an in-depth evaluation and develop and implement an improvement plan in each deficient category.
“This designation as a high-performing district was no small feat,” Klim said. “(The review) is quite extensive.”
NJDOE officials visited the Lawrence Township school district several times and reviewed data for more than 100 separate indicators, Klim said. They reviewed evaluations, policies, practices, processes, and meeting records in each of the five areas.
The Instruction and Program section has 36 indicators that address student performance, curriculum, instruction, mandated programs, early childhood programs and high school/graduation.
The Personnel section has 16 indicators in the areas of licensed personnel, personnel policies and professional development.
The Fiscal Management section has 23 indicators that include budget planning, financial and budgetary control and the annual audit.
The Operations Management section has 26 indicators in the areas of facilities, student conduct, school safety and security, student health, and student support services.
The Governance Section consists of 51 indicators in areas that include board training, disclosure and operations, ethics compliance, policies, procedures, by-laws, standard school board practices, school board/administration collaboration and communications.
School district officials are “incredibly proud” to have been named as a high-performing school district, Klim said.
“This accomplishment highlights our ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality education, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for every student,” Klim said.
