Schools Superintendent Michael Volpe is beginning his third year overseeing the township public schools.
He took some time during his superintendent’s report at a board of education meeting on Jan. 27 to look back on what has been accomplished and what is in store for the future.
“We embarked on a journey of significant progress and innovation laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our community,” he said. “Our accomplishments span a wide range of areas demonstrating our commitment to excellence in every facet of our district.”
When Volpe came into the district, he along with the board enhanced an education foundation by implementing a new strategic plan outlining a vision for the future that had expired in June 2022.
“We significantly passed two crucial referendum questions ensuring adequate staffing levels to provide our students with individualized attention they deserve,” he said. “We created a culture of safety and established the district’s first ever school security team to enhance safety protocols and procedures for all of our schools.”
Championed fiscal stability through tireless advocacy, which was instrumental in shaping legislative changes that brought much needed financial stability to the district for this past year.
“It allowed us to focus on our core mission of educating our students,” Volpe said. “I will continue to do this for the future.”
Investing in our infrastructure – Dedicated significant funding to critical construction and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) upgrades to create modern, comfortable and safe learning environments for students and staff.
Expanding opportunities – Planning on implementation of full-day kindergarten and elementary school redistricting. The initiatives will enhance the educational experience for the district’s youngest learners.
“This redistricting is a first since 2002,” Volpe said. “It is a major undertaking. Full redistricting will not take place until fall 2026. We may look at small carve outs over the course of this time, but full redistricting will not take place until fall 2026.”
Centralized proficiency with creation of centralized registrar – Streamlined processes and improved efficiency for families and staff.
Increase access in affordability – Board suspended pay to play fee ensuring all students have equal access to extracurricular activities.
Elevating academic excellence – Focus on data given instruction with implementation of comprehensive support system. Expanded implementation of New Jersey tiered system of supports in grades K-8 providing multi-tiered framework for interventions and supports to address academic behavioral and emotional needs of all of our learners.
“Kids just don’t come to schools with their brains,” Volpe said. “They come with their whole body, minds and their experiences.”
Broadening horizons with expanded dual enrollment opportunities – With prestigious institutions such as The College of New Jersey; Seton Hall and soon the University of Delaware, the dual enrollment opportunities provide students with a head start on their college careers.
Reimaging support programs – Transformed Title 1 program from just focusing on kindergarten to include enriching family nights, Saturday sessions and summer programming, which fosters a strong partnership between school and home.
Expanded summer learning – Broadened summer credit program beyond math to include other courses providing students with more opportunities to accelerate their learning.
Empowering educators – Increased instructional staff for the past three years. Added intervention specialists and restored a vital vice principal position at the high school ensuring students receive support that they need to thrive.
“When it comes to streamlining processes, we removed unnecessary burdens from observation and process allowing teachers to focus on what they do best – teaching,” Volpe said. “When it comes to celebrating success, we implemented new and improved ways to recognize the outstanding contributions of our staff members.”
Improving retention – Efforts to value staff have improved retention rates ensuring more continuity and stability for students.
Strengthening operations – Securing vital resources. Successfully procured in two years over $960,000 in competitive grants.
Maximizing resources available – Restored essential services including courtesy busing ensuring all students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school.
Maintaining fiscal responsibility – Received two consecutive flawless financial audits without any recommendations.
Completed NJ QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum) process with high marks – Identified as high performing district.
Modernizing infrastructure by enhancing communication – Upgraded district’s communication platform to include more user-friendly website and robust mass communication tool with convenient mobile app.
Foster community partnerships and building bridges – Significantly improved relationship with Township Committee leading to procurement to free educational resources and partnership in repairing unsafe tennis courts, which may be used by residents as well for pickleball when not used by students.
“These accomplishments are just the beginning,” Volpe said. “We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and we’re excited to build on this foundation to create an even brighter future for our students, staff and our community.
“This was a lot to accomplish in a span of two years … as superintendent, I am along for the ride. I’m a blocking fullback clearing the way for my talented staff to get things done.”
