Glen Ridge Public Schools

Glen Ridge, New Jersey 07028

Quality Assurance Annual Report

2005-2006 School Year

I. IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOOL LEVEL PLANS [N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.2(a)3]

A. The 2006-2007 school level objectives were developed at each school level and submitted to the Superintendent of Schools. (See Attachment A) The Superintendent submitted them to the Essex County Superintendent on August 29, 2006. The County Superintendent of Schools approved the objectives on August 31, 2006. (See Attachment B)

B. NOTE: These objectives were approved by the Glen Ridge Board of Education at their August 28, 2006 meeting.

C. All schools begin the school level implementation process during the first official faculty meeting of the school year which occurred on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. The Principals report monthly of their plan’s progress through their monthly school level report submitted to the Superintendent’s Office.

II. ACHIEVEMENT OF PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES [N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.2(a)3]

A. A full report of the achievement for performance objectives for the 2005-2006 school year has been submitted to the County Superintendent of Schools on August 29, 2006. (See Attachment C) NOTE: These objectives were approved by the Glen Ridge Board of Education at their August 28, 2006 meeting and the County Superintendent of Schools on August 31, 2006. (See Attachment B)

B. All benchmarks and performance standards have been met in all buildings as outlined in Attachment C.

III. NEW JERSEY SCHOOL REPORT CARD [N.J.A.C. 18A:7E-1 ET SEQ AND N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.2(a)1]

A. The school report cards for the 2004-2005 school year are attached as required (See Attachment D) The Report Cards are located on the district's web-site www.glenridge.org and are e-mailed to students’ homes upon request.

IV. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES [N.J.A.C. 6A:9]

A: Professional Development Links -The Glen Ridge School District is committed to providing its staff with high quality staff development focused on critical educational issues that are determined by yearly surveying our teaching staff. Teachers are partially reimbursed for approved graduate course work. They are supported financially and with time in their participation in workshops outside of the district, as well as given the opportunity to participate in state and national conferences. For the tenth year, the Board of Education supported a team of teachers and administrators in their attendance at the National Conference for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in Chicago, Illinois in late March early April 2006.

During the 2005-2006 school year, the district continued to provide its own Professional Development courses. (See Attachment E) Courses are offered both during the school year and in the summer in order to meet the expressed needs of teachers, the needs of our students, and the goals of the district. District personnel (teachers, staff, and administration) teach these courses. The administrative team participates in professional development by attending workshops, conferences and teaching programs on topics of need and interest throughout the school year. Our students perform well-above the state and national averages on all standardized tests as noted in our District Report Card and evidenced in our high ranking in New Jersey Monthly Magazine and all state comparisons including DFG.

B: Professional Development Budget - Again, the district spent in excess of $66,223 for staff development during the 2005-2006 school year. This includes grant money in addition to district budgeted funding. A detailed list of district workshops, out-of-district workshops and graduate courses taken is attached. (See Attachment F) All workshops are geared towards district goals, the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and/or the individual Professional Improvement Plan of the staff.

Graduate Courses - $31,200

Workshops and Conferences - $35,023

C: Professional Development Plan Approval -The Essex County Professional Board approved our 2005-2006 Professional Development Plan on January 28, 2005. (See Attachment G)

D: Local Mentor Plan - The Glen Ridge Board of Education implemented our existing mentoring plan which was Board approved on October 10, 2005 and continued its development to align it with the Professional Standards for Teachers and the mentoring regulations found in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-8. The district’s final New Teacher Mentoring Plan was approved by the Board on June 19, 2006 and submitted to the County Superintendent on June 20, 2006. (See Attachment H)

V. CONDITIONS OF SCHOOL FACILITIES [N.J.A.C 6A:26]

A. TEMPORARY SCHOOL FACILITIES APPROVAL [N.J.A.C 6A:26]

The Glen Ridge Board of Education does not have any temporary school facilities.

B. COST OF MAJOR BUILDING PROJECTS/RENOVATIONS

· Boiler repairs at the Ridgewood Avenue School,

Linden Avenue School and Forest Avenue School $36,575

· Flooring renovations to hallways and classrooms at

Ridgewood Avenue School, Glen Ridge High School

And Forest Avenue School $16,850

· Paving re-surfacing at Glen Ridge High School and

Ridgewood Avenue School through an inter-local agreement

with the Borough of Glen Ridge $30,220

· Installation of pre-heating unit at Ridgewood Avenue School $25,510

· Underground tank removal at Forest Avenue School $13,175

C. COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE PLANS (CMP)

Attached are the Comprehensive Maintenance Plans for the four school buildings in the district as approved by the Glen Ridge Board of Education on November 6, 2006. (See Attachment I)

D. STATUS OF LONG RANGE FACILITY PLAN [N.J.A.C. 6A:2.2(a)-7 & N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.1(a)]

The most recent LRFP was approved by the Board of Education on October 10, 2005 and currently awaiting approval by the Office of School Facilities Financing. There are 22 projects totaling $5,750,000 in the LRFP. Projects relating to Health and Safety/Capacity amount $3,064,000 and the balance of $2,686,000 related to other local objectives. Of these 22 projects, one project for security systems (components and wiring) for Ridgewood Avenue, Linden Avenue and Forest Avenue Schools has been completed.

E. ANNUAL MAINTENANCE BUDGET AMOUNT [N.J.A.C. 6:26-2.1-2.3 and N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.1]

Attached is the Annual Maintenance Reserve Deposit Worksheet. (See Attachment J)

F. MAXIMUM CAPITAL RESERVE AMOUNT [N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-31, N.J.A.C. 6A:26-9.1 and 6:8-2.1(a)2]

Attached is the certified resolution for the district’s maximum capital reserve amount. (See Attachment K)

G. STATUS OF REQUIRED ANNUAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REVIEW [N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.1, 6.2, 12; 6A:19-10]

Building inspections were conducted during the 2005-2006 school year by the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, the Building Principals, the Business Administrator, as well as members of the Board of Education during their yearly district-wide facility inspection. The checklist report, Indicator 7.6 “Evaluation of Buildings and Grounds”, was used as the inspection guide. This served to help determine needs for the budget year 2006-2007, as well as serve for a health and safety check. All areas were found to be in compliance at that time. In addition, the Building Principals, the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, and Head Custodians conduct monthly inspections. (See Attachment L)

VI. STATUS OF MANDATED PROGRAM REVIEWS [N.J.A.C. 6:8 –4]

A. COMPREHENSIVE EQUITY PLAN (CEP) [N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.9]

The Glen Ridge School District’s Comprehensive Equity Plan (CEP) for 2004-2007 was submitted and approved on July 6, 2004. It identified multi-cultural awareness as well as sensitivity to issues of prejudice on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation or socio-economic status as part of the district’s curricular objectives. The Comprehensive Equity Plan General Information Statement of Assurances and Certification Form was Board approved on April 4, 2004. The Board of Education also appointed the district's Affirmative Action Officer for the 2005-2006 school year on April 4, 2004 as per the Statement of Assurance dated April 4, 2004. (See Attachment M)

During the 2006-2007 school year, the District’s Comprehensive Equity Plan (CEP) for 2007-2010 will be re-written. The Glen Ridge Board of Education continues to provide in-service training in the area of affirmative action to its staff regarding their behavior and the curriculum.

B. BILINGUAL EDUCATION, ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE SERVICE [N.J.A.C. 6A:15]

The District’s 2005-2008 Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL)/English Language Services (ELS) Three-Year Program Plan was approved on September 26, 2005. (See Attachment N)

C. EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM AID PLANS [N.J.A.C. 6A:24-3.4]

Not Applicable

D. DEMONSTRABLY EFFECTIVE PROGRAM AID PLANS [N.J.A.C 6A:24]

Not Applicable

E. SPECIAL EDUCATION [N.J.A.C. 6A:14]

· Special Education Program Monitoring - January 27-29, 2003: The district was commended for “the exceptionally comprehensive review conducted during the self-assessment process. The district is further commended for the numerous areas determined compliant by the district and verified by the Office of Special Education Programs."

· Improvement Plan Approval: May 6, 2003 (See Attachment O)

The district’s improvement plan received final approval. The district will continue to implement the plan in its entirety to meet goals as per plan timeline.

F. DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLAN [N.J.A.C. 18A-7F-22]

The district’s three-year technology plan (2004-2007) was approved on June 3, 2004. (See Attachment P)

Status for the 2005-2006 School Year:

During the 2005-2006 school year, the technology committee met to review the 2004-2007 Glen Ridge Public School District Technology Plan. The technology committee is comprised of administrators, teacher representatives from every level, and technology technicians. The plan is due for revision and updating in the 2006-2007 school year.

The goals of the plan are:

· Students will attain the educational technology and information literacy skills that will assist them in achieving the Core Curriculum Content Standards and to succeed in the workplace of the 21st Century.

· Educators will attain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use educational technology to assist students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

· Students, teachers, and administrators will have access to educational technology in all learning environments, including classrooms, media centers, and other educational settings.

· New Jersey school districts will establish and maintain the technology infrastructure necessary for students and educators to access electronic information and to communicate.

G. DISCRETIONARY AND ENTITLEMENT GRANT PROGRAMS- FY 2006

IDEA B - FLOW THROUGH - $287,663

· Secondary Special Education Coordinator

· Student tuitions

· Instructional supplies

· Conferences and workshops/registrations

· CST misc. supplies, CST testing materials, staff

development videos/materials

· Benefits for stipend positions 7.65% (sped co-ord)

IDEA Preschool - $7,432

· Educational consultants working directly with students (OT/PT)

· Instructional supplies

IDEA Nonpublic - $6,948

Additional sessions of supplementary instruction and speech/language therapy to be provided by Essex County Educational Services Commission. (Services to be provided to 5 SLD students.)

NCLB:
Title IIA Professional consultants & mentoring stipends

Conferences/workshops $26,664

Title IIIA Refused English Language Acquisition N/A

Title IV Conferences/workshops, Social Decision Making

Problem Solving Program, Character Education materials $3,677

Title V Purchase assistant technology program

Kurzweil Grades 5-8 $3,614

VII. COMMUNITY SUPPORT [N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.1(e)]

A. Demographic Data:

The Board authorized updating our demographic data in the 1998-1999 school year. Feitlowitz and Associates conducted a full demographic study. This was presented to the Board and public at a public Board meeting. A subsequent door-to-door census was taken with an 87% return rate, which validated the Feitlowitz study. In order to submit the Long-Range Facility Plan, Lenny Elowitz, former Superintendent of Schools in Bloomfield, New Jersey, conducted another census in the fall of 2000. This information is contained in our Long-Range Facility Plan which was submitted October 2005 and we are awaiting State approval.

B. Community Survey:

During the spring of 2005, the Board of Education conducted an on-line community survey receiving close to 600 responses. (We conducted the web-based community survey during the 2004-2005 school year.) The information gathered assisted the district to plan for future needs of the community and school district.

C. Resources and Links to Social Service Agencies:

The Glen Ridge Board of Education maintains a positive relationship with state, county and local social service agencies. The borough maintains the athletic and recreation fields, and has expanded program opportunities for the community. The borough has a full-time recreation director who focuses on after-school and summer programming for the youth of the borough. The school district has a before and aftercare program for parents with children in grades PreK-7. Community members have established the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation to encourage and support innovative programs and services within the school district, which includes the installation of a Synergistics Lab, a World Language Lab, a CAD Lab, Communications Studio, Pathways Lab and Leveled Reading Libraries, as well as the recent renovation of the Ridgewood Avenue auditorium, to name a few items. In addition, the foundation also provides all teachers with “innovation grant” opportunities for innovative programs. The district is an active participant in the Mayor’s Municipal Alliance on Alcohol and Drugs (MAC), which fosters collaboration between the district and the borough and provides a funding source for alcohol-free activities and character education opportunities, such as Peer Leadership and Social Decision Making curriculum at the elementary level. Local service clubs and the Home and School Associations support instructional programs, donate supplies and equipment, and provide scholarships to our graduating seniors. Additionally, there is an Alternative Funding Committee that raises funds to assists funding district maintenance projects that could not be included in the district budget.

D. Community Environmental Conditions:

The Glen Ridge Board of Education has identified reductions in the level of state aid for education and demographic projections indicating dramatic increasing trends in student enrollment and resource utilization as environmental factors that could limit programs and services. Even with securing more grant money than ever before, the funding of the Glen Ridge Schools continues to be an increasingly difficult task for the taxpayers of this borough. This has a direct impact on local property taxes and, despite active petitioning of local and state lawmakers, the strategies have not dramatically changed the tax rate even though alternative funding has increased. The continuation of a high quality school system is going to be dependent on finding ways to reduce taxes, while increasing the total amount of the budget due to increased enrollment.

E. Barrier to Community Involvement:

N/A

F. Community Involvement:

The Glen Ridge Board of Education is committed to involving the community at large in the information and decision-making process of the school district. The Superintendent distributes monthly post Board meeting FYIs to the community stating what took place at the Board meetings, as well as quarterly newsletters to the entire community, and special newsletters distributed at budget time. Additionally, we use e-mail distribution lists to get information out to the public about school and community happenings. Throughout the school year, the public is invited to participate in school activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, High School theatrical productions, inter-generational activities at the school, monthly senior citizens luncheons, school visitations, and discount tickets to sporting events for our senior citizens. Regular meetings take place between the central administration of the district and the Borough administration to assist in communication and support each other in the pursuit of collaborative and individual projects. The Mayor’s Alliance on Alcohol and Drugs meets monthly and is attended by the Superintendent, the Building Principals, the SAC, and a student representative. The two local Glen Ridge Papers give extensive coverage to the schools, allowing the community to know what is being achieved in the schools.

G. Parental Involvement:

During the 2005-2006 school year, planned activities for community involvement in the school community included new parent activities, monthly Home and School Association meetings, Back-to-School Nights, formal parent conferences in the evening and after school, a special education advisory committee (Glen Ridge Association for Special Education), the athletic Booster Club, the Band Parents Organization, the Art Patrons Group, the Theater Parents Group, the Parents Supporting Parents Group sponsored by MAC, grade level meetings, monthly Board of Education meetings, public budget presentations, student awards assemblies, Showcases of Success, interscholastic athletics, band competitions, fundraisers, Project Graduation, financial aid planning workshops, college planning workshops, Town Government Day, Student Government Day, senior citizens’ luncheons, school exhibits, performances, and a Borough Council/BOE construction committee. All of these activities, events, and programs are heavily attended and show a high degree of community participation.

It is through parent and community involvement in our school system and borough that helps secure an outstanding educational program for our students.

VIII. ASSIGNMENT PLAN FOR CERTIFIED AND NONCERTIFIED NURSES [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.1(f)3 and N.J.A.C. 6:2.1(a)10]

See attached 2005-2006 Certified Nurses Assignment and the 2006-2007 Nursing Plan. (See Attachment Q) All our nurses are certified as School Nurse/Health Educator. The High School nurse does not teach Health. The nurse assignments for 2005-2006 were approved by voice vote on May 2, 2005 at our annual Re-organization meeting of the Board of Education. The 2006-2007 Nursing Plan was approved at our annual Re-organization meeting of the Board of Education on May 1, 2006.

IX. SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3]

All students learn the physical, mental, emotional, and social effects of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in grades Pre-K through Grade 12 health classes as well as during special programs throughout the school year. The plan was approved by voice vote on May 2, 2005 at our annual Re-organization meeting of the Board of Education. The district has a low incidence level of in-school substance abuse as indicated on the Violence and Vandalism Report. We continue to work with the community to assist them in curbing the incidence rate that occurs after school hours and off schools grounds. (See Attachment R)

X. VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM REPORTING [N.J.A.C. 6a:16-5.3]

A. The 2005-2006 Violence and Vandalism Report was reported to the public on October 16, 2006 and submitted to the State using the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System (EVVRS). (See Attachment S)

B. Public hearing statement (See Attachment S)

C. Violence and Vandalism Report was approved by the Board of Education on October 16, 2006. (See Attachment S)

XI. EMERGENCY AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLANS [ N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.2]

All school buildings within the district have Emergency Response Plans as well as Inter-Agency Plans with the Glen Ridge Police Department. These plans are reviewed yearly and district employees are also trained and re-trained yearly. During the 2005-2006 school year, the plans were completely revised. The Board of Education is kept informed of any changes and approves the Prosecutor’s Uniform Memorandum of Agreement yearly at its Re-organization meeting this year held on May 1, 2006. (See Attachment T)

XII. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE

A. Signed District Statement of Assurance by Chief School Administrator [N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.2. N.J.A.C. 6A:8-4.4(a), N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1, N.J.A.C. 6:29-6] (See Attachment U)

B. Signed Building Level Statement of Assurances for each school building by each building principal [N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.2, N.J.A.C. 6A:8-4.4(b)] (See Attachments V)