As my first school year comes to a close, I want to thank you for welcoming me home. Thank you for entrusting me with your children. I have enjoyed visiting schools, attending co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and spending time with employees and students over the past school year. I am impressed by the teaching and learning taking place in our schools. Students are actively engaged and enjoying their work. It is obvious that everyone is deeply committed to providing our students with a high-quality experience.
The community and staff listening sessions provided valuable feedback and insight for the work we needed to preserve and on the practices that needed to evolve. I am proud of these accomplishment from year one:
A district that is becoming systemically compassionate
High-quality executive level staff for all cabinet-level positions left vacant due to retirements
School bus rides with some of the District’s staff to understand student experiences
K-8 Literacy review and audit of associated resources
Competitive wages for classified staff by increasing the minimum hourly rate from $10/hr to $15/hr
Addition of attendance incentive for bus drivers, custodians, and school nutrition workers
Increases in security with dedicated school resource officers for each school
Increases in safety by purchasing Centegix and emergency satellite radios
More reliable and responsive transportation technology
Ownership of the football stadium, track, and softball/baseball fields
Free employee assistance program to support staff health and wellness
As I think about the work ahead, I must continue intentional work that ensures our schools continue to thrive. A few items at the top of my to-do list for 2025 are:
Finalize and release a 5-Year Strategic Plan
Increase opportunities for job embedded professional development for teachers and support principals as instructional leaders
Provide a leadership development pipeline to develop future school and district leaders
Implement new K–5 Comprehensive Literacy Plan
Hire Instructional Coaches at every elementary school
Provide additional APs at schools with enrollments greater than 600 students
Launch of Camden Success Academy with enhanced support for middle grade students
Expand the continuum of specially designed classrooms to support students with disabilities
Launch Communities In Schools
Reinforce our commitment to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
Promote the District through a comprehensive marketing and communications effort
Continue to engage with students, staff, parents, community leaders, and our elected officials
Launch a new website and app that provides external constituents with the necessary information to stay connected
By building on our strengths and addressing our challenges head on, I am confident we can continue our reputation of excellence. Thank you for joining me in this important work.
“My wish is for you to stay safe, stay curious, and stay connected. Remember, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Learning happens everywhere, and the world is your classroom. Whether you're traveling, volunteering, reading, or engaging in creative endeavors, seize the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive impact. We eagerly await your return in the coming school year, filled with new adventures, fresh ideas, and endless possibilities.”
Best wishes for 2024-25!
Dr. Tracolya Green
Superintendent