Dr. Justin Smith, Superintendent of Evesham Township Schools, introduced Ms. Mulik, who presented the detailed annual school self-assessment process. The presentation underscored the importance of a positive school climate in achieving favorable educational outcomes, such as increased student and staff satisfaction, improved attendance, reduced disciplinary issues, and fewer incidents of violence and bullying.

Ms. Mulik emphasized the district’s shift towards proactive measures over reactive responses to manage school environments. The initiatives outlined included promoting respect and inclusivity, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and implementing programs like responsive classroom strategies. Specific campaigns planned for this academic year were also discussed, focusing on themes around responsibility and kindness.

Schoolwide efforts include campaigns like “No Place for Hate” and the establishment of various supervision roles during unstructured times to maintain a supportive atmosphere. Classroom strategies involve morning meetings in elementary schools and advisory sessions in middle schools, where students engage in rule creation and model expected behaviors. The district utilizes a framework known as “CARES,” which stands for cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.

Additionally, Ms. Mulik highlighted districtwide programs aimed at enhancing school climate, such as character education initiatives focused on anti-bullying, connections to community service, and comprehensive health education. Annual training sessions for staff on various topics, including the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights and responsive classroom practices, were also highlighted to ensure that educators are equipped to foster a positive school environment.

The self-assessment process begins with each school’s safety team conducting a self-assessment in May or June, followed by the submission of results to the state. This process includes scoring across various indicators, with scores ranging from zero to three based on compliance with required standards. The results are then presented at a public board meeting and submitted to the state, with the expectation that the public can review the findings once they are released. The schools’ performance contributes to an overall district grade, calculated as an average of individual school assessments.

Following the self-assessment presentation, the Board discussed school performance scores. It was noted that all schools are either meeting or exceeding expectations, with scores ranging from 74 to 76 out of a possible 78 points. The discussion then shifted to how this data will be utilized, particularly in relation to anti-bullying initiatives. The district’s counselors, coordinators, and school principals are expected to analyze this data and formulate recommendations, which will be shared with the school safety teams. These teams will set goals for the upcoming year and work toward their implementation. Some specific recommendations discussed included emphasizing social emotional competence, the “Character Matters” initiative, and the “No Place for Hate” program, along with the introduction of Zones of Regulation and a potential spring survey.

The meeting then transitioned to public comments on agenda items, but no comments were made. The approval of the minutes from the previous meeting followed, with a correction noting that Mr. Brown had been marked present. The motion passed unanimously.

In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Smith expressed excitement about the upcoming school year, noting that it was less than three weeks until the first day of school. He acknowledged the hard work of staff in preparing the schools and highlighted the success of summer programming, which saw over 700 students participating. Dr. Smith also mentioned the opening of the parent portal and thanked parents for their participation in back-to-school preparations. Additionally, he promoted the township’s fourth annual backpack drive, which aimed to collect supplies for students, emphasizing the contributions of local businesses in supporting this initiative.

The board then moved to various administrative items, curriculum approvals, finance and operations, personnel matters, and policy discussions, all of which passed through unanimous roll call votes with no questions or comments from board members. The meeting continued with committee reports and old business, both of which yielded no substantial input, and no new business was presented.

The open public comment session, allowing for any items of interest, also saw no members of the public speaking. The board members then shared announcements, with one member reflecting on the upcoming school year, likening it to the mythical Phoenix and emphasizing the theme of new beginnings and hope.