Multiple candidates at the Moorestown Board of Education forum urged the district to update its strategic plan — last drafted in 2019, before the COVID‑19 pandemic — and to prioritize special education, early intervention, reduced class sizes and transparent data tracking to close achievement gaps.

Katie Berman said the district has not had a new strategic plan since 2019 and recommended community engagement — surveys and forums — to set district priorities and add curriculum elements like technology and artificial intelligence. “We need to figure out where we want to go as a community,” Berman said.

Saima Bhutta urged more emphasis on special education, noting candidates’ remarks that the district spends “more than $1,100,000” on out-of-district placements; she advocated developing in-district capacity to keep students local when possible. Ayesha Hassan supported expanded early intervention and smaller class sizes, and recommended clearer subgroup data tracking and a spring progress check-in with parents.

Claudine Marano, who chaired the policy committee, and Danielle Miller stressed the role of professional development so teachers can adapt to new curricula and reach diverse learners. Several candidates emphasized social-emotional learning and mental health supports as part of an equitable education strategy.

Candidates described these as priorities to be shaped under the incoming permanent superintendent and included as part of a new strategic plan; the forum reflected positions and recommendations rather than any formal board vote or policy change.