Vernon Board adopts five district goals including strategic plan timeline and governance certification

The Vernon Township Board of Education voted on Sept. 18 to approve five board goals for the 2025–26 school year that cover governance and leadership development, a district strategic planning process, improved communications, finance and facilities planning and student success.

Board documents describe the goals as follows: become a certified board and establish mentorship and onboarding for new members; launch a collaborative strategic planning process with community input and adopt a final plan by June 2026; strengthen public communications and social media in coordination with district staff; engage in long-term fiscal and facilities planning that could include evaluating the need for a future referendum; and prioritize academic growth, inclusive learning and student health through committee oversight.

Board members moved and seconded the motion and approved the package in a roll-call vote. Recorded yes votes during the roll call included Mr. Fisher, Mr. Krauss, Ms. Pellet, Mr. Sweeney, Ms. Vaccarello, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Semaglia and Mr. Contino; the public minutes state "Motion carries." The board president noted the listed committee alignments alongside goals are not a change to standing committee structure and that committee structure would be addressed separately at an upcoming retreat.

The board will now proceed with next steps outlined in the goals: timeline authorization for strategic planning, arranging community input opportunities and implementing governance-strengthening activities across the 2025–26 year.