Roxbury sets 2025–26 goals, reports lower ACCESS proficiency as district enrolls more English learners

Roxbury Township School District Superintendent Frank Santoro on Aug. 18 presented five district goals for the 2025–26 school year and reported that overall ACCESS (WIDA ACCESS) scores for English‑language learners declined as the district tested a larger number of students who are new to U.S. schools.

Santoro told the board the goals — focused on a districtwide multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS), sustainability, operational efficacy, health and wellness, and parent engagement — were drawn from administrators, staff, board members and students. “When we looked at our student data, we determined that these district goals … represent not only our wants and our needs, but also our hopes,” Santoro said.

In a separate presentation he reviewed ACCESS testing, a state‑administered measure of English‑language proficiency. Santoro said the district is administering the assessment to more students than in prior years and that “our proficiency rates have decreased. That tells us that we’re testing more students who are at the entry level.” He said an increase in newly enrolled students —…