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Holmdel board weighs ambitious district goals after student survey spots gaps in feedback
Summary
The Holmdel Township School District reviewed draft 2024–25 goals that link to its five‑year strategic plan, including staff induction, equitable grading, a parent communication app and a target to reduce low NJSLA scores. Board members pressed for measurable steps and frequent updates, citing student survey 'red' items.
Holmdel Township School District officials reviewed draft district goals for 2024–25, focusing on staff development, grading practices, family communication and student achievement.
Superintendent Dr. Cascone told the Committee of the Whole the district has identified three year‑two priorities tied to the strategic plan: a multi‑year induction program for certificated and noncertificated staff, implementation of equitable, research‑informed grading with improved feedback to students, and development of a two‑way parent communication system such as a mobile app. "Getting [goals] done and approved by the board in advance of the school year is ideal," he said, explaining staff and department goals flow from district targets.
Dr. Cascone also proposed a training year for the Character Strong curriculum and a student‑achievement goal to reduce the percentage of students scoring "not meeting" or "partially meeting" expectations on NJSLA assessments in ELA and math by at least 10 percentage points or to bring the proportion below 10 percent.
Board members framed the draft goals around data from the district's annual "data triangle" student survey. Board member Terrence urged using the de‑identified survey results broadly and targeting the 12 items flagged red as priorities. "If we can move red, the 12 items that are red, at least to yellow, then I think that would be a significant move forward," he said.
Other members cautioned about year‑to‑year cohort differences and urged realistic, measurable targets. One director recommended selecting a smaller set of items (for example, five items) to monitor year‑over‑year where the same students can be surveyed at the start and finish of a year, improving comparability. Board members also asked for more frequent progress updates tied to milestones and for an administrative retreat to refine goal language before a formal vote.
Staff outlined professional development plans to support the goals: Mr. Howard said Character Strong will deliver an initial live four‑hour training with optional online follow‑up, and noted the district has been implementing PBIS work over the past one to two years. The superintendent said an updated draft incorporating board feedback will be presented for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
Next steps: the administration will refine the draft goals based on board feedback and provide an updated document for the board packet ahead of the meeting when the board will consider formal approval.
