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Student leaders report SmartPass improvements as superintendent announces top CUSAC scores and preschool expansion plans
Summary
Peer leaders told the board the SmartPass digital hall passes have reduced loitering and improved classroom engagement. Superintendent said the district scored 100% in three CUSAC categories and 95% overall, previewed a six‑day specials rotation pilot and a preschool advisory council seeking community members.
Student peer leaders and the superintendent opened the Sept. 11 Lawrence Township Board of Education meeting with reports on student programs, district rebranding and the results of a recent state accountability review.
"We just started the cell phone, parking lot at our school, and so far, it's...working," peer leader Erin told the board, describing a cellphone‑cubby approach that keeps phones stowed and, she said, increased classroom engagement. Another student described the Smart Pass digital‑pass system, saying it reduced loitering in bathrooms and hallways and allows teachers and security to monitor who is in and out of spaces.
Superintendent Eldridge highlighted convocation events and the district’s new marketing materials, saying the district earned a high result in the state review: "Lawrence scored a perfect 100% in 3 out of 5 categories, yielding a district average of 95% overall. This designates Lawrence Township Public Schools as a high performing district," the superintendent said. He also announced that Sarah Foster, a district supervisor, will receive the George de Buono award and that the district is forming an Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) for preschool partners.
The superintendent described a six‑day rotation pilot for specials at two elementary schools designed to reduce fragmented instructional time, and said the district is exploring a potential facility with space for four preschool classrooms in coming years. He also promoted a refreshed district website and a new app that will host an LTPS referendum information page and provide alerts for families.
Student representative Edison Ryan was ceremonially sworn in and said he will help represent students and report monthly to the student council; he announced a bipartisan voter‑registration drive Sept. 28 featuring local civic groups.
The board thanked peer leaders and staff for the start‑of‑year work and for the communications rollout. The superintendent said the district will continue to brief the board as pilots and plans — including the ECAC and preschool expansion — proceed.
