Assistant superintendent outlines district goals, including AI training and INRS manual

Assistant Superintendent Lauren Kaczmark presented the district’s 2024–25 mid‑year goals at the Wayne Township Board of Education meeting on March 16, highlighting plans that span classroom practice, family engagement and district systems.

Kaczmark said Goal 1 centers on leveraging artificial intelligence to support instruction and staff efficiency: the district conducted a fall survey, formed an AI committee and an executive AI committee, hosted an AI 'tasting' workshop and plans to finalize a Strauss SMA policy and procedural plan to present to the board this spring. She acknowledged concerns raised in the survey about academic integrity and potential impacts on creativity and said continued faculty‑level presentations and professional development are planned.

Goal 2 (the Gathering Spot) focuses on special‑education family engagement; Kaczmark reported four meetings to date, recorded presentations for on‑demand access and a planned end‑of‑year showcase. Goal 3 reviewed the STRONG evaluation model and found the teacher evaluation tool broadly satisfactory while the educational‑specialist instrument needs more specificity; the district will produce a communication guide and staff presentations ahead of 2025–26.

Goal 4 continues pilot projects tied to a 'profile of a graduate' framework at elementary and middle levels; projects will require civics and financial‑literacy engagement and will be presented to a committee in spring. Goal 5 covers a 3–5 year technology plan with a device inventory and cybersecurity audit. Goal 6 aims to align the district’s multi‑tiered supports with an INRS manual, with workgroups preparing standard forms and training INRS team leads; the INRS work will likely continue into the 2025–26 year.

Kaczmark said many of the items will return to the board in the spring for further consideration or formal policy review.