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Watchung Hills board unveils 2026–2031 strategic plan focused on student voice, safety and facilities
Summary
Superintendent (listed as Dr. J) presented the Watchung Hills Regional High School District’s 2026–2031 strategic plan, developed with ~50 stakeholders and built on five years of NJ SKY data; the plan sets four overarching goals—academics, engagement, facilities/finance, and inclusive culture—and will move to annual action plans and public posting.
Dr. J presented the Watchung Hills Regional High School District’s 2026–2031 strategic plan, saying the process engaged about 50 participants from students, parents, staff and board members and used five years of district data to set priorities for the next five years. "Our mission is to inspire every student to discover their voice, define their path and develop their passion," Dr. J said, summarizing the document adopted by the core and implementation teams.
The plan structures work around five value areas and four overarching goals: student-centered academic experience; strengthened engagement and connections across the learning community; resources and facilities that support learning; and inclusive, relationship-driven environments that promote safety and belonging. Dr. J said the district used NJ SKY climate-survey results, assessment and budget data to identify gaps—citing that 84% of students report a strong sense of belonging while more than half report instances of cyberbullying—and to shape priorities and early actions.
Dr. J described the process as collaborative and iterative, noting representation from every sending town, all academic departments and operations staff. He said the district will publish the plan in a reader-friendly format and develop action plans for the first one to two years, recognizing that specific tactics will evolve over time. "We want to find more opportunities for students to be participants ... because it gave such a nice perspective to it," Dr. J said of student involvement in the teams.
Students, parents and staff who participated in the core and implementation teams praised the approach during the meeting. Parent Paul Singh described the process as "very well orchestrated" and noted the plan aims for foundational priorities that will remain relevant as technology and pedagogy change. Jason Sabino, the director of school counseling, said the district has used NJ SKY data to guide prior planning and that the plan provides a roadmap for aligning decisions and professional development.
Next steps outlined by the administration include finalizing and publishing the full plan, developing the first-year action plans and integrating the plan into professional development and budgeting processes. Board members and staff said the plan will inform referendum and facilities discussions and be used to prioritize district spending and programming.
The board opened the plan for questions and comments at the meeting and will provide the full strategic-plan documents and implementation timelines on the district website and in board materials.
