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Lopatcong superintendent outlines safety upgrades, mental-health screening and tech partnerships in district goals update
Summary
Superintendent Israel Marmolejos presented the district’s strategic goals Feb. 5, 2026, calling for physical safety upgrades, a mental-health screener for grades 5–8, expanded clubs and technology integration including a 3D printing partnership with Picatinny Arsenal.
Superintendent Israel Marmolejos presented a district goals and strategic-plan update to the Lopatcong Township Board of Education on Feb. 5, 2026, highlighting physical safety projects, expanded student programs, a mental-health screener for grades 5–8 and new technology initiatives.
Marmolejos said the district plans "a deterrent on the roof by placing a fence that is unable to be climbed" and is arranging upcoming bollard placement to improve school-site safety. He also described extracurricular expansions: a newly formed Lego Club and Science Club and ongoing Title I support.
On student wellness, Marmolejos reported the district has introduced a mental-health screener for grades 5–8 and set a participation goal of above 50 percent. He described technology plans targeted at grades 5–8 that include a 3D printer, TinkerCAD instruction and drone activities, and said the district is "collaborating with Picatinny Arsenal for 3D printing." He also said the district is exploring greater outreach for events (currently sent via messenger alerts) and may add posts on the school’s Facebook page.
The superintendent told the board that all staff will be required to attend three professional development days and that a series of parent-facing events are planned: a superintendent forum on Feb. 10, 2026, prior forums in October 2025, and parent advisory meetings set for Nov. 18, 2026 and Jan. 27, 2026. Marmolejos said March and April presentations will focus on helping families with math and ELA, and that a prosecutors office presentation on "Keeping Children Safe" is scheduled as part of outreach.
Board members pressed for clarity on access to data and outreach. Mrs. Judith Liptak asked if teachers can see student program statistics; Marmolejos said the metrics are available to teachers, including a percentile showing progress toward goals. Mrs. Pamela Thomas asked how events are publicized; Marmolejos said messenger alerts are used and Facebook may be added going forward.
Why it matters: the items discussed affect day-to-day school operations, student supports and community engagement, and set near-term implementation steps the board will review at upcoming meetings. Marmolejos scheduled continuing outreach and implementation conversations, including a superintendent forum on Feb. 10, 2026.
