It is with great pleasure and excitement that I reflect on my first seven months as Superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools.
My journey with LTPS and its amazing Board of Education has been nothing short of transformative, filled with collaboration and support to ensure the success of our students. As we move into the future of Lawrence together, I want to take a moment to introduce myself to the public I have yet to meet, and share some significant initiatives that have unfolded during this short but impactful period.
My name is Dr. Robyn A. Klim, and I am honored to serve as superintendent here in Lawrence. With a doctorate of education from the American College of Education, my research has centered on addressing educator needs and developing curricula that support the social and emotional well-being of all students. Having spent over a decade as a school administrator, my commitment to optimizing the opportunities for students in our community has been the guiding force throughout my career.
I began my professional journey in mental health as a licensed clinical social worker, advocating for mental health awareness and working in various capacities, including as a supervisor for DCP&P contracted programs. Transitioning to education, I served as a member of the Child Study Team, anti-bullying specialist, and director of pupil personnel services, among other roles. Now, as superintendent, my primary focus remains on cultivating a learning environment that fosters student voice, agency, and well-being. I consider students my primary stakeholders and they will always be my “why.”
It is with this background that I am excited to announce Cardinal Kids, the significant expansion of our preschool program here in the district. Through successful collaboration and a strategic application for Preschool Expansion Aid funding from the N.J. Dept. of Education, Lawrence Township Public Schools is excited to be rolling out high-quality, universal preschool at no cost to families.
This expansion aligns seamlessly with our strategic plan, showing our commitment to equity and access in Lawrence. Over the next five years, we are excited to welcome 500 new preschool students into our district. This expansion plan is being implemented gradually with careful consideration of our community’s needs.
Our expansion began just in February with the transformation of the in-house preschool program at Lawrence High School (formerly known as Toddler Town and then Cardinal Kids) into a five-day a week, full-day preschool program. This move not only broadens our reach to a larger demographic of three and four-year-olds, but also enhances opportunities for our high school students, enrolled in the popular Early Childhood Growth and Development course.
The hands-on experience in this class allows high school students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world laboratory setting while serving as a pivotal component in building a pipeline of educators.
Building our preschool universe continues this month, with the opening of another Cardinal Kids preschool in Eldridge Park Elementary School (EPS), marking the first time EPS has ever housed a preschool in its building. Slackwood School will be the fourth and final elementary school to gain a preschool class this September.
For the following school year, we look to expand by exploring partnerships with existing preschools in the area. The partnership would allow the schools to keep their current staff and location, while implementing the LTPS Cardinal Kids curriculum, complete with professional development with the school district.
I am proud to be a part of a community that values innovation, equity, and student achievement. As we look ahead, let us continue to build a future where Lawrence Township Public Schools stands as a model school of excellence in education. Together, we will empower our students with learning that extends far beyond the classroom. In Lawrence Township Public Schools, we lead, succeed and achieve.
Dr. Robyn Klim is superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
