There is a definable difference between organizations that are simply good and those that achieve greatness. All organizations that become great were once good, but took the necessary and difficult steps to ascend to that higher level.
Our school district is at a fork in the road; a better tomorrow can only be obtained once we address the district’s structural deficit.
The administrative team’s responsibility is to carve a path forward, which is why we are developing a fiscally-sound, multi-year plan to end the yearly cycle of budget cuts and reductions to child-focused programs.
We have enormous potential for greatness in our school district, which cannot be achieved by decree, but by public consensus.
First, we need to finally address our financial gap, which exists because we did not maximize our school district’s fiscal opportunities for numerous years.
We must build a school district that is the standard by which all Central Jersey districts are measured. This will likely take a few years, fully providing what our students deserve. Our goal cannot be achieved while our school district remains $5 million below adequate funding each year.
Neighboring, high-achieving school districts have consistently assessed taxes at a level higher than Robbinsville’s, resulting in our comparatively lower cost per pupil, which ranges from $2,726 to $7,795 to serve each of our students.
If Robbinsville followed these other districts’ direction, it would equate to a per-student increase of resources ranging between 19% and 35%.
To address our fiscal deficit, we must identify a direction, with a steady, long-term revenue stream that supports our goals. Regardless of the path we choose, the changes we make must have the deep support of all segments of our great community.
I’m pleased to say our district’s team is in place, fully committed, talented and unified, prepared to set us on the right path. We just need your partnership to make our vision for a better tomorrow a reality.
All voices must be heard; all students must be served. Our process begins with community surveys, public forums and presentations at upcoming Board of Education meetings. We very much look forward to you playing a part.
Together, let’s create pathways to support our expanded programmatic options and comprehensive district-wide goals. These pathways alone are not the plan in its entirety, but achievable goals as part of the process.
All planning must focus on the needs of children, meeting their goals and aspirations as defined by the students themselves.
Programmatic change requires defining an achievable vision, which then drives resources to the areas of need. We know our existing programmatic offerings are limited; our challenge is to fill those scarcities as quickly as possible.
The path forward will be determined through deep study of our current programs and future goals, while remaining cognizant of our fiscal impacts. We will certainly do this, but will only succeed by working together.
Dr. Patrick Pizzo is the superintendent of Robbinsville Public Schools.
Robbinsville Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo.,
