BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON
359 Woodland Road • Madison, NJ 07940 • (973) 593-3100 • Fax (973) 301-2170
Office of the Superintendent
DR. MICHAEL A. ROSSI, JR.
August 2015
Dear Madison Learning Community,
Another exciting and successful school year is on the horizon. We look forward to
September and thank you for your ongoing contributions to our school district. It is
because of our staff’s talent, hard work, and dedication, along with strong parental
reinforcement, that Madison remains one of the finest school systems in the state. As
teachers and supporters of education, it is vital that we keep an eye toward continuous
improvement, and a commitment to excellence. I would like to take this opportunity to
highlight some focus areas in pursuit of that goal. The district engaged in a Strategic
Planning process that included representation from all constituent stakeholders. Covering
five major categories (student achievement, curriculum, technology, facilities, and
finance), a living document was established that will serve as our teaching and learning
guidepost for the next three to five years. The plan was presented at the June 9th, 2015
Board of Education meeting, is available on the district home page, and will serve as the
springboard for our September return. The Strategic Plan is reflective of our mission, core
values, and 21st century best practices.
From this point forward, all pedagogical, curricular, digital, physical, and financial
decisions will be reflective of the Strategic Plan, and everything we do must heighten
student achievement. Our actions must reflect our philosophy. In our current era, a
systematic approach to assessment-driven instruction that reaches beyond traditional
school walls, and is customized to meet individual academic needs, is simultaneously our
greatest opportunity and challenge. The biggest asset we have in responding to this
mandate is the teaching and support staff who works with our 2,500 students on a daily
basis. To assist them in this endeavor, we are leveraging on several significant digital
resources. Those include all of the Google Apps for Education (GAFE), dozens of
software applications, Chromebook access for all students, and a new laptop for all staff.
One of our major tasks will include the selection of a new Student Information
System (SIS). We feel strongly that a more sophisticated and robust SIS is necessary to
connect all the moving parts within and outside the organization. Similarly, our facilities’
infrastructure and campus grounds must continue to get appropriate attention and
improvements so that all learning spaces, performance areas, and athletic fields rival the
best in the state. Recent examples of this commitment include a new TV Studio at the high
school (with a major contribution from the Madison Education Foundation), significant
upgrades to the high school and auditorium, athletic field improvements, paving, roofing,
and boiler work at all campus locations. Also, as a result of the partnership between the
Borough Council and Board of Education, proceeds from the sale of the Green Village
Road School will also have a tremendously positive impact on everything we seek to
accomplish. Accordingly, prudent stewardship and well thought out financial decisions
have us poised to attain our objectives.
The Madison School District has a wonderfully rich tradition of community
support, students who are driven to reach beyond their academic and extracurricular
potential, and employees who recognize that our singular purpose is to safeguard our most
precious commodity, children. This has led to educational experiences that are steeped in
diversity, results which have left a legacy of pride, and unparalleled tradition. It is our
collective task to not only maintain that history but achieve beyond what we previously
thought imaginable.
It is an honor to serve as the leader of this fantastic school district and play such a
key role in the Madison community. I look forward to the opening of school and hope that
this year is rewarding for you academically, professionally, and personally. Most
importantly, it is my sincere desire that each and every one of our students enjoys their
school experience, exceeds their goals, and is able to pursue all of their dreams.
Educationally,
Michael A. Rossi, Ph. D.