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Long Hill Township School District
District Goals (2024-2025)
Academic Performance
80% of students achieving typical growth on i-Ready diagnostics through inquiry-based strategies and personalized learning
Attendance
97% district-wide attendance rate through engagement and sense of belonging
Family Engagement
Enhanced communication and increased in-person/remote opportunities for families
QSAC Preparation
Participate in Quality Single Accountability Continuum process, targeting "high performing" designation
Hot Topics
How Long Hill Township approaches these important and often-debated issues. Click any topic to expand.
Curriculum & Instruction
This preview shows kindergarten literacy only. Full reports include detailed analysis for every grade level (PreK-8) and all major subjects: reading, math, science, social studies, and enrichment programs.
Kindergarten Literacy: A Balanced Approach
Long Hill uses a balanced literacy approach that combines systematic phonics with authentic reading experiences. This is notable because it avoids the extreme positions in the "reading wars" debate.
Core Programs
| Program | Publisher | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| FUNdations | Wilson Language | Systematic phonics instruction (K-4) |
| Units of Study | Heinemann/Teachers College | Reading workshop (Lucy Calkins) |
FUNdations (Phonics)
Research-based structured literacy program used K-4 district-wide:
- Explicit, sequential phonics instruction
- Multisensory techniques (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
- "Trick words" for irregular high-frequency words
- 32 weeks of instruction across 5 units
Source: What Works Clearinghouse evidence review
Units of Study (Reading)
Workshop model with:
- Mini-lessons, independent reading, and share time
- Five kindergarten units: We Are Readers, Shared Reading, Super Powers, Boosting Reading Power, Becoming Avid Readers
- Conferring and small group instruction
Why This Matters for Parents
The combination of FUNdations + Units of Study represents a hybrid approach:
- Systematic phonics (addressing Science of Reading research)
- Authentic reading experiences (maintaining engagement)
- Consistency K-4 (FUNdations used across all elementary grades)
Students with language-based learning disabilities receive a "double dose" of FUNdations from district reading specialists.
Kindergarten Learning Targets
By end of kindergarten, students are expected to:
- Recognize all 26 uppercase and lowercase letters
- Know letter-sound correspondences for all consonants
- Read ~200 CVC words (cat, dog, run)
- Read high-frequency "trick words" (the, was, is, you, they)
- Retell stories with key details
NJSLA Assessment Results
State assessment proficiency rates for Long Hill Township (2024-25).
Proficiency Rates
2024-25English Language Arts
561 students tested
Mathematics
536 students tested
Science
185 students tested
* Proficient = students scoring at Level 4 or 5 on NJSLA assessments
Policy Updates (2025)
This preview shows a policy summary. Full reports include in-depth analysis of key policies, what they mean for parents, and how they compare to neighboring districts.
The board reviewed or revised 50+ policies in 2025 across major categories:
Student Policies (5000 Series)
- 5132 - Dress and Grooming
- 5142 - Student Safety
- 5142.2 - Physical Restraints
- 5145.7 - Gender Identity and Expression
- 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
Curriculum Policies (6000 Series)
- 6151 - Class Size (revised)
- 6171.2 - Gifted and Talented (revised)
- 6161.1 - Evaluation/Selection of Materials
- 6164.4 - Child Study Team
- 6171.1 - Remedial Instruction
Governance Policies (9000 Series)
- 9421 - Role of Committee Leaders (new)
- 9000 - Role of the Board (revised)
- 9111 - Qualifications of Board Members
Staff Policies (4000 Series)
- 4111.2 - Domestic Violence (new)
Special Services
The district approved 43 special services resolutions in 2025, including individual student placements, Extended School Year (ESY) programming, homebound instruction, and out-of-district placements.
HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying)
- 2023-2024 HIB Grades approved and submitted to NJDOE
- Self-Assessment authorized for submission
Field Trips & Enrichment (2025)
| Grade | Destination | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Local (Fall 2025) | Fall |
| 7th-8th | Morristown, NJ | May |
| 8th | Jersey City | January |
Governance & Leadership
Board Composition (2025)
The board operates with 10 members using Robert's Rules of Order.
| Role | Structure |
|---|---|
| Board President | Elected annually at reorganization meeting |
| Vice President | Elected annually |
| Committee Leaders | Defined by Policy 9421 (new in 2025) |
Professional Services (2025)
| Service | Provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Board Attorney | Busch Law Group, LLC | $175/hr attorneys |
| Special Ed Counsel | Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC | $170/hr partners |
| District Architect | Parette Somjen Architects | Annual appointment |
Meeting Activity
The board held 14 meetings in 2025, passing 656 resolutions:
70
January
Reorganization
74
May
Budget Hearing
68
July
Fiscal Year
59
August
Goal Setting
Personnel Trends
2025 Staffing Summary
26
Appointments
23
Resignations
6
Retirements
Notable Departures
Several experienced staff retired or resigned in 2025:
- Director of Special Services (retirement)
- 8th Grade Math Teacher (retirement)
- Elementary Teacher (2 retirements)
- Art Teacher (retirement)
- Millington School Nurse (retirement)
- Multiple paraprofessionals and special ed teachers
Teacher Salary Ranges (New Hires 2025)
| Position | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant | $92,765 | Specialist role |
| 6th Grade Science Teacher | $82,682 | Full-time |
| 8th Grade Mathematics Teacher | $60,485 | Full-time |
| Third Grade Teacher | $60,485 | Full-time |
| Part-Time MTSS Interventionist | $42,093 | 0.6 FTE |
Budget & Finance
2025-2026 Adopted Budget
Total Budget
$23,153,525
Local Tax Levy
$19,976,040
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Fund | $22,041,974 |
| Special Revenue Fund | $270,151 |
| Debt Service Fund | $841,400 |
Capital Projects
The budget includes $239,215 from Capital Reserve for facility improvements.
Financial Oversight
- Monthly payroll and bills list approvals
- Line item budget transfers approved monthly
- School Business Administrator bond: $250,000
What Parents Should Know
Strengths
- Structured phonics program (FUNdations) aligned with reading science research
- Active board with regular meetings and policy reviews
- Clear strategic goals with measurable targets
- Consistent K-8 feeder pattern
Watch Areas
- Leadership transitions (Special Services Director retirement)
- Multiple special education teacher departures
- Class size policy under revision (6151)
Questions to Ask
- 1.How is the district addressing reading specialist capacity after retirements?
- 2.What are current class sizes by grade?
- 3.How does the district measure success on its strategic goals?
Data Sources
All information derived from:
- Long Hill Township Board of Education meeting agendas (2025)
- District curriculum documents
- Parsed resolution data from 14 board meetings
- Public budget documents
Report generated December 2025