District Reconfiguration

The results are in—with nearly 650 votes cast, it’s official: Jefferson Township Intermediate School is the new name for our reconfigured grades 4–8 building. We look forward to welcoming all of our students, new and returning, this September!

On July 21, 2025 the Board formally approved Dr. Papa’s resignation. On behalf of the district, I want to extend my thanks to Dr. Papa for his dedicated service to Jefferson Township and Arthur Stanlick Elementary School. We wish him all the best as he begins an exciting new chapter as the Superintendent of Stillwater Township.

Dr. Papa’s departure does bring about some additional administrative adjustments for the 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Valenti will be transferred to Stanlick School, and we will begin the process of identifying an interim principal to serve at Stanlick during Dr. Valenti’s continued leave. His transfer from the High School creates an opportunity to hire a tenure-track principal to fill that leadership role, and we will move forward with that search as well.

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to share an important update regarding administrative assignments.

Effective July 1, Dr. Michael Valenti will be reassigned to the role of Principal at Jefferson Township High School. Dr. Valenti is currently on an extended medical leave, and we continue to keep him in our thoughts. During his absence, we will secure interim administrative coverage to support the high school and ensure a smooth transition.

When Dr. Valenti is able to return, we will make the appropriate adjustments to maintain continuity across buildings.

Due to the reconfiguration of the fourth and fifth grades, Dr. Andrea Padelsky’s Assistant Principal responsibilities will be split between the Middle and High Schools.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools during this time of change.  More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Jeanne Howe, Superintendent of Schools

Starting in September 2025, all Jefferson Township students in grades 4–8 will be housed at the current middle school as part of the district’s reconfiguration plan. A detailed restructuring plan was developed with input from staff, families, and administrators to ensure a smooth and supportive transition. The goal is to provide an age-appropriate, academically strong experience for every student with thoughtful scheduling, shared spaces, and programs tailored to each grade level. Orientation events, tours, and parent meetings are planned to help students and families feel comfortable and confident heading into the new school year.
 

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The Reconfiguration Committee has released tentative start and end times for each grade band for the 2025-2026 school year. These times reflect the expected arrival and dismissal schedules for each building and are not anticipated to change by more than ten minutes, if at all. Please note that these times do not include transportation. Specific bus schedules will be shared in August when the Parent Portal opens.

* It is expected that Stanlick & Briggs will continue to be combined bus routes.

It is important to note, these times are approximate and could change slightly based on transportation routing.

Recap of prior Reconfiguration Committee updates:

• All elementary self-contained special education classes, including PSD, ASD, LLD, ERI, and MD programs, are expected to be housed at Briggs and Stanlick Schools. 
• All schools will continue to offer in-class resource instruction and related services such as speech, OT, and PT.
• Lake Hopatcong Students: Preschool – Kindergarten will be located at Briggs School; Grades 1 – 3 will attend Stanlick School. 
• Oak Ridge Students: Preschool – Grade 3 will be located at White Rock School.
• All students Grades 4 – 8: located at the current Middle School.
• Grades 9 – 12 will continue to attend the High School.
• Central office staff will be relocated to space in another available school building – not Cozy Lake School.

Thank you for your attention and continued support as we move forward with these changes.

Jeanne Howe, Superintendent of Schools