A Message from Mrs. Howe, Superintendent of Schools:

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.

Community Message
December 17, 2024

Dear Falcon Family,

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

Community Message
October 15, 2024

Dear Falcon Family,

Since the September 16, 2024 board meeting, the District Reconfiguration Committee has met twice and can share the following important developments:

• All self-contained special education classes, including PSD, ASD, LLD, ERI, and MD programs, will 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. This is a change from previous announcements.
• 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 another available school building – not Cozy Lake School.

Next steps:

• Explore transportation options.

GOAL: Establish separate bussing for grades 4 – 7 and grades 8 – 12. It has not been determined if this plan is feasible.

As we continue to make progress, updates will be shared during BOE meetings and through ongoing district communications.

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

Jeanne Howe, Superintendent of Schools

A full transcript of Mrs. Howe’s remarks from the Oct. 14, 2024 BOE meeting can be accessed here.