View the full presentation from the November 21, 2024, Board of Education meeting.
School System Updates and Announcements
Districtwide updates on systems, operating status, and new program initiatives. Typically will include letters from the Administration Building that the community can reference from emails home to families.
NJSLA, ACCESS, and DLM Summary from the November 21 Board Meeting
Adequate Public Notice – BOE Meeting November 20, 2024
Special Education Audit and Survey Now Available
October 11, 2024
Dear South Orange & Maplewood Community,
Last year, the district partnered with Bryant, Gemza, Keenoy, and Kozlik to conduct an in-depth evaluation of our special education services. This review assessed our compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A: Chapter 28 and the overall quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of our programs for students with disabilities.
The Special Education Audit analyzed key function areas and provided valuable recommendations and opportunities for further professional development. Their findings will help us improve how we are serving students with special needs.
We’ll be presenting the results of this audit at the upcoming Board of Education meeting next Tuesday, October 15. The audit will be posted on the SOMSD website under Departments → Special Services for review. There will also be a link to a Google Survey for questions and comments about the audit posted on Monday, October 14th for your use. Thank you for reading and for your continued support of our students and schools.
Sincerely,
Jason Bing
Superintendent of Schools
Complete the Special Education Audit survey online.
Supt. Bing Shares ERESC Updates for Transportation
September 27, 2024
Dear South Orange & Maplewood Community,
Over the last week, our new transportation partner, ERESC, has been making big moves, not just routing students but also reorganizing transportation for several schools. At Delia Bolden School, they’ve taken action to shorten bus routes, eliminate overlaps, and make everything run smoother. ERESC has planned for each bus to operate in a dedicated quadrant/zone to ensure route territories do not merge.
The district transportation monitor has been out on the road, personally connecting with drivers to keep things on track. ERESC has also been quick to respond to family concerns, addressing emails to the department with care and accuracy. On top of that, we’ve been conducting phone meetings with the Belair Bus Company to pinpoint which routes they were having issues with and find ways to troubleshoot them.
ERESC has made adjustments to the following school routes:
- Maplewood Middle School – Student additions
- South Mountain Elementary School – Additions and changes to the annex and elementary
- Tuscan Elementary School – Additions and change
- Montrose Early Childhood Center – Additions
We appreciate your continued partnership around transportation. Your input has been invaluable.
Sincerely,
Jason Bing
Superintendent of Schools