The Alternative Press

SPARTA, NJ – Interim Superintendent Anthony Macerino announced at Thursday's Board of Education Meeting, that this year, the school boasts the “largest enrollment in over 20 years,” with 770 students scheduled to attend. 

In a comprehensive report to the Board, he announced the many ways the school has prepared for the start of the new school year. 

The new Law and Public Safety shop is opening for the first time, and has approximately 20 ninth and tenth grade students enrolled.

Twelve new faculty members were welcomed at an orientation meeting earlier today.

Thanks to the very generous donations from the business community, the football field will be enhanced with a new scoreboard, at no cost to the school. School Craft, Lakeland Bank, and Paradigm Services, Inc., contributed to this project, which was initiated by Mrs. Keiper, the athletic director. 

As part of Governor Chris Christie’s Public School Reform Agenda, and in accordance with the State of New Jersey Department of Education TEACHNJ Act, a District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC) has been formed, and includes members of faculty, board of education, administrators, and parents.  They are charged with selecting a new Teacher Evaluation Model by reviewing and selecting an approved Teacher Evaluation Instrument, and provide training to teachers and administrators prior to its implementation in the 2013-2014 school year.  The first meeting will be held September 17.

This committee is only a part of the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) monitoring process.  There must also be a committee to conduct a District Performance Review (DPR) which is a preliminary self-assessment.  That report will be submitted to the Board of Education, the County Executive Superintendent, and followed by a NJ Department of Education staff. 

Other goals for the coming year include preparing for the implementation of a Visual and Performing Arts program, including dance, acting, lighting and sound instructional components.

The Sussex Tech Adult Career Center courses offered this fall will be Advanced Welding, Basic AutoCAD, Basic Welding, Electrical (IEC) First Year Apprenticeship, HVAC Year One, Low Pressure Boiler Operation, Network Cabling Specialist Certification and Refrigeration Certification Seminar, with promotion efforts continuing for the next several weeks. 

The High School Administrative team prides itself in demonstrating support and encouragement for the endeavors of students, faculty and staff, and will work to ensure administrative presence at most after school and evening school sponsored events.

In other news:

Mr. Robert Strehl, instructor, will be retiring as of November 12.

Sussex Vo-Tech will once again be an American Red Cross Shelter, if needed.

Sussex County Technical School SkillsUSA advisors Ralph Starace and Cathy Patterson, as well as several students, prepared and staffed three booths at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, earning a Third Place award for neatness and thoroughness.  

"The displays did a fine job of portraying the story of Sussex County Technical School, and in particular, the accomplishments of students and staff and the offerings of our school,” according to Mr. Macerino’s report.

Boys and Girls Soccer, Tennis and Cross-Country all began practice on August 16, 2012. The Football team went to Allamuchy Scout Reservation for a week of camp, beginning August 9, to focus on teamwork and skills. The Football parents have donated their own money and/or received donations to update the snack shack and press box.  They also painted the stair rails and goal posts.

During the public session, Frances Schatteman, president of the Sussex County Vocational Technical Educational Association reported that the teachers are excited to start, and look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Education.  She reported that the new teacher’s contract has been printed.  The contract went through mediation and was ratified by both the Union and the Board of Ed at the end of last school year.  Teachers agreed to freeze their salaries for the first year, and the following two years increase is below the state average.

One of the staff commented that “the upstairs hall is lovely.”

After the fire last year, the school has installed bright yellow tiles and royal blue lockers, representing the school colors. 

She further said, “It’s so nice to have the upstairs back again.”

Board President Jared Cofrancesco reflected that, "this is an exciting time of year, my favorite time of year, as I see how much this place has grown."

The school has been progressing with its search for a new superintendent. The Board of Education has been working with the New Jersey School Boards Association and has finished conducting interviews. They are planning to introduce the new superintendent at the September 20, 2012 Board of Education meeting.  Mr. Macerino’s term as Interim Superintendent will end on December 31, 2012, with the new superintendent starting on January 1, 2013.

Important dates:

Thursday, September 6:  first day back for students

Tuesday, September 18:  Back to School Night 7:00

Wednesday, September 19:  Freshman BBQ 6:00

Saturday, September 22:  Car and Cycle Show 9am-3pm benefit for PTA/Project Graduation

Thursday, October 11: Meet the Candidates – Students Center, 10-12