ELC News - Coalition Makes Recommendations to Improve Trenton Public Schools

On December 12th, members of the Trenton CHANGE Coalition issued their recommendations to improve the Trenton Public Schools. About 100 city residents and officials attended the release event at Trenton City Council Chambers

The all-volunteer coalition - including parents, business leaders, advocates, representatives of community-based organizations and the district - was convened by Mayor Douglas Palmer in response to a town hall meeting where community concerns were aired and the release of ELC's Tracking Progress, Engaging Communities: Trenton Abbott Indicators Report. The recommendations - presented in a 34- page report - culminate six months of studying the issues and identifying solutions. ELC supported the coalition's work with research, technical assistance, and facilitation support as part of its Abbott Indicators Project.

The coalition formed eight working groups devoted to specific issues including: Hispanic student needs, special education, gifted and talented programs, parent involvement, communications, curriculum and instruction for college and career preparation, and 21st Century schools. Work group leaders reported their findings and recommendations. Highlights include:

Create a truancy operation center

Require a staffed parent resource center in every school

Establish a gifted and talented program

Dedicate staff and procedures to hiring more bilingual, bicultural staff

Provide professional development on special education law and procedures to all faculty and staff

Addressing the coalition and audience on December 12 were Mayor Palmer, Trenton School Superintendent Dr. James Lytle, board president Bernard McMullan, and David Sciarra, ELC Executive Director.

Dr. Lytle expressed support for the coalition's recommendations, indicating that most will be incorporated into the district 2006-07 budget. Plans are already in place to implement some recommendations this spring, including the truancy operation center and workshops for parents on state and federal education policies.

Both Mayor Palmer and Mr. Sciarra praised the coalition's work as a model of civic engagement for Abbott districts, and announced their commitment to secure support to sustain its work over the long term.

Trenton CHANGE Coalition's recommendations were presented formally to the School Board on Monday, December 19. The School Board will respond to the recommendations at a public meeting Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 9:00 a.m., at the Trenton Board of Education, 108 North Clinton Avenue, Trenton.