Stanhope School Blog

2008-06-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance report on the Stanhope School District will be reviewed at the meeting on July 2, 2008 at 7pm at the Valley Road School. The review will be done in public session. a.dibenedetto

Initiatives

2008-05-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Although I have not begun official work in Stanhope, I have begun a numer of initiatives that are of vital importance. I have interviewed three candidates for the position of Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and have selected one to be recommended to the board at its June meeting.
Today I will begin interviews for the Spanish teacher position that is open for September. Additionally, there is a full time special education position that is open, one that will be divided up into two part time positions. This will assist in scheduling and will be less costly because a benefits package will be saved. Finally, I am begining to meet with people who have expertise in recently starting programs for children with Autism. It has been a few years since I started such a program in the public school and I want to tap the latest opinions of people who do this for a living. The Linden Avenue School will be available to the district beginning in September and I do not want it to be empty. A school house should be a place where children are engaged in learning throughout the year! art

2008-05-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Last evening, I attended the council/board meeting to discuss the defeated budget. What I observed was a joint effort of the governing body and the board to act in a manner that was impressive toward the well-being of children in Stanhope. The budget was not cut but there were strong and logical recommendations for conservative spending that will assist in future financial considerations. There was strong leadership of the council displayed by Mayor Kuncken and a deep understandinjg of the financial state of the school district by council members. Dr. Ferrone and I will formulate initiatives that are designed to meet the recommendations of the council and board of education and will are thankful that no programs or staff members were negatively affected by the action that took place. Art DiBenedetto

An Introduction of the New Interim Superintendent

2008-05-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Stanhope School Blog. On June 15, 2008, I will be honored to assume the role of Interim Superintendent of Schools in Stanhope. I already hold the same position in Netcong, hence the two districts will share a superintendent for a one year "tryout."

It is my sincere hope that this blog will serve as a device that will enhance communication with the public. In order to post comments, questions or opinions, all one must do is start a Google account, an activity that is quick and free. One can access the blog at stanhopeschoolsorg.blogspot.com. (Note that there is no . after schools)

I am anxious to begin work in Stanhope and I am in need of opinions and comments about the path that the school will take in the next year. As a school administrator with nineteen years of experience as a superintendent, I have learned to be a good listener. Thus I hope that the blog serves as an "ear" of public and parent opinion. Every posting will receive a reply that will be published.

The following are key issues that have come about since my interviews with the board and my attendance at meetings. These are issues that will have a bearing on the future.
*The school budget was not approved by voters.
*The principal has resigned, effective June 30th.
*The finances of the district are in a needy condition.
*There is a need to start local special education programs so that challenged children can be served in the local school. Sound and carefully planned local programs can replace expensive and afar private school or special school programs.
*The Linden Avenue School will be available for such programs in September.
*The district is blessed to have Dr. Fred Ferrone serving as interim superintendent at the current time. His experience and leadership abilities will improve transition from the former superintendent to my taking over on June 15th.
*The members of the board of education are dedicated to the education of children in a manner that is thorough and efficient.

It is my hope that this is the first of many postings. Please look forward to a late June meeting on the single issue of The Future of the Stanhope School. Thank you.

Art DiBenedetto