FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
Phone Number: (908) 731-4442 (Office) or (908) 591-1402 (Mobile)
PLAINFIELD, NJ – December 19, 2024 – On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Plainfield Board of Education held its monthly meeting at the Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School.
Superintendent of Schools Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. began the meeting by expressing his gratitude to staff members for their dedication throughout the year, emphasizing the district's commitment to adhering to the goals of the 5-Year Strategic Plan. Superintendent Hasan encouraged the school community to pause and reflect on the holiday season, promoting a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the work done in service to the students and the district’s vision.
Another topic discussed in the meeting was the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC), which is now in its second year. Superintendent Hasan acknowledged the hard work and contributions of the students involved in the council and thanked Commissioner Terence J. Johnson for his efforts in getting the initiative off the ground. He noted the positive feedback he has received from students, highlighting their role in shaping decisions that affect their education. The SAC continues to serve as a platform for student voices in the district. Director of Safety and Security, Darahn Worilds, was this month’s guest speaker. During his presentation, students shared their feedback, expressing that they feel safe coming to school. This response emphasized the significance of safety in the district and the initiatives taken to ensure a secure learning environment for all students.
Superintendent Hasan also briefed the Board on the high-level budget development strategy for the 2025-2026 school year. The district is preparing for flat funding and state aid, anticipating a budget reduction of 10-15%. Superintendent Hasan emphasized the importance of adopting a conservative approach in projecting the budget while maintaining the district’s focus on student success.
The highlight of the evening was the onboarding of the new student commissioners for the 2024-25 academic year Wendy Nkellefack of Plainfield High School, Jazzleen Colon of Pinnacle Academy High School, and Cailin Mersola of Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS). While Cailin Mersola was unable to attend, the two student commissioners took the required Oath for Student Commissioners. They will serve their term until June 2025.
The meeting concluded with Board President Hanae M. Wyatt expressing heartfelt thanks to Commissioner Sarah B. Virgo for her dedicated service to the Plainfield Board of Education. This meeting marked Commissioner Virgo’s official final meeting, and her contributions to the district were warmly acknowledged by the Board and Superintendent Hasan.
# # #
For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.