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Plainfield Board of Education Holds Monthly Meeting, Announces Strategic Initiatives at January Meeting
PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 22, 2025 – The Plainfield Board of Education convened its monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with an agenda highlighting student achievements, strategic planning, and community-focused initiatives.
The meeting commenced with Cailin Mersola, a Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) student, taking the Oath for Student Commissioners. Mersola, along with the other newly sworn-in student commissioners, who will serve their terms until June 2025. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Board entered Executive Session.
During the meeting, the Board addressed several walk-on items, including the introduction of a new Board attorney, updates on litigation matters, and personnel discussions. All walk-on items were passed.
In a key presentation, Dr. Richard Grip of Statistical Forecasting LLC provided a comprehensive Demographic Study for Plainfield Public Schools. The study, which projects grade-by-grade enrollment from 2025-26 through 2029-30, also analyzed community population trends and compared building capacities. Dr. Grip’s findings indicated that the largest enrollment increases are expected at the middle school and high school levels, requiring additional space to accommodate growth.
Board President Hanae M. Wyatt, in her first meeting since being reelected, welcomed the new Board attorney. She also acknowledged School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey, honoring the contributions of school boards across the state. In a moment of celebration, President Wyatt highlighted the accomplishments of several students. Wendy Nkellefack, a student commissioner from Plainfield High School, received a scholarship at the Frontier International Club Annual Scholarship Breakfast, which recognized her for her outstanding achievements. Wyatt also celebrated Jazlynn Robinson, the first student in Plainfield to receive a Flag Football Scholarship at Eastern University, and Joel Cordoba, who has met all graduation requirements and will graduate early, making him eligible to begin his college studies at Kent State University this spring—marking the first time since 2005 that a Plainfield student has done so.
Additionally, Jamid Collins was recognized for his outstanding performance in the bowling tournament, and both the Girls' and Boys' Varsity Basketball Teams were celebrated for their exceptional records, highlighting Plainfield students' excellence inside and outside the classroom.
The student commissioners also took the floor, sharing updates on various initiatives at their schools. Among the highlights were a mentorship program designed to encourage attendance, Instant Decision Day events, and trips to local colleges and college fairs, further showcasing the district’s commitment to higher education and student engagement.
Superintendent of Schools Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S. concluded the meeting with his Superintendent's Remarks. He began by leading the Board and attendees in a moment of silence to honor Plainfield Public Schools families and friends who had lost loved ones. Superintendent Hasan then shared highlights from the Teacher Roundtable discussions, which included 24 teachers from across the district, including representatives from the Special Education population. The roundtable focused on several topics, such as enhancing classroom resources, professional development, student engagement and well-being, and improved communication channels for staff. The roundtable will continue monthly, serving as an important platform for teachers to collaborate and provide feedback on their professional needs.
Additionally, Superintendent Hasan celebrated the launch of two innovative initiatives under the leadership of Marianne Tankard, Ed. D. The Mystery Reader Tour Bus brings literacy to life by inviting surprise guest readers to engage students with interactive and dynamic read-alouds. Furthermore, the district will introduce Cardinals Nest, a community-driven initiative parallel to Little Free Libraries, where books will be accessible to everyone, whether at local barbershops, community events at the Hub Stine Sports Complex, or neighborhood locations.
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