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Plainfield Board of Education Holds its February Business Meeting and Highlights Key District Updates
PLAINFIELD, NJ – February 26, 2025 – The Plainfield Board of Education held its monthly Business Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, at the Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School, with key updates and discussions focused on the district’s progress and upcoming initiatives.
The meeting began with an Audit Presentation by Gary Higgins from PKF O’Conor Davies, who provided an overview of the district’s fiscal year audit. The district’s financial records were reviewed with only four minor recommendations, underscoring the effectiveness of the district’s financial operations.
Superintendent of Schools, Rashon K. Hasan, Ed. S., started his report by acknowledging Black History Month and the district’s programs, which were well attended by families and the community. He also took a moment to honor the memory of school community members, who we have recently lost with a moment of silence.
As the meeting progressed, Superintendent Hasan congratulated the Plainfield Cardinals Basketball Team for securing the 2024-2025 Union County Championship, marking an important achievement for the student-athletes.
Superintendent Hasan then made the official announcement that Fredric W. Cook Elementary School and Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) will be adding 6th grade to their program for the 2025-2026 school year. This expansion is expected to bring more students back from charter and private schools to the district, especially with the STEM-focused curriculum at Cook and the 100% graduation rate at PAAAS. Superintendent Hasan shared how the district successfully convinced parents to re-enroll their children, reflecting a positive shift toward strengthening the district’s academic offerings.
The meeting then moved on to Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, an area that has seen significant improvement under the district’s leadership. Superintendent Hasan shared that Allied Health, Child Development, and Medical Services programs, which existed in the district previously, have now been integrated into the district’s comprehensive CTE pathways. He emphasized the progress made in the first year and outlined future plans to further enhance these programs, ensuring they stand apart from similar offerings in local charter schools.
Superintendent Hasan also presented renderings for new CTE spaces, including areas dedicated to Sports Medicine, Allied Health, Culinary Arts, Photography, and Digital Media classes, which will continue to prepare students for successful careers in growing industries.
Shaniesha Evans, Ed. D., Supervisor of Career Technical Education, took the podium to discuss upcoming CTE initiatives. She highlighted 13 diverse CTE pathways bridging classroom learning with real-world experience, and the numerous benefits such as industry certifications, professional networking opportunities, and career development. Dr. Evans also noted the challenge of expanding CTE offerings to meet growing student demand, particularly in terms of space.
In an exciting new development, Steve Zalot, an Apple Representative, introduced the Apple Vision Pro to the school community. This innovative technology will be integrated into the Plainfield Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education pathways curriculum, providing students with cutting-edge tools for learning and development. Board members were enthusiastic about the potential impact of Apple Vision Pro on student engagement and academic success.
Following Patricia King, Supervisor of Student Services took a moment to recognize the significance of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. She introduced the SEL Celebration and Collaboration Initiative, which emphasized the importance of fostering emotional well-being and providing students with the support they need. Student testimonials highlighted the positive impact SEL programs have had on students' ability to connect with their peers and feel a sense of belonging.
President Hanae M. Wyatt and Vice President Victor L. Webb provided updates on their participation at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) first installment, which focused on school governance and student success. Wyatt also recognized the achievements of Plainfield athletes, including the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams, who are preparing for their state run, and Imani Mulling, who was named Union County Student Athlete of the Week with a 4.3 GPA and an average of 16 points per game.
Additional sports highlights included Bowling, Track and Field, and notable student-athletes’ performances.
Student Commissioners also shared updates on the events and activities happening at their schools, including Black History Month programs, community service projects, and the launch of school-wide clubs.
In a significant development, the Board approved the creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to explore the renaming of district facilities, with Commissioner Azim Gray appointed as Chair, alongside Commissioners Terence J. Johnson and Eric J. Andrews.
All agenda items for the evening were approved, marking another productive meeting for the Plainfield Board of Education.
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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.