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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)

Plainfield Board of Education Opens New School Year with Focus on Growth, Excellence, and Student Achievement

PLAINFIELD, NJ – September 24, 2025 – On Tuesday, September 23, the Plainfield Board of Education held its first Business Meeting of the 2025–2026 school year at Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School, signaling a strong start and renewed commitment to academic excellence across the district.

Board President Hanae M. Wyatt welcomed attendees with opening remarks, reflecting on the district’s accomplishments over the summer and the energy brought back from the 2025 CUBE Annual Conference.

“While criticism may sometimes focus on what we are perceived not to be doing, the truth is that Plainfield is ahead of the curve—in our programs, operations, and our commitment to students,” said President Wyatt. “This year will bring forward movement, growth, and a renewed commitment to excellence.”

Following her remarks, Superintendent Rashon K. Hasan delivered an in-depth presentation on state assessment data, focusing on the Spring 2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and progress across grade bands, subgroups, and subject areas.

Superintendent Hasan’s data presentation spotlighted five-year high proficiency rates in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, reflecting districtwide efforts in instructional improvement.

Key Highlights:

English Language Arts (ELA): A Clear Upward Trend

· Grades 3–5 showed strong foundational growth:

o   5th grade led the way with 26% proficiency, the highest among all tested grades.

o   Every elementary grade saw improvement, pointing to effective literacy instruction and early interventions.

·         Grades 6–8 continued this momentum:

o   6th grade proficiency rose to 26%, a five-year high.

o   7th and 8th grades rebounded with consistent growth, highlighting literacy gains at key transition points.

Mathematics: Steady Gains Across Grades

·         Elementary math achievement grew across the board:

o   3rd grade math reached its highest proficiency in five years, showing meaningful numeracy gains.

o   4th and 5th grades more than doubled their earlier performance at certain points.

·         Middle school students made measurable progress:

o   6th grade math increased to 14%, up from single-digit figures in past years.

o   7th and 8th grades improved steadily, with 8th grade doubling its past low to reach 10% proficiency.

Subgroup Success: Multilingual Learners Shine

·      Multilingual Learners (MLLs) posted one of the strongest year-over-year improvements in math—from 8% in 2024 to 13% in 2025.

·      All subgroups, including Economically Disadvantaged students and Students with Disabilities, demonstrated growth, even though continued support is needed to reach ESSA targets.

The data showcased district-wide momentum, with Plainfield reaching its highest proficiency levels in five years across both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.

“These results are proof that our strategic focus, investment in high-quality instruction, and unwavering belief in our students is working,” said Superintendent Hasan. “Plainfield is moving forward—and the numbers show it."

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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.