Mendham Township School District
District and Board of Education Goals 2025–2026
Every Student, Every Day
District Goal 1: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Social-Emotional Learning
Strengthen district-wide DEIB and SEL practices by fostering empathy, inclusive hiring, culturally responsive teaching, and student-centered initiatives addressing belonging, identity, and safe digital citizenship.
Measurable Evidence and Indicators:
● Annual DEIB and SEL audit, including hiring diversity and student climate data
● 100% staff participation in DEIB and SEL training
● Implementation of student-led initiatives such as the Cyberbullying Prevention Conference
● Inclusion of DEIB and SEL goals in all teacher evaluations and school improvement plans
District Goal 2: Instructional Excellence, Arts, and Global Citizenship
Enhance teaching and learning through professional development, curriculum innovation, and the integration of arts, interdisciplinary learning, and cultural/global perspectives to prepare students for future success.
Measurable Evidence and Indicators:
● Implementation of curriculum initiatives in ELA, Math, STEM, and Arts with aligned assessments
● Integration of global citizenship and cultural literacy into instructional units
● At least two interdisciplinary project-based learning experiences at each school level
● 100% teacher participation in PD on instructional excellence and cultural/global integration
District Goal 3: Student and Staff Wellness
Advance programs that support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students and staff, highlighting SEL and a culture of empathy and connection.
Measurable Evidence and Indicators:
● District-wide implementation of an evidence-based SEL program
● Annual climate surveys for students and staff with action plans based on results
● Establishment of wellness coordinators or resource teams in each school
● At least three district-wide wellness and SEL initiatives each year
District Goal 4: Special Education Strategic Plan
Develop and implement a comprehensive three-year special education strategic plan to improve programming, inclusion, resources, and student outcomes.
Measurable Evidence and Indicators:
● Completion of the special education strategic plan with measurable objectives
● Annual progress reports to the Board and community
● Increased inclusion opportunities and access to the general education curriculum
● Professional development for staff on best practices in special education
● Parent and student feedback surveys on program effectiveness
District Goal 5: Communications and Community Engagement
Strengthen proactive communication and engagement strategies to build trust, share progress on the strategic plan, and connect with the community.
Measurable Evidence and Indicators
● Development of a comprehensive district communications plan
● Regular updates to the community on strategic plan progress
● Hosting at least two community forums or listening sessions annually
● Positive trend in stakeholder feedback on communication effectiveness
Board Goal 1:
Support and monitor the district’s integrated DEIB and SEL initiatives, promoting empathy, belonging, and inclusivity in every school.
Board Indicators:
● Review DEIB, SEL, and discipline data twice yearly
● Approve inclusive hiring and anti-bias policies
● Participate in DEIB/SEL workshops or retreats
● Receive reports on student safety and well-being initiatives
Board Goal 2:
Support a robust, inclusive curriculum that integrates academic excellence, arts, and global competencies.
Board Indicators:
● Review student performance data three times per year
● Approve curriculum updates that reflect arts and cultural/global integration
● Attend curriculum-related presentations and school showcases
● Support funding for programs that expand academic and cultural opportunities
Board Goal 3:
Monitor and support district wellness efforts that foster a safe, supportive, and connected school environment.
Board Indicators:
● Receive annual SEL and climate survey data
● Support inclusion of SEL/wellness in school improvement plans
● Participate in or attend district wellness events
● Ensure budget priorities reflect SEL and wellness needs
Board Goal 4:
Support and oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the special education strategic plan.
Board Indicators:
● Review progress updates annually
● Approve resources aligned to special education priorities
● Participate in training related to special education best practices
● Monitor student achievement and program access data
● Participate in the Special Education Strategic Plan Committee as necessary
Board Goal 5:
Promote transparent communication and community engagement while supporting strategic plan visibility and understanding.
Board Indicators:
● Participate in community engagement events
● Review and provide feedback on communication strategies
● Monitor engagement metrics and stakeholder feedback
● Continue progress toward NJSBA’s Carole E. Larsen Master Board Award
Final Note:
The Mendham Township School District will provide regular and transparent updates to the broader community regarding the district’s sustained efforts to advance student achievement. These communications will include structured, comprehensive feedback mechanisms designed to demonstrate how the instructional program supports and strengthens whole-child education. In this context, whole-child education will be defined as a multidimensional approach that integrates high levels of academic achievement with the intentional development of cognitive skills, social-emotional competencies, and strong character formation. By systematically reporting progress across these domains, the district affirms its commitment to ensuring that every student is prepared not only for
academic success, but also for responsible citizenship, personal resilience, and lifelong learning.