By Kathy Shwiff
Expanding learning opportunities and encouraging students to explore possible careers at younger ages are among efforts under way in the Morris School District, administrators said during a public forum on the district’s five-year strategic plan this week.
Also in the works are construction projects funded by the $158.4 million bond referendum approved Sept. 15, Superintendent Anne Mucci said as she thanked residents for passing the borrowing plan.
About 30 parents attended the forum at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School.
The district is asking parents to complete a survey about the strategic plan, which the school board approved in spring 2025. Work on the plan began in 2024.
The survey deadline is Nov. 15, 2026. Results will be presented at the Dec. 14 school board meeting.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
“We know that some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen when students have opportunities to apply what they have learned, explore their interests and connect with the world around them,” Mucci said.
The new Artisan Academy at Morristown High School “creates another pathway for students to develop skills and explore opportunities beyond traditional classroom experiences.”
The high school also has a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy and other academies.
In addition, the district aims to encourage students as young as middle school to explore their interests and begin thinking about careers through mentoring, internships, connections with alumni, dual enrollment opportunities, and partnerships with colleges, universities and local businesses, Mucci said.
“We want our families and community members to be a part of these experiences whether that is through volunteering, mentoring, being a guest speaker where you can share your professional expertise or participating in events that celebrate student learning.”
CAPITAL PROJECTS
A page on the district’s website labeled Morris Future lists the construction schedule of projects by school year as well as by building, said the district’s business administrator, Anthony Lo Franco.
Planned during the 2027-28 school year are replacing roofs at Alfred Vail, Lafayette Learning Center, Normandy Park and Frelinghuysen Middle School; HVAC upgrades, including air conditioning, at Alfred Vail, Hillcrest and Normandy Park; and renovations of science labs at the middle and high schools.
Mucci said those projects were chosen because they can be bid out more easily than others; bids will be solicited in December.
The high school pool replacement and auditorium renovation are scheduled for 2028-29. The middle school auditorium renovation would begin the next year so at least one auditorium would be available for middle- and high school shows.
The district plans to rent a pool in another district for two seasons while the high school pool is replaced, Mucci added.
CURRICULUM
Sophia Kenny, director of guidance/college and career services, discussed efforts to increase participation in Advanced Placement courses, saying a goal is to have every student take at least one AP course.
From 2023 to 2026, the number of high school students taking an AP course rose from 384 to 528, about one-third of the school’s population. The number of AP exams taken increased from 783 to 1,124, and the pass rate grew 10 percent.
After complaints about the cost of the exams, the district now pays for them, Kenny said.
The district offers a summer AP Bootcamp to give students information about what the courses entail. And the high school offers AP tutoring before and after school as well as exam review sessions.
Kenny also said the district is working to smooth students’ transitions from pre-K to kindergarten, 2nd to 3rd grade, and 5th to 6th grade.
At the middle school, 6th graders remain in one wing and their teachers escort them through the halls. The Falcon Flight Team of 8th graders also helps 6th graders get to know the school.
PERSONNEL
Lora Clark, executive director of human resources, said the district holds a career fair and offers campus tours to attract potential teachers interested in working in Morristown in addition to going to career fairs at colleges and universities where “we’re all fighting for the same people.”
Job candidates are interviewed by committees, not just the school principal, and new teachers have a mentor for their first full year, she said. Additional professional development opportunities are provided for teachers in their first four years.
The district has about 1,000 employees, with about 560, such as teachers, holding certificates.
Assistant Superintendent Matthew Kriley said the district has added coaches for English Language Arts and math as well as a bilingual coach to support teachers at the elementary level.
Clark said the district offers four free counseling, coaching or behavior management sessions to employees and their families through its partnership with Atlantic Health. “I’m noticing an uptick where people are taking advantage of that, which I’m happy to see.”
The district started Wellness Wednesdays this year, encouraging employees to work together on movement and other healthy activities.
Parents are asked to fill out a Wellness Survey to determine which topics should be addressed in a series of talks starting in January.
Mucci said the district aims to reduce barriers to families participating in school events by offering childcare, food, incentives and parent workshops.
It also plans to increase the district’s presence at community events.
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