Introductory Message

  • I am honored to serve as your Superintendent of Schools. I am grateful to the Paterson Public Schools for acknowledging and trusting me to lead your school district. It is an honor to have been chosen for this most important post in this great school district. I accept the responsibilities of the office and will perform the duties to the best of my ability.

    It is my goal to ensure that we build on the work of my predecessor, while cultivating new opportunities to improve student achievement and prospects for all students. A necessary part of beginning this work, is the creation of a 100 Day Entry Plan. This 100 Day Entry Plan will give me the opportunity to look, listen and learn from our students, parents, staff, community, stakeholders and Board Commissioners during my first months on the job. There is a wealth of knowledge and capacity in this incredible district and I am eager to work with everyone. I will engage with as many stakeholders as possible with an open mind and a commitment to develop positive relationships to move the district forward.

    A transition of leadership is one of the most critical periods for any school district. By articulating a well thought-out and comprehensive entry plan for Paterson Public Schools, my expectation is that the foundational work of the district will continue during this transition period. While daily operations will require that I make any necessary decisions in support of organizational effectiveness, I will maintain a commitment to focus on the academic success of all students, growth development for employees and collaboration and communication for the good of all in the school district.

    This 100 Day Entry Plan will be implemented in such a way that opportunities will be created for me to look, listen and learn before acting. This entry plan will be guided by cultivating an environment of transparent goal setting with a clear focus on sustained and continuous improvement. It will be used as a way to update the Board Commissioners, district and community stakeholders of my progress.

    Providing equal educational opportunities and closing the achievement gap is critical for our diverse population. I am committed to helping all students find their voice and reach their full potential. I will work toward optimizing students’ academic, artistic and athletic talents as well as strengthening their social emotional skills, using the information obtained during these initial months to ensure that all decisions and actions are supported by a data informed process.

    Thank you again to the Paterson Public Schools community for allowing me the opportunity to serve the students as your Superintendent of Schools. Collectively, we will ensure that our schools are safe and inspiring spaces for our students. I look forward to leading the Paterson Public Schools students, faculty, staff and community.

    Sincerely,

    Laurie W. Newell, PhD

Purpose

  • The purpose of this 100 Day Entry Plan is to create a set of activities that will guide my transition to the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Paterson Public Schools, while invigorating the community and creating a new excitement for a structurally sound educational roadmap. The primary goal of this work is to ensure the academic, social and emotional success of our approximately 26,000 students, thereby preparing them for college and career. I share the Board’s sense of urgency and will impress upon the entire Paterson Public Schools community our press for continued student success. In our efforts to look, listen and learn as we prepare to lead efficiently and effectively, during my first 100 days, a preliminary framework for the strategic plan will be created, all while striving to meet immediate goals, objectives and activities.

    The activities will be designed to assist in:

    • Gathering information swiftly about the district and the community at large
    • Ascertaining critical issues. What should the priorities of the district be?
    • Evaluating the organization’s strengths and challenges/opportunities. What are they?
    • Building on strengths and addressing challenges/opportunities immediately
    • Establishing a strong presence, internally and externally and
    • Creating a network of contacts and resources that will assist in continuing the work of enhancing the district to ensure equity and excellence for all students.

    The goals, objectives and activities in this 100 Day Entry Plan are not listed in any particular sequence order or importance. Meetings and sessions will be conducted based on scheduling, availability and other factors. The listening and learning process will cover many concurrent areas that may overlap.  Activities will be initiated based on information garnered during the process.

     

    GOALS:  To ensure an efficient and effective entry into Paterson Public Schools, the following goals will be addressed through this entry plan.

    1. Collaborative Governance: Trust, transparency, and collaboration will be our mode of operating to ensure effective and positive Board/Superintendent relations.
    2. Teaching and Learning: Increase student achievement and close the achievement gaps for ALL students.
    3. Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness: Provide excellent support and services to schools, students, staff, parents and the PPS community.
    4. Community Connections and Public Relations: Establish trust and confidence by creating opportunities to listen and learn from all stakeholders - including students, parents, staff and larger community.
    5. Finance, Operations and Facilities: Maintain fiscal and operational discipline while ensuring that the district’s financial standing is strong.