Wayne Schools Ready To Welcome Students Back For 2023-24 Year
WAYNE, NJ — Teachers and staff at Wayne Township’s public schools are ready to welcome more than 7,600 students back to school on Wednesday, as they arrive to campus for the 2023-24 school year.
It will be a shortened day, with Wednesday is forecast to be another hot day in Wayne Township. There is a heat advisory in the township through Wednesday evening, which could possibly extend to Thursday.
Dr. Mark Toback, the district superintendent, said staff have been working hard this summer and are excited to welcome students back, in a letter to parents and guardians.
“Our staff looks forward to working with your children and delivering an outstanding school experience as we can continue to enhance our standing as one of New Jersey’s premier public school districts,” Toback said. “We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your children, and we take the responsibility of providing each child with an excellent education very seriously.”
Upgrades have been made around the district, Toback added: Security has been enhanced at each school building, some schools have new flooring, and the district began a new high school science lab renovation. The district also completed painting projects and landscape improvements, and got new furniture for the elementary schools that have seen increased enrollment.
In his letter, Toback encouraged parents and guardians to reach out to their child or children’s teachers, counselors, or the administrative team with any questions or concerns. The district also has the communication software Let’s Talk, which allows parents and community members to submit questions about various topics.
“Schools are most effective when parents, guardians, and staff members make communication the cornerstone of an ongoing partnership,” Toback said. “We encourage open lines of communication and collaboration between home and school with the goal always being the success of our students.”
Residents could also see referendums in 2024, as the school district looks to replace 60-year-old infrastructure.
School officials say there could potentially be a $50 million bond referendum for high-priority projects, which would replace the expiring long-term debt on the middle school and its related tax levy, according to a February presentation. There could also be a $25 million referendum question for other priority projects, “which would be written to be approved only if the first question was approved by the voters.”
Another issue driving the need for facilities upgrades is rising enrollment, officials said. At a May board meeting, Toback said the Preakness School, which opened in 2021, will likely “max out” at 238 students by next school year.
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