The Rockaway Township Board of Education is comprised of seven members who are elected by citizens in a non-partisan election. The three-year terms, for which Board members receive no compensation, are staggered to ensure continuity of service.

The Board’s most important role is two-fold: to represent the needs of the students and school district to the taxpayers and parents of the community and to express the concerns of the community to the superintendent. Its responsibilities, as defined in Title 18 A of the New Jersey Statues, include:

The Board of Education works as a whole to review personnel, grievances and HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying). Committees and liaisons to various organizations each meet several times during the year and report back to the Board as a whole with recommendations when needed.

Board of Education meetings are usually held twice a month beginning at 7:30pm in the Copeland Middle School cafeteria. Exceptions to this schedule are posted on the district website, along with meeting agenda a few days prior to each meeting.

Parents and residents are encouraged to attend Board meetings to learn more about the Rockaway Township School District and to help ensure academic, social and emotional success for all its children. Time is allotted for public comments at the beginning and end of each meeting.

Board members are not responsible for the day-to-day management of the schools. Please address issues and concerns with the most direct and appropriate level of staff (refer to organization chart). Doing so will ensure all matters are addressed promptly and effectively.

For questions regarding district policy or to communicate with the Board, please send an email to: Boardmail@rocktwp.net. Please note that a copy of all correspondence will be sent to all of the Board of Education members, the Superintendent and Board Secretary.

Vision:

Rockaway Township Schools...Opening minds, opening worlds so every child's potential becomes a reality and challenges become opportunities for personal success!

Mission:

To nurture a supportive culture embracing individual diversity that will ensure academic, social and emotional success for all.

Goal I Ensure academic excellence by:  

a. Identifying and implementing resources that make education engaging, meaningful, and relevant to students.

b. Providing financial support to ensure appropriate academic resources for students and staff.

Goal II Maintain a safe and supportive school district culture by:  

a. Fostering inclusivity for all students and staff.

b. Promoting a culture of mutual respect for all students and staff.

c. Providing the resources to support a school environment conducive to social and emotional health.

d. Ensuring a consistent approach to the implementation of security across the district.th. 

Goal III Support operational excellence that is sensitive to the ever growing needs of an expanding  school community by: 

a. Facilitating community discussions (i.e. websites, surveys, focus groups, etc.).

b. Determining and executing next steps for analyzing and investing in facilities to provide adequate functional space.g.

Goal IV Promoting community outreach and enhanced communications by:  

a. Building a conduit to reach all stakeholders effectively.

b. Communicating the roles and responsibilities of the board to the community.

Goal I: Improve ELA and Math achievement by at least 10 percentage points (as measured by the I-Ready diagnostic) thereby supporting the academic achievement of all students.

Goal II: Offer additional educational and service learning opportunities district-wide.

Goal III: Improve the climate and culture in each school by ensuring each student's physical and emotional safety as measured by a 10% decrease in the incidences leading to HIB reports district-wide.

Goal IV: Reinforce a positive and effective practice of community outreach that is transparent, trusting, and collaborative. (thematic listening sessions)

Goal V : Identify and address the maintenance and long-term capital improvements that require repair, upkeep, or replacement.