The Lakeland Regional High School District (LRHSD) is a key educational institution located in Passaic County, New Jersey, that serves the communities of Wanaque and Ringwood. It is a school district that has a significant impact on the educational and personal development of students from these communities. This article provides a detailed overview of the Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education, its structure, its role in overseeing the district’s educational policies and practices, and how it contributes to shaping the future of students within the district.
1. Overview of the Lakeland Regional High School District
The Lakeland Regional High School District is a public school district in New Jersey, which governs and manages the educational experience of students in grades 9 through 12 in the towns of Wanaque and Ringwood. The district operates under the principles set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education and aims to provide high-quality education to all students, ensuring they are well-prepared for post-secondary education or the workforce.
Key Facts About Lakeland Regional High School District:
- District Name: Lakeland Regional High School District
- High School: Lakeland Regional High School
- Address: 205 Conklintown Road, Wanaque, NJ 07465
- Enrollment (2023–24): Approximately 847 students
- Faculty: 77.7 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10.9:1
- District Factor Group: FG (reflecting a middle socioeconomic status)
- Website: www.lakeland.k12.nj.us
These figures highlight the scale of the district and its commitment to providing quality education. The student-teacher ratio is indicative of a relatively small district, which can foster more personalized learning experiences and stronger teacher-student interactions.
2. Structure and Role of the Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education
The Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education serves as the governing body responsible for overseeing the educational policies, programs, budget, and strategic direction of the district. As a public entity, the Board of Education plays an essential role in ensuring the district adheres to state and federal educational regulations while working in the best interests of students, parents, and the community.
Composition of the Board of Education:
The Board of Education is composed of nine members who are elected by the voters of Wanaque and Ringwood. These members serve staggered three-year terms, ensuring that there is continuity in leadership while allowing for new perspectives to be brought in regularly. The members of the board serve without compensation and are tasked with making decisions that impact the district as a whole, including decisions about staffing, budget allocations, and educational programming.
The responsibilities of the Board of Education are wide-ranging and include the following:
- Policy Development: The Board is responsible for establishing policies that govern the district’s operations, including policies on student conduct, teacher evaluation, and curriculum development.
- Budget Approval: The Board approves the district’s budget, ensuring that funds are allocated to key areas such as teacher salaries, facilities maintenance, extracurricular programs, and technology.
- Curriculum Oversight: The Board reviews and approves the curriculum to ensure that it meets state standards and prepares students for success in higher education or the workforce.
- Educational Leadership: The Board is responsible for hiring a Superintendent, who acts as the chief executive officer of the district, implementing the Board’s policies, and overseeing the daily operations of the schools.
Board Meetings:
The Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education holds regular public meetings to discuss matters related to the district. These meetings are open to the public, and anyone from the community is welcome to attend. The meetings serve as a forum for board members to discuss issues such as educational programs, budgets, and upcoming changes to district policies.
Typically, the Board meets twice a month, with one of these meetings being held in public and the other in executive session for confidential matters such as personnel decisions. Agendas and minutes from the meetings are made available to the public, allowing community members to stay informed about important decisions and discussions.
For more information on board meetings, including meeting agendas and minutes, the public is encouraged to visit the Lakeland Regional High School District’s official website.
3. Superintendent and Administration
The day-to-day operations of the district are overseen by the Superintendent, who acts as the chief executive officer of the school district. The Superintendent works closely with the Board of Education to implement the policies and vision of the Board. The current Superintendent of the Lakeland Regional High School District is Hugh Beattie, who plays a central role in managing the district’s operations, overseeing instructional programs, ensuring compliance with educational regulations, and maintaining a positive learning environment for students.
In addition to the Superintendent, the district also employs a Business Administrator, Kathryn Davenport, who is responsible for overseeing the district’s financial operations, including budget planning, payroll, and accounting functions. The roles of the Superintendent and Business Administrator are vital in ensuring the district functions efficiently and effectively.
Together, the administration at Lakeland Regional High School works to uphold the educational standards of the district and ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
4. Lakeland Regional High School: A Hub for Student Learning
As the sole high school in the district, Lakeland Regional High School serves as the educational hub for all high school students from Wanaque and Ringwood. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes traditional subjects like math, science, English, and social studies, as well as specialized courses in technology, the arts, and physical education. Additionally, the school provides a variety of extracurricular programs, including sports teams, academic clubs, and performing arts groups, to support the holistic development of students.
Programs and Services Offered at Lakeland Regional High School:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: For students who want to challenge themselves academically, Lakeland Regional High School offers a range of AP courses that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.
- Athletics: The school offers a range of athletic programs, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field, helping students develop teamwork and leadership skills.
- Special Education: The district is committed to ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to a high-quality education. Special education programs are designed to meet the needs of students with varying levels of support.
- College and Career Readiness: Lakeland Regional High School works to prepare students for life beyond high school by providing college counseling, career exploration programs, and internship opportunities.
5. Budget and Financial Oversight
The Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education is responsible for ensuring that the district’s budget is used efficiently and effectively. The Board works with the administration to allocate funds to key areas, including instructional materials, teacher salaries, special education services, and extracurricular activities.
The district’s budget is subject to approval by the Board, and it is updated regularly to reflect changes in enrollment, state funding, and other financial considerations. The budget also helps to set priorities for the district, such as improvements to school facilities or the implementation of new technology.
6. Community Engagement and Public Involvement
The Lakeland Regional High School District values community input and strives to maintain open communication with parents, students, and local residents. The district encourages community involvement in various ways, including:
- Public Meetings: Regular Board of Education meetings are open to the public, allowing parents and community members to participate in discussions and stay informed about district decisions.
- Parent-Teacher Associations: Parents are encouraged to participate in local parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and other organizations that support the school’s programs.
- Surveys and Feedback: The district regularly conducts surveys and gathers feedback from parents, students, and staff to ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.
7. Conclusion
The Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education plays a vital role in ensuring the academic success and overall well-being of students in the district. From overseeing educational policies and setting budgets to hiring key administrative staff, the Board works to create a supportive and enriching environment for students. Through its comprehensive approach to governance, curriculum development, and community engagement, the district remains committed to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success in their future endeavors.
For more information on the Lakeland Regional High School Board of Education, including meeting dates, budget reports, and policy updates, visit the official Lakeland Regional High School District website.