Superintendent's Message
Dear Cranford Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those who are new to our community. Over the summer, our dedicated team of educators and staff has been hard at work preparing for the year ahead, striving to create a safe, engaging, and enriching learning environment for every student.
I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for this remarkable community, a place defined by its care, dedication, and unwavering support for student success. It continues to be a true privilege to serve as your superintendent.
As you know, I will be retiring on January 1, 2026. While the thought of saying goodbye is certainly bittersweet, my focus remains on ensuring a smooth and successful transition. The Board of Education is actively engaged in the search for the next superintendent and anticipates announcing my successor by the end of September. You can keep up to date with the search process here. I am committed to working closely with the Board, and ultimately with the new superintendent, to ensure a thoughtful handoff and to sustain the strong momentum we have built together.
For now, I am excited for another year of growth, learning, and connection. Thank you for all you do to support our schools and help our students thrive!
Let’s make it a great year!
Best,
Scott Rubin
PreK-12 highlights for this year include the following:
Construction Update - Construction related to the January 2024 voter-approved Referendum is well underway! We encourage you to stay informed by regularly checking for updates on the projects. Please note that ongoing construction may impact school traffic patterns throughout the year. Be sure to watch for communications from your child’s principal regarding any changes to pick-up and drop-off procedures.
Strategic Planning
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The District is in year 3 of its implementation of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan and will continue to engage the community in reflection and dialogue as we all participate in implementing the District mission, “Empowering Students to Thrive in a Diverse and Dynamic World.”
Safety and Wellness
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Annual Safety Presentation - The District annual safety presentation will occur on Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 pm at CHS. This meeting will be presented in partnership with the Cranford Police Department, Cranford Fire Department, and Cranford’s Office of Emergency Management. The presentation will provide safety updates as well as an open forum for the community to have input into the District's safety initiatives.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Program - The District continues to provide training for our faculty through a Youth Mental Health First Aid Program in which all new teachers participate. Current faculty will also continue to be offered this 8-hour course that teaches staff how to help students who may be experiencing challenges in the areas of mental health and substance use. The training helps individuals identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. Approximately 360 faculty members have already been fully trained in the program!
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No Place for Hate, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, is a self directed program for grades K-12 that assists all members of the school community in providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment while also decreasing acts of bias and bullying. Each Cranford public school has been awarded the No Place for Hate “Gold Star” Status designation again in 2024-2025 and we continue to provide programming that supports this initiative each year.
Curriculum / Instruction
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Curricula Updates - Curricula have been updated for Grades 3-5 Reading and Writing, CHS Business courses, Middle School Science, and High School Computer Science and Performing Arts courses. The Pre-K program will be implementing several new units in the Creative Curriculum program.
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Agency- The District will implement the third year of its strategic plan goal to increase student agency in the schools and classrooms.
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NJCIE - The District will continue its work with the NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) to further foster a Pre-K environment where children with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners and empowered to succeed.
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High Impact Tutoring Grant - The District utilized High Impact Tutoring Grant funds to provide Spring tutoring support to students in Grade 5 impacted by the COVID pandemic.
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CFEE - Through generous funding from the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence (CFEE) we are able to add elementary programs for Building Number Sense, Family Literacy Backpacks, and the “Write On!” handwriting program. We are also able to roll out a new Lego Robotics program for elementary enrichment.
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AI - The district released its AI Acceptable Use Plan to help staff and students understand how to make use of AI ethically in an educational setting.
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Lincoln School - Lincoln School has participated in its own strategic planning process which has led to several enhancements, designed to better support student growth and engagement. Beginning this year, students will benefit from a redesigned schedule, new course offerings, and expanded opportunities—each thoughtfully developed to meet evolving student needs and interests.
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Scores - Cranford Public Schools has once again posted excellent results in state and national assessments with AP Testing having a record setting 90+ % pass rate along with increased student participation.
Engagement
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Coffee and Conversation - The District will hold Coffee and Conversation with the superintendent meetings on Wednesday, November 12 and Wednesday, April 15 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. These informal meetings will provide a forum to discuss topics that are important to the school community.
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Climate and Culture Survey - As part of the District’s continuous goal to increase meaningful stakeholder engagement to enhance practices, structures and, ultimately, student learning, each school will send out a climate and culture survey.
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Engagement - The District will continue to engage the community through various means in the upcoming year, including leveraging newsletters, websites, and social media.
Data and Technology
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One-to-One Computer Refresh Cycle - Cranford Public Schools will be refreshing its one-to-one computer Chromebook program during the 2025-2026 school year, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing digital learning and supporting student success in the 21st century.
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Tiered Systems of Support - The District’s Collaborative Problem Solving Teams (CPST) will expand the use of Intervention Manager to help track intervention plans for academic, behavioral, and chronic absenteeism concerns. This will allow the interventionists and classroom teachers to view and track data and monitor student progress.
Our first priority is the safety of our school community. Please be sure to read the attached letters regarding the visitor entry protocols and the Board policy regarding permitted items at highly attended public events. I appreciate your partnership in supporting our security procedures so as to provide an even safer community. Additionally, please be sure to update and verify your emergency information in PowerSchool Ecollect Forms prior to the first day of school. It is imperative that we have the most current information so that we can best provide for your child.
The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a wonderful organization and a crucial part of our school community. They plan special events, provide cultural arts experiences, offer an organized venue for parents to have direct feedback into the academic and social programs we offer and provide endless support. We, as a school community, would be at a great disadvantage without this organization and the resources it provides. Please be sure to join this terrific organization. We all benefit from your support and involvement!
Attached please find a packet with the following information: Visitor Entry Protocol letter; Permitted Items at Board-Sponsored Public Events Policy #9160.1 and accompanying letter; 2025-2026 School District Calendar; School Scheduling including delayed opening and single session schedules; Emergency/Crisis Protocol information; HIB Specialist information and a copy of the District HIB Policy #5512; Internet Safety and Technology Policy #2361.
You will also receive information from your child’s principal which will be specific to your particular school. Should you find there is any additional information that you need, please check the school district website www.cranfordschools.org or contact your child’s principal directly.
We look forward to working with you and your children and thank you for your continued support of Cranford Public Schools.
As always, please contact my office if you have any comments, questions and /or concerns. I look forward to an academically rigorous, productive, and rewarding school year!
Warmly,
Dr. Scott Rubin
Superintendent of Schools