Recently, the Board of Education of the Moorestown Township Public Schools approved a three-year contract appointing me as superintendent commencing July 1. Needless to say, I am thrilled and honored by this vote of confidence to serve as the educational leader of this wonderful community. As you may know, I had completed a 36-year educational career last August 1 in Cornwall, New York, where I had served as superintendent for nine years after several leadership positions in that state. I am starting a new professional chapter here in Moorestown, and I fully dedicate and commit myself to the children, staff and the entire Moorestown educational community for at least the next three years.
My accomplishments and successes have been the result of a truly collaborative leadership style working very closely with all related organizations, constituents, municipal jurisdictions and especially, the school based groups, including the Board of Education, administrators, teachers, support staff and most importantly, the students. I will work towards creating a collaborative climate of respect, professionalism, pride and accountability within this outstanding educational community. We can accomplish so much more working together in the best interests of our children to ensure their success and I will work towards creating that spirit of cooperation.
We have our challenges facing us with decreased state aid and increasing costs making it extremely difficult to maintain all existing programs while faced with a mandated tax cap. We will carefully evaluate all programs, looking for ways to continue delivering our success, perhaps, in a better cost effective way. The Board is committed into looking at different ways to generate additional revenue for the district including, but not limited to:
- Better utilization and realization of revenue from the use of our facilities
- Delivery of supplemental paid educational services and leveraging of our physical and intrinsic assets to develop direct giving and sponsorships. Some examples of these would be the use of our elementary schools for extended-day cares, sporting and other events conducted by outside organizations, summer programs, etc.
- Also, college preparatory instruction, expanded summer enrichment, child care, tuition paying students from other districts, sponsorships with local and/or national businesses, residents and other supporters. This could include building naming rights, co-branded materials or programs and direct monetary gifts.
I look forward to this great opportunity of bringing together and working with our existing and invaluable organizations such as the Home and School Association and the Moorestown Educational Foundation.
The mission of these organizations is to benefit the quality educational programs that directly ensure the success of our students. In addition, I look forward to working with MoorArts, SpEAC, PACE, CASA, the Moorestown Business Association, Department of Recreation and the Township of Moorestown in realizing our mission. Lastly, the strength of our efforts lie on the strong partnership that I strive for amongst the Board of Education, Central Administration, the Moorestown Administrators’ Association and the Moorestown Educational Association. It is my hope that through long range strategic planning we can all work together to effectively use all of our collective resources to achieve our educational goals.
The children of Moorestown need our help in making sure that they receive nothing but the absolute finest K-12 education to ensure their future success. I look forward to making this happen as a result of a dedication and commitment from all of us to work together in a climate of respect, professionalism, pride and accountability.
Have a wonderful summer!
Timothy J Rehm, Superintendent of Schools
