Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso Launches Invest in Tomorrow
(November 30, 2023) At this evening’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso launched Invest in Tomorrow, the District’s vision for the future as it begins implementation of the comprehensive school reconfiguration plan. The heart of Invest in Tomorrow is an unwavering commitment to providing better opportunities for students.
“The future is in our classrooms now, our students are our tomorrow,” said Dr. Carmine Peluso, Superintendent of Schools. “Our vision entails classrooms evolving into laboratories of innovation, creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore, question, and create.”
This vision includes middle schools (7-8) focused on preparing students academically and emotionally for high school, promoting athletics through physical fitness, sportsmanship, and personal growth, and providing programs and nurturing spaces so every student can thrive. To bring this vision to life, the District will implement a new grade structure for elementary (PreK-6) and high schools (9-12).
“This strategic approach addresses the District’s enrollment projections while creating better learning and extracurricular opportunities in modernized facilities with highly qualified educators who set high expectations and believe in students’ potential,” said Board President Cynthia Elliott.
Invest in Tomorrow will provide better learning opportunities through high-quality instruction and ensure highly qualified staff and programming in modernized facilities that meet the diverse interests of students. It will align the number of buildings with the student enrollment and provide access to extracurricular activities and resources for social and emotional well-being at all schools. Moreover, it will strengthen relationships with students and families.
In October, the Board of Education approved the closure of eleven schools with a plan to reopen five. More details can be found at www.RCSDK12.org/plan. A special lottery for impacted students will be held from December 1, 2023, through January 5, 2024. Families participating in the special lottery need to know which school zone they live in before completing the online application. More information on the special lottery can be found at www.RCSDK12.org/SpecialLottery.
Exceptions will be made for students in highly specialized education programs in all zones and Bilingual programs in the south zone. Those families will be contacted separately.
More information on Invest in Tomorrow can be found at www.RCSDK12.org/investintomorrow.