Phillipsburg, Warren Hills Regional school districts removed from 'in need of improvement' list

Phillipsburg and Warren Hills Regional school districts were among 20 districts statewide to make the leap off a state list identifying those in need of improvement.

Released Wednesday, the list shows 39 of the state's 590 operating districts failed to meet state testing requirements, down from 53 school districts last year. Six districts made the list for the first time.

The efforts by Phillipsburg and Warren Hill Regional should not be understated, according to New Jersey Department of Education spokesman Rich Vespucci.

With their removal, none of Warren County's school districts is considered in need of improvement.

"It is a big deal to come off the list because any stigma associated with that label is then gone," Vespucci said.

Schools are placed on the list after failing to meet state requirements for adequate yearly progress. The benchmarks gauging academic improvement are measured through standardized testing.

The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires the state to identify these districts. Vespucci said those districts who repeatedly fail to meet the standards are required to make prescribed changes.

A district makes the list after one year of missing state adequate yearly progress and must meet those standards two consecutive years before it can be removed.

Phillipsburg and Warren Hills Regional failed to meet requirements during the 2006-07 school year but both made the mark in 2007-08.

Vespucci said the turnaround in both districts was swift.

"To be able to turn it around that way was the ideal response and we're very proud of these two districts," he said.

Warren Hills Regional Superintendent Peter Merluzzi said while he opposes lists singling out districts needing help, he is happy to see Warren Hills succeed.

"It is what it is and we've got to comply with these regulations," he said. "I think people realize the importance of getting off the list."

The district adopted a new math program and doubled the time students spend in language arts curriculum, according to Merluzzi. He said those changes took time but proved worthwhile.

"Sometimes you've got to be a little bit more patient with your expectations," he said. "Finally it's starting to pay off."

Phillipsburg Superintendent Mark B. Miller said the entire district deserves recognition for the accomplishment.

Phillipsburg utilized new teaching techniques and aligned curriculum with standardized tests to move off the list, Miller said.

"Everything you teach in the classroom ... (has to) meet the goals of the tests," he said.

Miller said the district plans to use some of its nearly $1.3 million in federal stimulus money to continue professional development.

"That's something that's important and it's something you can't just do one year and not the next year," he said.

Vespucci said districts across the state are doing better at meeting the requirements. He said No Child Left Behind pushes for a "culture of higher expectations" and it is paying off.

"We encourage everyone in the education community to keep doing what they're doing and don't lose their momentum," he said.