New superintendent outlines 100‑day entry plan, instructional and operational priorities

Superintendent Justin Johnson on June 18 told the Wallingford‑Swarthmore School Board he has spent seven weeks in the district and is implementing a 100‑day entry plan that focuses on learning district systems, meeting stakeholders and observing classrooms.

Johnson said the entry plan has four parts: document review, data review, entry interviews with staff, students and community groups, and observations in classrooms and at events. "I am continuing to work to implement my entry plan, and it has been an outstanding 7 weeks that I've been here in Wallingford Swarthmore," he told the board.

Nut graf: Johnson said the work he has completed produced a long list of potential priorities; the administration has narrowed that list to about 65 items and is focusing on a first‑year agenda emphasizing instructional improvements (professional development, better use of data, implementing new instructional materials, and expanded social‑emotional and behavioral supports) and operational improvements (capital planning, communications and human resources).

Instructional priorities

Johnson said instructional goals include stronger professional development, more granular use of student data beyond academics to include social and emotional measures, and full implementation of newly adopted K–5 curriculum materials. "The key asset we have in the future... is improving professional development," he said.

He described increased attention to inclusion, belonging and equity and said that teacher interest in optional summer training sessions was high: an optional session on a recent Friday drew a large teacher turnout.

Operational priorities and capital planning

Johnson told the board he supports the administration’s work on a district capital plan and described facilities improvements as part of operational priorities. He said the capital plan and budget framework are tools to improve learning environments and student outcomes.

Student achievements and summer programs

Johnson also reported several student accomplishments: both the district’s boys’ and “Shug X” ultimate‑Frisbee teams qualified for nationals; the boys finished fifth and the Shug X team finished 14th at nationals, and the girls varsity lacrosse team finished as state runner‑up after a 12‑8 loss to Villa Maria in the Division II final. He also noted the WSSD summer music program runs through July 10 and that some high‑school students are on a multiweek trip to Germany.

Public response and next steps

Board members and community speakers welcomed Johnson. Several residents thanked him and asked about how proposed budget and personnel changes would affect class size and operations; those budget questions were handled later in the finance presentation. Johnson said he will continue to update the board and the public as his work continues through the first year.

Ending

Johnson closed by stressing his appreciation for the district’s traditions and community involvement and said he looks forward to working with board members and the public on implementing first‑year priorities.