Superintendent and principals report higher enrollment, robust summer programming and improved AP outcomes

District leaders used the Aug. 31 meeting to highlight summer programming, school openings and academic gains. Lead coach Mary Carlino told the committee that summer offerings reached hundreds of children: "we had over 444 students attend at least one of the programs," with targeted offerings including extended school-year services, credit recovery, enrichment and a new Acceleration Academy.

Superintendent Jason DeFalco reported that the district’s total enrollment is about 1,550 students — roughly 100 more than at the same time last year — and described joint professional learning with neighboring districts and orientation efforts for new staff. Principals walked the committee through opening-week activities, kindergarten orientation logistics, and parent-engagement plans such as Meet the Teacher nights.

At the high school, the principal reported improved AP participation and scores: 106 AP exams are expected to be taken, and the share of exams scoring 3 or higher was described at about 74%, a 20-percentage-point increase over 2022. The high school noted nine students scored a 5 on an AP exam this year. Administrators said they plan to expand AP pre-calculus and consider AP Research or AP Seminar to broaden early access.

Leaders also credited grant funding and partnerships. Mary Carlino said the district secured more than $150,000 in grants to support summer programming and transportation, and the district highlighted partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club and local fundraising for backpacks and meal service.

Administrators said they will continue to refine instruction, monitor attendance data, and follow up with staff to raise AP participation further; Meet-the-Teacher events and advisory periods are scheduled in the coming weeks.