WESTFIELD, NJ — As the first day of school approaches on Tuesday, Westfield school officials outlined key dates for the 2026-27 school year, shared fall parent event schedules and reported results from a state accountability review.
At the Tuesday Board of Education meeting, Board member Anthony Tessitore said staff returned on Wednesday, and students will begin classes Tuesday, Sept. 1.
He also said there will be an early dismissal on Friday, Sept. 4.
Board member Mary Wickens said elementary school back-to-school nights are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, followed by intermediate schools on Sept. 17, Westfield High School on Sept. 24 and Lincoln School on Oct. 1.
Wickens also said the Parent Teacher Council Special Education Committee will hold its annual special education back-to-school meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Edison Intermediate School.
According to Wickens, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services and Student Support Services Dr. Michael Weissman and special education supervisors Alex Linden and Kathleen Nesheiwat will join the committee for a presentation and roundtable discussion.
Board member Sonal Patel said the next regular public meeting of the Board of Education will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School beginning at 7 p.m.
She said the meeting will be livestreamed on the district's YouTube channel through the board tab on the district website, and that the complete agenda will be available Friday, Sept. 11.
At the meeting, board member Kent Diamond highlighted several September observances.
"Beginning with Labor Day, Sept. 7, the district will be closed, and there's much rejoicing. Patriots Day, Sept. 11th, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15th through Oct. 15th, and Rosh Hashanah from sundown on September 11th through September 13th," Diamond said.
He added, "Together, we embrace these observances as opportunities to learn from one another and to deepen our understandings of the values, beliefs, and experiences that shape our shared community."
Superintendent Dr. Raymond Gonzalez said the district is entering year four of its strategic plan and continuing referendum projects while also facing budget pressures.
"Construction will inevitably bring disruption along the way and we appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility as this exciting work progresses," Gonzalez said.
He also said, "At the same time, we continue to navigate significant budget pressures facing public education."
Gonzalez reported that the district completed its tri-annual New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum review and was identified as a high-performing district.
He said Westfield scored 91 percent in instruction and program, and 100 percent in fiscal management, governance, operations and personnel. He said the district will not undergo the review again for another three years.
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