North Tonawanda's Dr. Jeffrey Jachlewski Nears One-Year Mark as Superintendent, Focusing on District Growth and Belonging

NORTH TONAWANDA, NY – As August 1st, 2024, approaches, the North Tonawanda City School District will mark a significant milestone: the completion of Dr. Jeffrey Jachlewski's first year as Superintendent of Schools. A lifelong resident of North Tonawanda, Dr. Jachlewski stepped into the district's top educational leadership role, bringing a deep understanding of the community he now serves.

Before he was appointed Superintendent, Dr. Jachlewski gained extensive experience as principal of Heim Middle School within the Williamsville Central School District, a position he had held since 2013. His return to North Tonawanda signals a commitment to fostering educational excellence in his hometown.

Dr. Jachlewski inherited a district classified as a "Target District" by the New York State Education Department, indicating a need for support based on student achievement data. Stepping into this role, his first year has undoubtedly involved a comprehensive assessment of district operations and foundational strategies to address areas of focus.

While specific performance metrics directly attributable to Dr. Jachlewski's inaugural year as superintendent are still emerging, the North Tonawanda City School District, under its collective leadership, has demonstrated a strong commitment to several key areas:

• Teacher and Leader Effectiveness: The district has proactively implemented a structured approach to retain highly effective educators. This includes both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, such as stipends for Teacher Leaders, Professional Teachers, and Principal Leaders, as well as recruitment and transfer awards for teachers in high-need schools. This framework aims to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across all schools.

  
  

• Special Education Support: Recognising the importance of equitable support for all students, the district has deployed a dedicated coach to work closely with teachers and principals. This initiative focuses on developing and implementing Pre-CSE (Committee on Special Education) strategies to ensure consistent and tailored support for students across elementary schools and the broader district.

  
  

• Professional Development: Utilizing grant funding, specifically the STLE grant, the district has been active in developing and implementing career ladder pathways for its staff. Furthermore, efforts are underway to create a comprehensive video library, providing accessible professional development and support resources for staff, parents, and students on key topics such as college and career readiness, organizational skills, and literacy and mathematics instruction.

  
  

It is essential to note that these established accomplishments reflect the collective efforts and strategic direction of the district's leadership, initiatives that Dr. Jachlewski now oversees and will continue to build upon.

Looking ahead, Dr. Jachlewski has already highlighted key areas of focus for the district's future. In a recent interview for a podcast on "Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools," he and others discussed the district's Youth Activation Committee, underscoring a commitment to fostering a strong culture of belonging within North Tonawanda schools. This focus on student voice and inclusive environments suggests a strategic direction aimed at holistic student development and community engagement.

As Dr. Jachlewski concludes his first year at the helm, the North Tonawanda City School District stands poised to continue its work on improving student outcomes, retaining top talent, and cultivating an environment where all students feel supported and engaged. The community looks forward to witnessing the continued progress under his guidance.