'Listening Tour' Among Long Valley's New Superintendent's First Plans

LONG VALLEY, NJ — With the baton passed from the interim superintendent to the Washington Township Schools new Superintendent Dr. Peter Turnamian, engaging with the community is among priorities to Turnamian in his new role.

Turnamian introduced himself further to the school community through a recent letter, stating he first met with several community stakeholders, before officially starting as superintendent during the past month.

With that experience, he said he’s “very grateful to be working alongside deeply dedicated and talented professionals and families committed to ensuring the success of the Washington Township Schools for every student.”

He said he will engage with the community “by regular, direct and transparent communication at all levels,” calling that the “critical first step toward ensuring students, staff and families experience an inclusive organizational culture where our focus will be on the social, emotional and academic growth of all students.”

Turnamian, who called teachers the “single greatest factor in determining the quality of a child’s school experience,” said he looks forward to working with both teachers and respective school administrators to make sure teachers “have the resources and support needed to make every child’s school year the best it can be.”

As part of getting to know staff and families districtwide, Turnamian said he plans on a “listening tour” in the schools, followed with in-person community forums.

Those forums, Turnamian said, are where “our leaders and I will share initial reflections about our school community, listen to community feedback and respond to questions or concerns,” announcing both the dates and locations of the community forums in the near future.

For Turnamian's full letter, click here.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.