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Setting the Record Straight

Have you heard something circulating in the community that just doesn't sound right? In today's fast-paced world, rumors and misinformation can spread quickly, often causing unnecessary confusion or concern. That's why we've created "Setting the Record Straight" – your dedicated, reliable source for accurate information and clear answers to the questions you're hearing.

This is the place where we directly address common scuttlebutt and clarify any misconceptions. Our goal is to ensure you have the facts, straight from us, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in the information you receive. We'll regularly update this section with clear, concise responses to community inquiries, providing transparency and putting an end to speculation.

If you've encountered a rumor or have a question you'd like us to address, please let us know. We're committed to open communication and building a well-informed community.


Nov. 11, 2025
Subject: Floor Grades/equity based grading
The district utilizes a 50% floor in K-8, this practice is expanding to grades 9-12 in the 2025-2026 school year.

-Minimize the catastrophic effect of a zero: a single grade of a zero can make it mathematically impossible for a student to pass a course or receive an equitable grade, even if they achieve high scores for the rest of the quarter. They end up stuck in a “grade hole” and often become discouraged and disengaged.  For example, if a student has four grades 100, 0, 100, 100 that averages to a 75%. Is this student just “average” due to one zero? Or are they exemplary but missed one key component?

-The traditional 100-point scale has the “F” range at 60 points and is disproportionately larger compared to the passing letter grades that are typically separated by 10 points each. Setting a floor at 50% attempts to better balance the spread of the failing range with the passing ranges.

-The rational part of a teenager's brain (prefrontal cortex) is not fully developed until age 25 or so. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long term consequences.


Nov. 4, 2025
Subject: Schools open on Election Day

We currently have polling sites at three schools in the district. All polling sites have extra security, are located in an area where adults have no interaction with students, are policed by the District Director of Safety and local authorities, and have been vetted through comprehensive walkthroughs prior to election day. For the 2026-7 school year, the district is closed for students on election day. The district is utilizing this day for professional development. Please see the 2026-27 School District Calendar on website.

Oct 29, 2025
Subject: ICE sightings
SOMSD has established protocols in partnership with local law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of all students, regardless of immigration status. The goal is to proactively address concerns related to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near schools. This collaborative plan includes a designated procedure for identifying and documenting any reported sightings or contacts with ICE agents in the area. Should an interaction occur, the district's appropriate staff, such as the superintendent and legal counsel, are immediately notified to verify credentials and ensure all actions comply with legal requirements and district policies, which generally stipulate that a valid judicial warrant is needed for ICE agents to enter non-public areas of a school. This systematic approach is designed to maintain a secure learning environment and provide clear guidance to all school personnel.

September 4, 2025
Subject: Long Range Facility Plan

New Jersey School Districts: Long-Range Facility Plans and Funding

A Long-Range Facility Plan (LRFP) for a New Jersey school district is a planning tool used to assess current and future facilities needs based on factors like student enrollment and educational programs.

Key Details

·       No Monetary Commitment: The development of a LRFP does not automatically commit a district to any monetary investment in the proposed projects outlined within the plan.

·       Planning Tool: It serves as a guide for planning and identifying potential projects, but funding and execution require further action and approval.

·       State Funding Challenges: New Jersey faces significant challenges in funding school facility projects, particularly in districts with high poverty. Despite recent state allocations, substantial needs remain unmet.

·       Capacity and Condition Issues: Reports indicate that many districts have insufficient space and aging buildings that require renovation or replacement.

Implications of Underinvestment

·       Underinvestment in school infrastructure can negatively affect student health and educational outcomes.

·       Poor facility conditions can lead to lower attendance, higher dropout rates, and decreased test scores, especially for low-income students.


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September 2, 2025
Subject: Regarding a Potential Donation to Our School District from ANTA, Kyrie Irving’s brand

We are writing to you today to address a recent inquiry and public discussion about a potential donation of basketball equipment and uniforms from ANTA, a Kyrie Irving brand. We appreciate the community's interest and enthusiasm for supporting our students and athletic programs.

As a public entity, the school district is entrusted with a responsibility to the community to act with due diligence and transparency when it comes to accepting donations, particularly from high-profile individuals. This process is a standard and necessary part of our governance. It allows us to:

Verify the donor's identity and the source of funds: We must ensure that any donation is legitimate and that accepting it does not expose the district to any legal or financial risks.
Assess potential risks to the district's reputation and mission: Our primary mission is to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students. We must consider whether a donation could be perceived as a conflict of interest or could be misaligned with our values as a public institution.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and policies: There are federal, state, and local regulations that govern how public schools can accept and manage donations. Our due diligence process ensures we are in full compliance.
In addition to this review, we are also exploring other avenues to ensure that any potential donation best serves the needs of our students. This includes consulting with our various internal clubs and organizations that are dedicated to enhancing student life and well-being. By doing so, we can ensure that any generous contribution is channeled in a way that provides the greatest benefit to the most students.

We want to assure you that our process is thorough and deliberate and is in the best interest of our students and our entire school community. We will continue to keep you informed as we move through this process.

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September 2, 2025
Dear South Orange & Maplewood Community,

Welcome back to a new school year! As we dive into the excitement and challenges ahead, I wanted to share a new initiative with you: "Setting the Record Straight." This is my way of addressing the rumors, questions, and ideas that I hear buzzing around the community—whether it’s at a local coffee shop, a PTA meeting, or an athletic event. My goal is to be as transparent as possible and to provide factual, timely information directly to you.

I look forward to an incredible year of learning and growth with all of you.