Superintendent Newsletter

March & April 2026

Dear Roxbury Community:

Reflecting on the months of March and April, I was continually inspired by the dedication, talent, and generosity that defines our district. From remarkable fundraising efforts led by our students to the ratification of operational contracts and critical discussions surrounding our budget, our community remained focused on excellence and collaboration. Below are some of the incredible highlights and important updates from across our district over those two months.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any item, please feel free to contact me at fsantora@roxbury.org.

Regards,

Frank Santora, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Budget Development

As the budget development for the 2026-2027 school year has been complex, Mr. Mondanaro and I have provided a number of presentations as a means of providing as much information as possible to the community. For those who have been unable to attend these presentations, please reference the materials below:

February 25, 2026 Supt. Coffee Budget Process recording and slides
March 23, 2026 Budget Presentation recording
April 27, 2026 Budget Presentation recording and slides

Awards & Recognitions

Best Community for Music Education: Roxbury Public Schools once again earned this national distinction from the NAMM Foundation.
Athletic Director of the Year: Mr. Stu Mason was proudly named Morris County's Athletic Director of the Year.
Student Achievements: At the April 27, 2026 BOE meeting, the district was thrilled to honor Samuel Philicien (Morris County Unsung Hero for RHS), Tyler Koellhoffer (LRS Spelling Bee Champ & Regional 2nd Place), and RHS students who earned the 2026 NJ State Seal of Biliteracy. These accomplishments speak to the unique strengths and passions of our students.

Golden Hammer Awards (April 30): Students and staff affiliated with the SDF program were recognized, celebrating the innovative program our students at RHS continue to benefit from year after year.

Under the leadership of Mr. Frank Caccavale, the students enrolled in this program learned how to build a home, from start to finish.

Academic Excellence & Innovation

MARCH 19 & MARCH 24, 2026 | Parent Info Nights

Junior College Planning Night (March 19): Hosted by Ms. Huguenin, Supervisor of Student Support Services, this highly attended event helped parents and students navigate and maximize the college planning process.
Elementary Principals' Presentation (March 24): Our K-6 Elementary Principals presented to parents on the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) in our schools, reflecting our ongoing commitment to keeping the parent community informed and engaged.

MARCH 30, 2026 | RHS College Writing Symposium

This symposium showcased the immense talent of students enrolled in the college writing course at Roxbury High School, highlighting the strong academic rigor that our educators and students championed every day. I was truly impressed with the students’ command of their various topics and their capacity to share that knowledge with others.

APRIL 23, 2026 | Aviation Program Ribbon Cutting

The district celebrated the inaugural year of our district's Aviation Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Held on the concrete pad housing our newly donated plane, the event gathered program attendees, faculty, Board Members, and the generous donors who made this innovative program possible. Our students did a phenomenal job speaking and representing the future of Roxbury aviation.

Student Well-Being & Support

APRIL 14, 2026 | RHS Substance Abuse Presentation

In conjunction with the Roxbury Police Department, RHS hosted assemblies for students and parents featuring Matthew Bocchi, who shared his powerful journey to recovery following years of substance abuse. Students also engaged in breakout sessions for detailed discussions with Mr. Bocchi. I’d like to thank the Roxbury Policy Department for sponsoring the event for the RHS school community.

APRIL 29, 2026 | SEL Night Resource Fair

The district hosted its annual Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) night. This resource fair built awareness around emotional health and celebrated the district's various well-being initiatives. I’d like to recognize the efforts of Ms. Huguenin, Supervisor of Student Support Services, as well as all of the K-12 school counselors for their efforts in facilitating such an informative event for our community.

Community Engagement & Philanthropy

MARCH 2026 | FES "Read with Character" Program

I had the joy of attending Franklin Elementary School's Read Across America celebration. Volunteers visited the FES media center—brilliantly transformed into an underwater adventure for a Pirate Theme by the PTA and Media Specialist—to participate in read-alouds and crafting.

MARCH 2026 | St. Baldrick's Events at KES & LRS

Both Kennedy Elementary School and Lincoln Roosevelt School hosted St. Baldrick's events to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer treatment and research. Students bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved in solidarity, cheered on enthusiastically by their peers, faculty, and numerous volunteers.

MARCH 6 & APRIL 22, 2026 | Rox-THON & Goryeb Children's Hospital Visit

RHS hosted the annual Rox-THON event, an all-night marathon where students engaged in activities to show their commitment to fighting pediatric cancer. Through tremendous hard work and community philanthropy, they surpassed the previous year's total, raising approximately $148,000! In addition, there were numerous activities designed to keep the students engaged, motivated and standing! It is moments like these that set our district apart from any other! I am so proud to serve as the Superintendent in Roxbury!

On April 22, I had the honor of accompanying Rox-THON students and staff to Goryeb Children's Hospital to present these funds. Our students were treated to a full day of learning with hospital staff, demonstrating immense pride and interest in the hospital's vital work.

Extracurriculars & School Spirit

MARCH & APRIL 2026 | School Events & Fun

FES PTA Pie in the Face Pizza Bingo (March 30): In addition to a well attended Pizza Bingo event, FES PTA also hosted a fundraising “Pie in the Face” as part of the event. FES Principal Mr. Hamer, brave teachers, parents, and I volunteered to be "pied" in the face for a wonderful cause. I’d like to thank the FES PTA for including me in such a wonderful experience.

EMS PTA Volleyball (March 24): Student teams squared off against volunteers, including Roxbury Police, Fire Departments, teachers, and parents in a highly competitive and exciting tournament.
Take Your Child to Work Day (April 23): District staff brought their children to work, filling our buildings and central office with amazing enthusiasm and excitement. I was fortunate enough to bring my two daughters, Teresa and Anna to work with me. While they shared with me that they would have loved to have been able to call a “snow day,” they truly enjoyed their time as "Superintendents" for the day!

MARCH 12-14, 2026 | RHS Musical: "9 to 5"

The Roxbury High School Performing Arts Department presented "9 to 5: The Musical" in March 2026 at the RHS Auditorium in Succasunna, NJ. Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this high-energy comedy was performed by talented high school students from March 12-14, 2026.

APRIL 23-APRIL 25, 2026 | EMS Musical: "The Little Mermaid"

Eisenhower Middle School hosted an incredible spring musical. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to create an amazing performance that was met with rave reviews from attendees, including my own family!

🎼 APRIL 30, 2026 | Roxbury Community School Children' s Choir Concert 🎵

On April 30, 2026 I was able to attend the choir event for the Roxbury Community School Children's Choir. The young performers demonstrated their talent and enthusiasm through song. I’d like to thank all of the instructors who worked to facilitate such a wonderful opportunity for our young students.

Roxbury Township Public Schools

Website: roxbury.org
Location: 42 North Hillside Avenue, Succasunna, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-584-6099

March & April 2026 March & April 2026

Budget Development Budget Development

Awards & Recognitions Awards & Recognitions

Academic Excellence & Innovation Academic Excellence & Innovation