Superintendent’s Conference Day Opener September 1st Was Inspirational and Motivating 🦊
The final countdown.
The intriguing title for the September 1st Superintendent’s Conference Day was on the big screen for all Newark Central School District staff to see as they entered the Newark High School auditorium at the start of the early morning conference.
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But soon the reason for choosing that theme was apparent as Superintendent Susan Hasenauer explained the start of the 2026-27 school year marks the beginning of the fifth and final year of the school district’s Strategic Plan _ one that has resulted in significant progress.
The seventh slide in Hasenauer’s motivating PowerPoint presentation tells the story.
Impressive advances that would not have been possible without the “grit, collaboration, teamwork and tenacity” put forth by committed NCSD staffers,” she said.
“And, I want to reinforce, because of every single person in this room, regardless of your role, this has proven to be true as we have made continuous growth in key areas since the inception of our Strategic Plan in 2022,” Hasenauer said.
The Superintendent said continuous growth was possible “as we utilized two things religiously:
“First, by tracking our growth, we can see how far we have come, we know where we have to refocus our energy, and we can feel confident that we are moving in the right direction while we continue to build resiliency for future challenges.
“Secondly, we have been able to course correct throughout each year, by evaluating our action steps, our collected data and our student achievement results, this has provided us with a better understanding of our current path and if it still matches our long-term goals. And it does…
Hasenauer commended the Board of Education for its laudable and ongoing commitment to help administrators support teachers, staff and students to insure they have the resources, tools and support to do their jobs effectively and, as one notable example, she pointed to the outstanding Reds Summer Academy program offered to faculty and staff in August.
Through 31 differentiated learning sessions, 50 participants explored instructional practices, innovative tools, and practical
strategies designed to strengthen teaching and learning for every student.
Likewise, she said during the recent New Teacher Orientation, participants engaged in collaborative team-building activities, explored effective instructional practices, learned about district curriculum and technology resources, and gained a deeper understanding of the systems and structures that help our Newark students succeed.
“Thanks was also provided to the instructional coaches. “We are extremely grateful for your continuous support of both new and veteran staff. Your pedagogical expertise, combined with your trust-building interpersonal skills has without doubt led to the empowerment of teachers and improved student learning. When we invest in ourselves and each other, we invest in the future success of every student we serve,” Hasenauer said.
She also happily reported an additional teacher was hired after learning positive things about the NCSD from one of the new teachers who participated in the four-day Orientation last month.
Hasenauer said the district is thrilled to “have such a talented group of new educators join our Newark family. . . for together, we will accomplish Year 5 of 5 in our Strategic Plan, while simultaneously planning for our future. This is a big year for us.
“For our new folks, it can be overwhelming to initially understand how you may personally fit into our plan.” Hasenauer continued. “But the truth of the matter is, if you just start down the road, and take that first step in a journey of 1000 steps, you will be right alongside us.
“Our strategic plan is a plan that brought many ideas together through cohesive thought which is intentionally focused in three areas. . . Academic Programing, Culture and Climate and School/Community/Family Partnerships which we call our big rocks. Every year what we must do never changes, but how we do it does.,” Hasenauer said, “And this year is no different, but it is more exciting . . . as we are truly diving into the details! Going deep is usually where the real magic happens.”
Indeed. The ambitious and innovative details of the many exciting initiatives this year in the three big rock areas were then thoroughly outlined by Hasenauer, Will Bean, Coordinator of Professional Learning, Aaron Sweet, Technology Integration Coach and John Ginter, Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
Hasenauer then recognized staff who have worked for the NCSD for 20, 25, and 30 years.
"Strategic plans are built on paper, but impact is built in the moments between the bells with what we both do and say. By transforming our daily purpose into intentional habits, we ensure that every choice, every lesson, and every interaction serves a greater promise to our students. Let us move forward not just with a plan, but with the daily practice of being precisely who our students need us to be. Have a great year!”
Hasenauer concluded the opening of Superintendent’s Conference Day with the presentation of the 2026 Friend of Education Award to the Newark Branch of Reliant Credit Union. The award was presented to Branch Manager Amanda DeSain on behalf of the Credit Union.
“This honor is reserved for those who don't just support our schools from a distance, but who weave themselves into the very fabric of our district and have shown an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our youth,” Hasenauer said.
“Reliant has consistently shown up for our students, our families, and for our schools in multiple ways. For example, when our families faced food insecurity, they didn't hesitate. From supporting our school food pantry and assisting with food distributions, to donating meals for families during school breaks, Reliant has made sure our students never had to worry about where their next meal was coming from. When a new school year began, they’ve been there, providing essential school supplies our students need to walk through our doors with confidence and pride.
"But what makes the folks at Reliant so special is their hearts. They are always willing to step up, no matter the occasion. Whether it is welcoming families at an open house, creating vital career exploration opportunities for our students, or simply just reaching out and asking, 'What is it that you need?’ They don't wait to be asked. They look for the gaps and they fill them. Their support has made a real, tangible difference for our students and families, and we are so incredibly grateful for their partnership.
"On behalf of the Newark Central School District, it is my absolute honor to present the 2026 Friend of Education Award to a partner that truly defines community.”