Office of the Superintendent of Schools

Greeting RPS Community,
I am sure you all share in my eagerness to get back to normal. There is so much that we all want to do to elevate the quality of education in our school district and make sure each and every student is challenged to their maximum potential. I want to remind our student scholars that they are part of living history in a very special community – the first hamlet in the United States to be lit with electric light, thanks to Thomas Edison. That happened Jan. 19, 1883, when a steam-driven generator sent electricity through wires strung overhead to a store, the borough’s railway depot, 40 or so houses and 150 of our streetlights. That light is still evident today, shining brightly on the new Roselle Public Schools logo that we are now unveiling. The light means many things to many people. For me, it is about opening the hearts and minds of our scholars to the excitement of learning, of scholarship and of achieving beyond their wildest imagination, just like Mr. Edison, right here, 138 years ago. And, like him, I have a plan to innovate and invigorate Roselle. I am eager to
implement a plan through 2025 that matches our district’s mantra: First in Light, First in Education. It is a plan involving new technologies, stronger curricula and an entirely new way of ensuring student scholars success through a close-knit team approach.

As our logo shows, this is a time to reposition and rebrand the Roselle Public Schools, as we prepare our scholars to take journeys far beyond where we, ourselves, can go. Although we can’t be part of their travels, we can make sure they are on solid footing as they take that first bold step outside of Roselle. We want our student scholars to be immensely proud of where they came from, and that begins with providing them a stellar education that gives them a competitive edge through the middle of the 21st century.
I wholeheartedly welcome the many challenges to elevate our scholars’ success, during this pandemic and beyond. This is a moment I have been preparing for my entire professional career here in Roselle, and I am ready. My leadership began with ensuring successful remote learning. I am proud to report that our district-wide attendance rate has been 93%, despite the many challenges of at-home learning. There have also been numerous online programs and special events that have been held in each school to reinforce our strong community.

So, as we set our sights on February 1st, and hope that the virus does not push back our calendar yet again, let us rejoice in what has been accomplished at home, with dedicated teachers, parents/guardians and student scholars always keeping their eye on the prize. Yes, we have certainly accomplished so much together, despite the challenges. And our future has never looked brighter for every student as we prepare them for college, work, and life. So always remember, “All Students Matter.”

Educationally yours,

Dr. Nathan L. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools