The South Orange-Maplewood School District prides itself on its proactive approach to battling the ongoing achievement gap between black and white students. But, for many, the progress isn't fast enough.

Although test scores continue to show a narrowing of that gap — and policy changes such as de-leveling are aimed at diminishing it further — the gap persists. Concern from the district continues to surface in conversations about district goals as well as the recent discussion of the Columbia High School 5-Year Plan.

Tuesday night, the topic comes to the fore again a symposium hosted by the Parenting Center's Leap for Success subcommittee, with a notable guest weighing in — New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education Christopher Cerf.

The community-wide symposium on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Clinton Elementary School focusing on solutions to tackling the achievement gap. A flier promoting the event states, "Our district can no longer wait. Together, we can raise achievementg and close gaps for academic success."

The symposium will feature video clips from some of the national experts in education, as well as updates from local staff on where the South Orange-Maplewood School District is in addressing the achievement gap. An "all-star" panel of experts will offer local strategies on what works. The community will have an opportunity to ask the experts questions, put forth suggestions and be part of the solution in moving students toward higher achievement.

Opening Remarks and Panelist:  
Christopher Cerf, Acting NJ Education Commissioner

Panelists:

• Dr. Brian Osborne, Superintendent of the South Orange/Maplewood
• School District
• Andrea Wren-Hardin, Board Member
• Tina Lehn, Principal, South Mountain Elementary School
• Marianne Hess, Assistant Principal, Tuscan Elementary School
• Raquel Horn, Assistant Principal, Seth Boyden Elementary School
• Shayna Sackett, Teacher, Seth Boyden Elementary School

Moderator:

• Barbara Heisler, Executive Director of Funding Exchange and former Executive Director of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race