SKYLER D. COHEN

LEARNING FROM CHALLENGES: THE FLOOD RECOVERY & LESSONS

In September 2021, Tropical Storm Ida devastated our Middle/High School with over three feet of floodwater. Through community solidarity and thoughtful planning, our school reopened one year later. This experience demonstrates both our resilience and the need for a forward-thinking educational infrastructure.

• Ensure the Implementation of Flood Protection
  Work with the school board to implement the Army Corps of Engineers' recommended flood protection plan, ensuring our $21 million investment in school restoration is protected for the future.
  Why it matters: Our students deserve educational continuity without disruption from environmental disasters. The recommended protection measures from the 2025 feasibility study must be implemented promptly to safeguard our educational facilities.
• Support Educational Continuity Planning
  Develop robust continuity of education plans for any future emergencies, ensuring our schools can quickly adapt to unexpected challenges without sacrificing educational quality.
  Why it matters: Whether facing floods, pandemics, or other disruptions, our educational system must be resilient and adaptable. The lessons from remote learning and temporary facilities during the flood recovery can inform better emergency preparedness.

MY EDUCATION PLAN: TARGETED ACTIONS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT

• Expand In-House Advanced Courses
  Strategically bring popular Advanced Placement (AP) courses currently taken online (like AP Psychology, Economics, and Environmental Science) into Cresskill High School, taught by our teachers.
  Why it matters: More direct access to challenging courses strengthens college applications, improves our school's standing in rankings that value curriculum breadth, and leverages our talented faculty.
• Develop Focused Academic Pathways
  Create optional "mini-endorsement" tracks (e.g., in STEM or Humanities) allowing students to deepen their focus in specific areas using existing school strengths.
  Why it matters: Offers students specialized preparation for college majors and careers, making them more competitive applicants, similar to programs in top-ranked districts.
• Boost College Prep & Support
  Systematically track and analyze student success rates on AP exams taken at CHS, providing targeted support to help more students earn college credit. Enhance college counseling resources for applications, essays, and test prep strategies.
  Why it matters: Directly impacts college readiness and success, a key factor for families and in school rankings. Ensures our graduates are fully prepared for higher education.
• Drive Improvement with Data
  Establish clear "Metrics that Matter" beyond basic state tests – focusing on college readiness indicators, AP success, and parent/student satisfaction – to guide strategic decisions and resource allocation.
  Why it matters: Ensures our efforts and tax dollars are focused on initiatives that enhance educational quality and outcomes. Allows transparent tracking of progress.
• Maximize Facility Upgrades
  Ensure our rebuilt school facilities incorporate modern learning environments – state-of-the-art labs supporting advanced science, robust tech infrastructure, and spaces designed for collaborative learning.
  Why it matters: Our significant investment in rebuilding after the flood allows us to create optimal learning environments. These physical improvements should align with our academic goals to provide a top-tier, 21st-century education.
• Showcase Cresskill's Strengths
  Proactively communicate our district's successes – like our highly-ranked Middle School and recognition for academic rigor – and our clear plans for improvement to residents and on influential school review platforms.
  Why it matters: Builds community pride, ensures accurate public perception, and attracts families who prioritize education, strengthening our schools further.

VOLUNTEER-LED SCHOOL EXCELLENCE TASK FORCE

While the mayor does not directly control school operations, I will advocate for and help establish a task force of volunteer educators, parents, and residents with relevant expertise to identify and implement improvements without hiring expensive external firms.

Task Force Composition

Task Force Responsibilities

THE LINK TO PROPERTY VALUES

Research consistently shows that school quality is a major driver of property values. As mayor, I'll work to ensure that improvements in our schools translate directly to increased property values.

As mayor, I will partner with real estate professionals to communicate school improvements and their positive impact on property values in listings and marketing.