While Montclair’s Renaissance at Rand Middle School will cease operating as the public school district converts the building into a pre-K facility, its popular principal, Maria Francisco, will remain in a new role.
Superintendent Ruth B. Turner announced Francisco’s appointment to the role of Principal on Special Assignment for School Climate and Culture Tuesday, following the school board’s June 17 approval. Francisco will support several key district initiatives designed to strengthen student experiences and school communities, Turner said in a message to the school community.
“Her work will include providing leadership and support for the district’s middle school reinvestment efforts, helping to ensure that our middle schools are structured to meet the academic, social, emotional and developmental needs of all students,” Turner said. “She will collaborate with school leaders to strengthen school climate and culture, support student belonging and engagement, advance restorative and inclusive practices, and identify opportunities to improve the overall student experience.”
Restorative Justice
The appointment follows the district’s decision to cut eight restorative justice teachers, among other staff and program reductions, amid a deficit that rose to nearly $20 million after years of unpaid bills piled up under prior district administrators’ leadership…