Dr. Pedro Noguera announced today that the trustees of Victoria Foundation have voted a grant of $75,000 that covers the period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 to be used to launch the Broader, Bolder Approach to School Reform in Newark. Specifically, funds will be used to hire a Coordinator of Student Support Services for the seven schools in the West Ward of Newark.

The Coordinator will:

• Work with school and community leadership to develop a strategic plan
• Coordinate a system of professional development for school staff
• Identify community partners and establish working protocols
• Create common referral, intake, and reporting tools
• Significantly increase available services to students and families; and
• Track improvements in academic performance, attendance, suspension rates, and incidents of violence