HELP US PROTECT THE FUTURE OF DUNELLEN SCHOOLS

Dunellen schools should be a source of pride for our community, a place where children are challenged, supported, and prepared for success. Instead, families are increasingly alarmed by declining academic performance, deteriorating morale, and a lack of transparency from district leadership.

Parents, educators, and students see it every day:
• Falling test scores
• Inconsistent academic direction
• Burnout among teachers
• Poor communication with families

These are not isolated issues. They are symptoms of systemic leadership failure.

Strong school districts require strong leadership, leadership that sets high expectations, listens to stakeholders, supports educators, and holds itself accountable. That is not what we are seeing in Dunellen.

📉 THE DATA CONFIRMS WHAT FAMILIES ALREADY KNOW
According to New Jersey School Performance Reports, Dunellen Public Schools are performing well below state averages and the gap is not closing.

📊 Districtwide Performance
NJSLA Proficiency Rates

ELA: ~37% proficient (NJ average: ~52%)
Math: ~24% proficient (NJ average: ~40%)
➡️ Nearly three-quarters of students are not proficient in math, and nearly two-thirds are struggling in reading.

🏫 SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL DECLINE
John P. Faber Elementary School
Math Proficiency: ~31% (NJ ~38%)
Reading Proficiency: ~41% (NJ ~49%)
Ranked in the bottom half of NJ elementary schools
3rd-grade ELA and math scores have dropped significantly
Our youngest learners are falling behind at the very start of their education.

Lincoln Middle School
Math Proficiency: ~24%
Reading Proficiency: ~39%
Ranked in the bottom 50% of NJ middle schools
Middle school should be a bridge to success — instead, students are losing ground.

Dunellen High School
Reading Proficiency: ~37%
Math Proficiency: ~12%
GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
Only about 1 in 8 students is proficient in math at graduation age.
This is unacceptable.

❗ THIS IS A LEADERSHIP ISSUE

These trends did not appear overnight and they will not fix themselves.

When academic results decline year after year, when morale erodes, and when families feel unheard, leadership must be held accountable. Continuing on the same path while expecting different results puts our children’s futures at risk.

 📣 WHAT WE ARE DEMANDING
We call on the Dunellen Board of Education to take immediate and decisive action by:

The removal of Dan Ross as Superintendent of Dunellen Schools.

Conducting a formal evaluation of the Superintendent, including measurable academic outcomes. 

Soliciting transparent input from parents, teachers, and community members.

Reassessing district leadership direction and considering new leadership aligned with accountability, excellence, and communication.

Implementing a clear recovery plan focused on academic improvement, teacher support, and student achievement! 

This is not about politics.
This is not personal.
This is about our children.

✍️ SIGN THE PETITION
Dunellen families deserve better.
Our students deserve better.
Our teachers deserve better support.

If you believe that declining scores, poor rankings, and weak leadership are unacceptable, stand with us!

If you believe that no child should feel unsafe in our schools and that teachers should feel valued and respected, stand with us! 

Sign this petition to demand change, accountability, and a brighter future for Dunellen schools. 

Together, we can restore excellence but only if we act now.