Dr. Jill A. Takacs has served as Superintendent of the School District of Jenkintown since the fall of 2016. Before her tenure here, she was the assistant superintendent of the Middletown Township Public Schools in Middletown, New Jersey. As an educator for 35 years, she has served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and acting superintendent.
Dr. Takacs has presented numerous seminars and workshops for the New Jersey School Boards Association, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, Learning Forward, National Association for Professional Development Schools, New Jersey superintendents’ organizations, as well as Rutgers and Monmouth Universities. She has been recognized and awarded on the state and local levels for her educational contributions with these endeavors including the 2015 Governor’s Educational Services Professionals Award and has been featured on the New Jersey Department of Education’s website promoting educational initiatives.
Dr. Takacs is a strong advocate for children and academic excellence. She has successfully established college and career readiness programs, including high-quality academic programs, gifted and enrichment programs, high school elective and pathway opportunities, academic clubs, and student leadership initiatives. She has implemented high-quality staff development to differentiate instruction, infuse technology, reform assessment practices, and improve student learning. Dr. Takacs has secured competitive grants for educational endeavors and implemented creative ideas for cost savings measures and revenue generation.
Superintendent’s Objective Performance Standards
Superintendent's Goals 2024-2025
1. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Superintendent will work with the Administrative Team to enhance the educational experience of the students within our school district by expanding both co-curricular and curricular opportunities.
Objective 1: Expand Co-curricular Offerings
● Develop new clubs, activities, and organizations that cater to diverse student interests and passions.
● Propose new club offerings for 2024-2025, such as: Chess Club (ES and MS/HS), Game Club (ES), Creativity Club (ES), Performance Club (ES), Gardening Club (ES), Yoga/Mindfulness Club (ES), Book Club, (ES), Coding Club (ES), Sports Club (ES), Cooking Club (ES), Bocce (MS/HS), Peer Buddy (K-12)
● Foster a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, leadership, and personal growth through co-curricular experiences.
Objective 2: Strengthen Curricular Programs
● Write a Science and Technology Curriculum to address the Implementation of STEELS Standards.
● Write Special Area Curricula with a continued focus on DEIB inclusivity.
● Survey students and staff about potential new elective courses/programs for the 2025-2026 school year.
2. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Superintendent will work with the Administrative Team to increase staff engagement and voice in leadership roles throughout the District.
● Establish a Professional Learning Committee, with staff from both buildings, to plan and create varied learning opportunities, including workshops and trainings led by teacher leaders, articulation opportunities, and off-site experiences.
● Expand teacher leadership opportunities through various committees, including, but not limited to, MTSS, SAP, Data Committee, DEIB Committee, Wellness Committee, Safety Committee, and the Threat Assessment Team.
● Afford teachers planning and articulation time to collaborate with colleagues, both in and out of the district. (MCIU, PATTAN, neighboring school districts, UPENN).
● Afford teachers resources and opportunities for wellness and self-care through our health care provider and/or other agencies and organizations.
● Highlight teacher and student successes at Board Meetings throughout the year.
3. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Superintendent will collaborate with the administrative team to expand data collection and analysis within our LinkIT framework.
● Benchmark Testing and Data Analysis:
○ Implement common grade-level/subject-area assessments.
○ Conduct an analysis of student performance on District and State assessments to identify
strengths and areas for improvement.
● Teacher Involvement and Professional Development:
○ Engage teachers in ongoing data analysis to inform instructional strategies and improve student
outcomes.
○ Use data-driven insights to guide professional development efforts.
● Student Progress Monitoring:
○ Update students’ grades regularly in PowerSchool to enhance progress monitoring and provide
timely feedback and support for students and parents.
○ Analyze student and cohort performance to drive targeted interventions and instructional
adjustments.
