Follow this link to download the Welcome Letter PDF.
The Board of Education for SSSD & VTSD
of the County of Salem Office of the Superintendent
880 Route 45, PO Box 126
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 769- 0101 ext. 5214
Fax: (856) 769- 3602
September 1, 2026
Dear Salem County Vocational Technical School Parents and Students,
As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to extend a very warm welcome back to our returning students and families and a special welcome to our incoming freshman class. I am truly excited to have everyone back in our building, and I believe there is much to be excited about as we begin another school year together.
Over the past several years, our faculty and staff have continued to work extremely hard to provide an educational environment that is safe, supportive, challenging, and conducive to learning. Our goal remains simple but incredibly important: to move every student forward and prepare them for success in whatever path they choose after high school.
Last year, our students achieved a tremendous accomplishment with the significant increase in their Language Arts and Math scores. That achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work of our students, teachers, support staff, and families. We are incredibly proud of what our students accomplished, and we look forward to building upon that success throughout the coming school year.
At Salem County Vocational Technical School, we also remain committed to providing students with hands-on career and technical education using equipment and technology that meets current industry standards. We understand that our students deserve to train on the same types of equipment and technology they will encounter when they enter the workforce.
We have continued to invest in our programs, and this year, Culinary Arts has experienced a significant upgrade to its programming with new equipment that reflects the standards of today’s culinary industry. Through the continued support of Perkins Grant funding, we are able to make meaningful investments across all of our career and technical programs. Each year, our programs continue to upgrade equipment, technology, and instructional opportunities so that our students receive training that is relevant to today’s workplace.
Another significant change this year will be the implementation of the statewide cell phone restrictions in New Jersey schools. We recognize that this is a major adjustment for young people and their families. While change can sometimes be difficult, we believe we are approaching this transition in a manner that respects our students and helps them develop the responsibility and independence expected of young adults.
When students enter the threshold of our school each morning, we want them to be present, engaged, and ready to learn. Putting their phones away will allow them to focus on their education, interact with their classmates and teachers, and take full advantage of the opportunities that Salem County Vocational Technical School provides. We believe our students are capable of rising to this challenge and demonstrating the maturity and responsibility that we know they possess.
It is hard for me to believe that I recently had the opportunity to speak with our incoming Class of 2030 during Freshman Orientation. Every year, as we prepare to open our doors, I am reminded of why I love this school so much. When I look into the eyes of our students, I see excitement, determination, curiosity, and tremendous potential. I see young people who are eager to learn, eager to explore their chosen careers, and eager to accomplish their goals.
That is what makes Salem County Vocational Technical School so special.
Our students come here with different interests, different talents, and different dreams. Whether they are preparing for college, entering the workforce, pursuing an apprenticeship, joining the military, or taking another path, our responsibility is to help them discover their potential and give them the skills, confidence, and experiences necessary to succeed.
To our students, take advantage of every opportunity this year. Challenge yourself. Try something new. Ask questions. Work hard. Be proud of the skills you are developing. Most importantly, believe in yourself and understand that the choices you make each day can help shape your future.
To our parents and families, thank you for entrusting your children to us. We recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with educating and preparing your sons and daughters for the future. We value your partnership, your support, and your communication with our school.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead. We have outstanding students, dedicated educators, exceptional career and technical programs, and a school community that truly cares about student success.
Welcome back to Salem County Vocational Technical School. Let’s make this a year of learning, growth, opportunity, and achievement.
I look forward to seeing our hallways filled with students again and watching them pursue their goals with the enthusiasm and determination that make our school so special.
Have a wonderful school year!
Respectfully,
John R. Swain
Superintendent