February 8, 2007
Bridgewater
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Bridgewater-Raynham Schools
Massachusetts
USA
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Opinion/Analysis
Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
To begin with, there has not yet been any formal announcement or acknowledgement that the current Superintendent (Robert McIntyre) will not continue beyond the current contract end (June 30, 2007). I say that not to ‘duck’ the question, but merely to put it into context. True, it has been widely reported and discussed, but in my opinion since it has not been made public (as in announced in press release or during a School Committee Meeting), then next-step discussions are merely supposition.
All of that said, recognizing the fact that the School Committee has not met since news of this broke on January 29th, and many are asking my thoughts, I submit the following:
I believe it important to formally acknowledge the situation; at a public School Committee Meeting. At the School Committee Meeting, I would like to have the School Committee take the following actions:
1. Thank Robert for eleven years of service to Bridgewater-Raynham.
2. Describe the current timetable – last day of employment, major school dates (like graduation) and how these might be handled.
3. Begin determining three to five core skills or issues that Bridgewater-Raynham will face in the coming few years.
4. Discuss how a search for a replacement will occur. Public forum night(s), make-up of a Search Committee, and timetable for search are all important points.
Item (3), I would list the following as some of my issues for the future. They are in no particular order. Also, there are probably other important considerations; these are merely some that quickly come to mind.
a. Ability to comprehend and address budget and finance issues; especially as they relate to a regional school system.
b. Guide the 6000-student district through many school building changes – opening a new high school, closing an elementary school (Burnell in June 2008), and grade re-alignment for all Bridgewater buildings (September 2008).
c. Improvements in MCAS performance. There are some large disparities in performance at some grade levels and buildings. Rather than concentrating on quick numbers (annual grade 4 vs. last year grade 4) analysis, it is time to look at comparing and tracking actual student performance through the years. How are today’s 6th graders doing in comparison to how they did two years ago as 4th graders?
d. Graduation rates for our High School. The DOE reported B-R’s graduation rate at 87.7% for the class of 2006. With West Bridgewater and Oliver Ames (Easton) at 96.7% and 95.8% respectively, we lag behind our neighbors. What can we do to improve upon this as the job market is becoming more advanced, and the lack of a high school diploma has a detrimental effect on the ability of individuals to earn a living?
Item (4) is interesting. Technically, the decision of a School Superintendent rests solely with the elected School Committee; so there is not a requirement to involve anyone outside of this elected Board. However, recognizing the nature of our communities, a couple of areas that could be considered are:
1. One representative (a member or designee) from each Board of Selectmen.
2. Two citizens at-large; must be from Bridgewater or Raynham, but not necessarily one from each.
3. Someone from Bridgewater State College. The College is integral to the community, and has programs for Education. I would be intrigued by the possibility of having President Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria on a Search Committee. Or, as an alternative, someone he might designate to assist us in our task.
4. Four members from the B-R School Committee.
In total, this would be nine people to advise the full School Committee on issues to consider. Further, if so directed, to begin the process for bringing forward five candidates for submission and consideration by the full School Committee.
Again, I must stress… this is merely my current thoughts on the issue. The ultimate decision will be made by the full School Committee once we meet.
