In order to adequately address this question, it is useful to review the issues of redistricting and hiring. Redistricting: one year ago, it was necessary to change a number of streets from the Brooks district to the Columbus district. When the decision was made at the school committee meeting, there was very little input from the residents whose children would be impacted by the decision and not surprisingly, the residents were not happy with the plan. Altogether, thirteen Kindergarten students were potentially going to be moved to the Columbus School. Later, some residents expressed dissatisfaction both with the decision and they felt that they had not received proper notification. Redistricting is one of the most unpopular decisions that a school committee is faced with and it is not undertaken lightly. Personally, I can fully understand the frustration of parents who live within walking distance of the Brooks but whose children are redistricted to the Columbus. Students who were already attending the Brooks and their siblings were not impacted. Redistricting is necessary in order to balance the student population and insure that student assignment doesn’t create over-burdened classrooms and buildings. At the time, the Brooks school Kindergartens were filled to capacity while those at the Columbus was undersubscribed.
What we learned from this process is that in the future if we need to consider redistricting we must triple our efforts so that all residents receive multiple notifications including a certified letter to families directly affected. That being said, sometimes it is part of the job to make difficult and unpopular decisions. We can improve our notification system but we cannot always please everyone all the time no matter how much we may individually wish to do so. The questions then become are we exploring alternatives, have we thoughtfully and thoroughly understood the implications, and are we making the best choice that will enable students to best maximize their educational opportunities. Finally, we must continue to work so that families quickly feel positive about their child’s placement. As one member of the school committee, I am committed to being as responsive as possible to parent need while making the tough decisions to ensure the needs of all our students. I am happy to say that the Columbus School is flourishing and I receive very positive feedback from parents whose children attend the school.
Hiring: We have made substantial gains in including parents and staff in the hiring process. This year, the Superintendent appointed the Director of Pupil Services and the Principal for the Andrews after a thorough interview process that included both parents and staff and culminated in open interviews with the school committee. Parent and staff request played a huge role in the appointment of the principal at the McGlynn Elementary School, Pat Buker.
Parents have also been included in hiring decisions of teachers by being part of the interviews and providing feedback to the Principal. It is important to note that there are district needs and contract considerations that influence teacher placement. I support parent and staff in put into the hiring process and will continue to work to expand this practice. I also will advocate for more rapid decisions so that excellent candidates are not lost to other school districts.
