Southbridge Schools Hearing - January 25, 2016

At emotional hearing on Southbridge schools, some urge state takeover

By Brian Lee 
Telegram & Gazette Staff 

Southbridge School Committee - Public Hearing on Proposed Restructure of SMHS - May 26, 2015

Telegram Reports On Restructure Hearing

Ken O’Brien

Under the title Southbridge school reorganization plan meets resistance, Telegram reporter Brian Lee summarized tonight’s meeting on the proposed restructure at Southbridge Middle/High School.

“The School Committee hosted a well-attended public hearing Tuesday on a proposed restructuring of the 3-year-old middle-high school that would eliminate 13 administrative positions and create 12 new ones in 2015-16, including the creation of principal jobs for both programs.

“Many people expressed that the proposal was being rushed and was perhaps politically motivated to target certain existing employees.” He reported.

He then went on to summarize the comments of a number of those present. 

Moriarty Provides “Blow By Blow” Of Hearing On Facebook

Town Councilor Shaun Moriarty The debate over the proposed restructuring ought not to be about any individuals or personalities, but rather process and what works for the students.

Six speakers into public hearing, one supports restructuring while five others oppose it. Opposition complains about administrative turnover over recent years, while applauding efforts of current administration team.

More updates to come. 

Don't Miss The Restructure Rally At 25 Cole Ave

The show starts at 7 PM Tuesday in the auditorium.

You'll be told the procedures after you get there.

Refresments will not be served

Moriarty Comments On Restructure Hearing

Town Councilor Shaun Moriarty

I try not to fall into the trap of conspiracy theories and Machiavellian plots, but one can't help but wonder with the actions being taken.

After a very public and vocal call to action for delay in a rushed restructuring plan of Southbridge Middle/High School, the School Committee has scheduled a "Special Meeting" for Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00pm at the former Southbridge High School auditorium at 25 Cole Avenue. 

School Committee Schedules Hearing On Restructure Proposal

Public Hearing on the proposed restructure of Southbridge Middle/High School

Location: Auditorium - 25 Cole Ave

Date: May 26, 2015

Time: 7 PM

Southbridge Cable License Transfer Hearing - August 7, 2014

Hearing On Patrick's Economic Development Bill Tomorrow

Would Eliminate Local Limits On Liquor Licenses

Ken O’Brien

The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Sen. Gale Candaras, D-Wilbraham, and Rep. Joseph Wagner, D-Chicopee, meets Thursday at 1 p.m. Lawmakers will hear the $100 million economic development bill that Gov. Deval Patrick filed in April.

The bill provides municipalities with the power to grant liquor licenses without quota limits, eliminates "non-compete" agreements, adopts the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, and seeks to expand the state's international marketing efforts to boost tourism. The bill also overhauls a research and development tax credit program, and extends the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's internship and mentoring program.