What If They Vote To Restructure?

Ken O’Brien

Despite an overwhelming turnout at the public hearing against the plan to restructure the Middle/High School, it appears that the School Committee is set to support the proposal.

Barring a last minute change of heart by a member of the majority a plan that was revised as recently as last Wednesday and the impact of which was still being discussed at a subcommittee meeting on Monday night will take effect on Wednesday. 

Kill The Restructure Plan

We first reported on the restructure plan on May 22. If you go to the report now, it is dated May 27. Unfortunately we did not save a copy of the original file, so we do not know what changes have been made. However, what is clear is that this is still a work in progress. Reason enough to stop the insanity and delay any immediate action.

Budget And Finance Subcommittee Of The School Committee Agenda - June 1, 2015

Budget And Finance Subcommittee Meeting

Room M100 - 25 Cole Ave

June 1, 2015

6 PM

Agenda

Telegram Article Elaborates On School Committee Actions

Ken O’Brien

In an article titled Southbridge school board takes on restructuring, council criticism, Worcester Telegram reporter Brian Lee addressed recent developments in the district.

The article states, “Speaking about various issues in the highly politicized school environment here, Mrs. McLoughlin confirmed that she took part in a conference call about the proposed restructuring with two senior associate commissioners at the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. One call was before Tuesday night’s public hearing, the other was Wednesday.

“But after viewing the proposal, and verifying that it contained substance, the DESE officials told her “to proceed in any manner as the district and School Committee sees fit,” Mrs. McLoughlin said Friday.” 

Southbridge School Committee Agenda - June 2, 2015

Southbrdige School Committee Meeting

MacKinnon Council Chambers

June 2, 2015

7 PM


This meeting is to complete the agenda started on May 27, 2015

Agenda

Southbridge Town Council of the Whole Meeting - May 28, 2015

Look At The Timeline

Ken O’Brien

There appears to have been a hold put on the School District’s restructure plan as a result of input from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

But there remains the possibility that the proposal will still, somehow, receive the go ahead from the School Committee. The fact is that they have only a month left before the town election that could shift the balance of authority on that body. 

Southbridge School Committee Of The Whole Meeting - June 1, 2015

Committee Of The Whole Meeting

Room M100 - 25 Cole Ave

June 1, 2015

7 PM

Agenda

Do You Have A Copy Of The DESE Letter?

I have been told that the restructure plan was halted by a letter from the DESE to the School Committee. It was reported that this letter was passed around last evening. Could anyone in possession of this letter send me a copy at obanion@netzero.net

Thanks,

Ken O'Brien

Southbridge School Committee Meeting - May 27, 2015

The first fourteen minutes of this video contain a concert by the Southbridge High School Jazz Rock Band.

Okay, We Listened – Now Go Away

Ken O’Brien

Two weeks after dropping matching stink bombs on the town, the School Committee got a sample of public opinion last night.

First, of course, they put the lie to their charade of holding a search for a new Superintendent. Having carried out the process with all the speed and devotion we might expect from the Chair’s pursuit of relection, the four member majority extended the contract of the Acting Superintendent for another year.

Not to be outdone as a symbol of mendacity and reprisal, the newly ensconced Acting Superintendent unveiled her deeply researched and thoroughly vetted plan to restructure the Middle/High School. 

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

Moriarty Comments On Restructure Proposal After Hearing

Following tonight's hearing on the proposed restructuring of  Southbridge Middle/High School, Town Council Chairman Shaun Moriarty issued the following statement;

I've offered numerous comments on the situations facing our public school district. I, along with most other members of the Town Council, allowed tonight's public hearing on the proposed school restructuring to be one for the general public, opting not to speak once more. I will say but a few things on the matter at this point and time.

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.