On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the voters of the Sanborn Regional School District went to the polls and made their voices heard. Between the two towns, over 2200 people cast a ballot and participated in the democratic process. Thank you to all those who were able to come out to the polls on Tuesday.
The results of the election included strong support for the proposed budget, teacher contract, and the support staff contract. The school community cannot thank the greater community enough for their support. The budget that was proposed will help us continue our march to become one of the top districts in the State. We will continue to monitor our programs to ensure we are getting the biggest bang for your tax dollar.
The positive votes on both of the contracts will go a long way in providing stability in our workforce. Less time will be spent training new staff members in our programs and more time can be spent enhancing skills and improving student achievement. I am confident that teacher turnover will be significantly decreased this year.
In the coming year, we will continue to expand the implementation of our Pinnacle program. To date, we have implemented the Student Information System, and Gradebook (including the Parent Portal and standards based report cards). The next phase includes the curriculum and instruction modules and professional development. Elsewhere in the system, we will continue our work on implementing the Strategic Plan, and re-writing our Technology Plan and Professional Development Master Plans for the State. The next year promises to be a very busy, productive year.
Once again, I would like to personally thank the voters of Kingston and Newton for their support at the polls on Tuesday. If you have any questions or comments about this column, please contact me at bblake@sau17.org.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Voting Day
(This article was published in the Carriage Towne News on March 3, 2011 and is being reprinted here.)
During the past year and a half (my arrival at Sanborn), we have worked diligently to review programs, complete curriculum alignment, find efficiencies in the system, and develop a strategic plan to move us toward our goal of becoming one of the top school districts in the State. In previous columns I have discussed some of the programs, curriculum issues, and provided highlights of the Strategic Plan.
On March 8, 2011, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Sanborn Regional School District proposed budget. The budget this year, as presented, is actually lower than the default budget. The proposed budget contains a number of reductions as the result of the program reviews that have been on-going. For example, re-arranging the Middle School schedule allowed us to consolidate some of our services and reduce a teaching section. At the High School, a close review of the Art department indicates that we can safely reduce an art position to half time. These are but two examples of the changes being made as the result of our program review. We have also been able to find additional savings in other areas of the budget as well.
Voters will also be presented with a new contract proposal for our teaching staff. The Sanborn teachers are now in their 3rd year working without a contract. Last year, the contract narrowly failed, in fact a re-count was necessary to determine the outcome. In the end, the contract failed by just seven votes. Teachers continue to work on improving our school system, participating on committees, and striving to help us reach our goals. We are happy to report that the School Board and Teachers worked diligently to produce a contract that meets the needs of the voters as well as the needs of the teachers. Following a public forum in the fall, both sides work to address the public concerns in hopes of finally passing a contract. The contract being presented to the voters contains modest salary increases, language to negate the evergreen clause, and significant changes to health care.
Finally, the voters will be presented with a contract for the support staff of the district. Last years’ contract was not supported by the voters. The support staff contract being presented to the voters contains similar provisions to the teachers contract in terms of the evergreen language, changes in health care, and modest salary increases. Our support staff plays a critical role in the schools and in the lives of our children.
We are hosting an additional opportunity to discuss the budget and the two contracts on March 3, 2011 at the Memorial School in Newton at 7:00 p.m. Our hope is that we can answer any remaining questions you may have prior to the vote on March 8, 2011. We hope that you will join us. If you have any questions or comments about this column, please contact me at bblake@sau17.org.
During the past year and a half (my arrival at Sanborn), we have worked diligently to review programs, complete curriculum alignment, find efficiencies in the system, and develop a strategic plan to move us toward our goal of becoming one of the top school districts in the State. In previous columns I have discussed some of the programs, curriculum issues, and provided highlights of the Strategic Plan.
On March 8, 2011, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Sanborn Regional School District proposed budget. The budget this year, as presented, is actually lower than the default budget. The proposed budget contains a number of reductions as the result of the program reviews that have been on-going. For example, re-arranging the Middle School schedule allowed us to consolidate some of our services and reduce a teaching section. At the High School, a close review of the Art department indicates that we can safely reduce an art position to half time. These are but two examples of the changes being made as the result of our program review. We have also been able to find additional savings in other areas of the budget as well.
Voters will also be presented with a new contract proposal for our teaching staff. The Sanborn teachers are now in their 3rd year working without a contract. Last year, the contract narrowly failed, in fact a re-count was necessary to determine the outcome. In the end, the contract failed by just seven votes. Teachers continue to work on improving our school system, participating on committees, and striving to help us reach our goals. We are happy to report that the School Board and Teachers worked diligently to produce a contract that meets the needs of the voters as well as the needs of the teachers. Following a public forum in the fall, both sides work to address the public concerns in hopes of finally passing a contract. The contract being presented to the voters contains modest salary increases, language to negate the evergreen clause, and significant changes to health care.
Finally, the voters will be presented with a contract for the support staff of the district. Last years’ contract was not supported by the voters. The support staff contract being presented to the voters contains similar provisions to the teachers contract in terms of the evergreen language, changes in health care, and modest salary increases. Our support staff plays a critical role in the schools and in the lives of our children.
We are hosting an additional opportunity to discuss the budget and the two contracts on March 3, 2011 at the Memorial School in Newton at 7:00 p.m. Our hope is that we can answer any remaining questions you may have prior to the vote on March 8, 2011. We hope that you will join us. If you have any questions or comments about this column, please contact me at bblake@sau17.org.
Moving Forward? You Bet!
(This article was published in the Carriage Towne News back in February and is being reprinted here.)
The Sanborn Regional School Board established a goal to become one of the top 10% school districts in the State, as measured by a number of indicators. I would like to take the opportunity to share with you some of the progress we are making toward that goal. There are plenty of things that suggest we are well on our way to achieving the goal.
Our recent NECAP scores continue to show significant improvement, moving more and more students into the highest scoring levels in all three areas (Reading, Math, and Writing). This is but one measure that we use to gage the success of our curriculum. Other measures include a nationally referenced assessment (NWEA), and a variety of local assessments.
The Sanborn Regional School District is leading the State in the use of competencies and reporting out competence on a standards-based report card. The new student management system (Pinnacle) will allow us to further differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.
The professional development opportunities for all staff (largely grant funded), provide staff with the necessary training and support to further enhance their skills and provide a solid education to our students. Teachers are working harder than ever to learn the new systems and refine their lessons.
The development, approval, and implementation of the Strategic Plan provides the backdrop for the development of the budget, program reviews, the improvement to facilities, and the increased use of technology district wide. The proposed budget this year is lower than the default budget, signaling a “tightening of the belt” and a review of district programs. Technology is being enhanced in the district to provide teachers and students with 21st century tools for a 21st century education.
The Sanborn Regional School District is well on its’ way to becoming an educational leader in the State. I look forward to your continued support as we strive to achieve our goal. If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed budget or either of the contracts, please contact me directly at bblake@sau17.org. I will gladly respond. We also have another public forum scheduled for March 3, 2011 at the Memorial School in Newton. The forum is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The Sanborn Regional School Board established a goal to become one of the top 10% school districts in the State, as measured by a number of indicators. I would like to take the opportunity to share with you some of the progress we are making toward that goal. There are plenty of things that suggest we are well on our way to achieving the goal.
Our recent NECAP scores continue to show significant improvement, moving more and more students into the highest scoring levels in all three areas (Reading, Math, and Writing). This is but one measure that we use to gage the success of our curriculum. Other measures include a nationally referenced assessment (NWEA), and a variety of local assessments.
The Sanborn Regional School District is leading the State in the use of competencies and reporting out competence on a standards-based report card. The new student management system (Pinnacle) will allow us to further differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.
The professional development opportunities for all staff (largely grant funded), provide staff with the necessary training and support to further enhance their skills and provide a solid education to our students. Teachers are working harder than ever to learn the new systems and refine their lessons.
The development, approval, and implementation of the Strategic Plan provides the backdrop for the development of the budget, program reviews, the improvement to facilities, and the increased use of technology district wide. The proposed budget this year is lower than the default budget, signaling a “tightening of the belt” and a review of district programs. Technology is being enhanced in the district to provide teachers and students with 21st century tools for a 21st century education.
The Sanborn Regional School District is well on its’ way to becoming an educational leader in the State. I look forward to your continued support as we strive to achieve our goal. If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed budget or either of the contracts, please contact me directly at bblake@sau17.org. I will gladly respond. We also have another public forum scheduled for March 3, 2011 at the Memorial School in Newton. The forum is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Time Flies
They say time flies when you're having fun...It's hard to believe that we are coming up on the Christmas/Holiday break in just a few weeks. From an administrative perspective, the Fall has been busy with preparing and presenting the budget, continuing negotiations with the Teachers and Support Staff, program evaluation, and staff observation and evaluation in addition to the daily operations in the district. I applaud the hard work and dedication of the entire leadership team as they not only "keep the trains running on time", but work to secure continued success as we move toward our goal.
As many of you know, we have also implemented a great deal of technology this year, moving to a new Student Information System and Gradebook called Pinnacle as well as a new professional development tracking system called MyLearningPlan. The implementation process has not been without struggles. I know it has not been an easy process. The change process is never easy, but the entire staff continues to work through the issues, knowing that the systems represent best practices and will benefit everyone in the long run. Software "glitches" and customization have contributed to the implementation struggles. The staff are to be commended for their persistence and dedication in making this transition. As I write this, the finishing touches are being put on the first trimester report cards for the elementary and middle schools. The high school report cards went out successfully several weeks ago.
The first trimester has been packed with plenty of activities in the schools, from sporting events and awards ceremonies to band and choral concerts, homecoming, and theatrical productions. I hope that you have been able to witness at least some of these wonderful displays of student talent.
During the past two months, I have had the opportunity to participate in two of the Theatrical productions, "Our Town" produced by the High School, and "A Christmas Carol", produced by the Middle School. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the students and staff in a different environment and witness first hand the dedication and mutual respect between the students and staff. Participation in the shows also allowed me to share my theatrical experience with the students. I found it to be a rewarding opportunity. Many people commented that it was great to see the Superintendent and the teachers interacting with the students and participating in the culture of the school community. A special Thank You to these dedicated students and staff for putting in many evening and weekend hours.
As we move toward the holidays, visit our District website to see the calendar of events for holiday concerts and other activities in each of the schools. As always your comments and feedback are welcome.
As many of you know, we have also implemented a great deal of technology this year, moving to a new Student Information System and Gradebook called Pinnacle as well as a new professional development tracking system called MyLearningPlan. The implementation process has not been without struggles. I know it has not been an easy process. The change process is never easy, but the entire staff continues to work through the issues, knowing that the systems represent best practices and will benefit everyone in the long run. Software "glitches" and customization have contributed to the implementation struggles. The staff are to be commended for their persistence and dedication in making this transition. As I write this, the finishing touches are being put on the first trimester report cards for the elementary and middle schools. The high school report cards went out successfully several weeks ago.
The first trimester has been packed with plenty of activities in the schools, from sporting events and awards ceremonies to band and choral concerts, homecoming, and theatrical productions. I hope that you have been able to witness at least some of these wonderful displays of student talent.
During the past two months, I have had the opportunity to participate in two of the Theatrical productions, "Our Town" produced by the High School, and "A Christmas Carol", produced by the Middle School. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the students and staff in a different environment and witness first hand the dedication and mutual respect between the students and staff. Participation in the shows also allowed me to share my theatrical experience with the students. I found it to be a rewarding opportunity. Many people commented that it was great to see the Superintendent and the teachers interacting with the students and participating in the culture of the school community. A special Thank You to these dedicated students and staff for putting in many evening and weekend hours.
As we move toward the holidays, visit our District website to see the calendar of events for holiday concerts and other activities in each of the schools. As always your comments and feedback are welcome.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Calendar/February Vacation
Over the past week, I asked parents about their thoughts on changing the February vacation in 2011 to match the surrounding schools. So far, I have received feedback on both sides of the issue, with some parents happy that the vacation is the same as Mass. while others are upset with the change. The reason we are in this position is that our calendar was developed and approved before the calendar for other schools, particularly Exeter and the SST program.
Feel free to weigh in on this issue with a response to this post. I will be discussing the issue with the Sanborn Regional School Board at the meeting tomorrow night and making a final decision. Your feedback is appreciated.
Have a great day!
-Brian
Feel free to weigh in on this issue with a response to this post. I will be discussing the issue with the Sanborn Regional School Board at the meeting tomorrow night and making a final decision. Your feedback is appreciated.
Have a great day!
-Brian
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Strategic Plan Rolled Out!
The Sanborn Regional School District recently rolled out the strategic plan that has been developed for the next five years. Copies of the plan were mailed to the residents of the district during the last week.
The plan was developed by a group of about 40 community members, staff, students and board members. A steering committee developed the following focus areas to fill out the plan: Curriculum, Technology, Culture, Physical Assets, Staffing, Communications and Funding. Within each of these focus area, subcommittees developed a list of action plans to move us toward our goal of becoming a top 10% school district.
As you read the Strategic Plan, you will notice some items that, on the surface seem to be definitive, are points that will require additional research and conversations within and between Kingston and Newton. Subcommittees will be formed as we move forward to address some of these areas, particularly in the area of Physical Assets. I encourage members of both communities to participate in the discussion help to determine the future of our district.
I would like to publicly thank the many members of the Sanborn community who participated in the development of the Strategic Plan and I look forward to working with the communities to implement the Plan.
If you have any questions regarding the strategic plan, please contact my office at 642-3688. We will also be scheduling a public forum in the near future to discuss the plan and take input from the community.
The plan was developed by a group of about 40 community members, staff, students and board members. A steering committee developed the following focus areas to fill out the plan: Curriculum, Technology, Culture, Physical Assets, Staffing, Communications and Funding. Within each of these focus area, subcommittees developed a list of action plans to move us toward our goal of becoming a top 10% school district.
As you read the Strategic Plan, you will notice some items that, on the surface seem to be definitive, are points that will require additional research and conversations within and between Kingston and Newton. Subcommittees will be formed as we move forward to address some of these areas, particularly in the area of Physical Assets. I encourage members of both communities to participate in the discussion help to determine the future of our district.
I would like to publicly thank the many members of the Sanborn community who participated in the development of the Strategic Plan and I look forward to working with the communities to implement the Plan.
If you have any questions regarding the strategic plan, please contact my office at 642-3688. We will also be scheduling a public forum in the near future to discuss the plan and take input from the community.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Welcome Back!
It’s that time of year again... Time to return to the classroom for another school year. I hope that you were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather this summer. As an administrator, the summer has been filled with planning and preparations for this coming year (along with some vacation time!). We have also completed a great deal of work in the schools. We have replaced old, worn out carpeting with new tile, painted many of the classrooms, and made some needed renovations at the elementary schools. We also removed a modular classroom at the Middle School that had “outlived” its’ usefulness.
In addition to the facilities, the professional staff has been busy attending the wide variety of development opportunities over the summer to enhance their teaching. As I write this, the schools are bustling with activities as teachers and staff make the final preparations before welcoming the students.
The teachers have been in this week to participate in extensive planning workshops in order to prepare for the year. I will be formally welcoming new teachers on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 and our “official” opening for teachers is on Thursday, August 26, 2010. Friday, August 27, 2010, the building principals will work with their staff to review goals for the year and set expectations. Monday, August 30, 2010 is the first day of school for students. (At the High School, only Freshmen report on this day. All HS students report on Tuesday, August 31.)
I am looking forward to an exciting year, working with the staff to ensure a successful school year to all of our students. If you have any questions regarding the beginning of school, please contact my office at 642-3688. Also, you can follow all of the schools on Facebook and be on the look out for the launch of our new Website.
In addition to the facilities, the professional staff has been busy attending the wide variety of development opportunities over the summer to enhance their teaching. As I write this, the schools are bustling with activities as teachers and staff make the final preparations before welcoming the students.
The teachers have been in this week to participate in extensive planning workshops in order to prepare for the year. I will be formally welcoming new teachers on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 and our “official” opening for teachers is on Thursday, August 26, 2010. Friday, August 27, 2010, the building principals will work with their staff to review goals for the year and set expectations. Monday, August 30, 2010 is the first day of school for students. (At the High School, only Freshmen report on this day. All HS students report on Tuesday, August 31.)
I am looking forward to an exciting year, working with the staff to ensure a successful school year to all of our students. If you have any questions regarding the beginning of school, please contact my office at 642-3688. Also, you can follow all of the schools on Facebook and be on the look out for the launch of our new Website.
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