The Easthampton School Committee met on April 14 to discuss a bevy of topics amid budget concerns, including changes to its middle school.
Photo credit: E-Media
EASTHAMPTON — With the threat of budget cuts looming at its April 14 meeting, the Easthampton School Committee took the opportunity to showcase the work of its students and staff and the hopes it has for a revamped middle school experience.
In a unanimous vote by the committee, Director of Curriculum and Grants Julie Anne Levin became assistant superintendent.
Although the new title comes with no salary increase, it does contain new job roles. However, Superintendent Michelle Balch noted that Levin is already completing those tasks. She described Levin as “instrumental” in the work the team has completed this year and someone who “leads with heart.”
Several members of the School Committee echoed those sentiments. Committee Member Sam Hunter said that Levin has a “real connection with students and families.” Committee Chair Laura Scott described Levin as “whip smart” and someone with an “incredible heart.”
“She is a gift, and I am so grateful,” added Scott.
During the district showcase portion of the meeting, Balch introduced Megan Kelley-Bagg, the STEAM teacher at Mountain View School, to discuss and show some of the projects her students have done throughout this year. From house and bridges, Kelley-Bagg walked the committee through what the students did and learned and then the committee got a chance to see the work up close.
Balch the then presented plans for a middle school transformation, which will focus on making the middle school years more relevant to students, using an interdisciplinary approach and helping them acquire real world knowledge.
“We heard you and we listened and we’re making adjustments,” said Balch.
The plans for next school year include a dedicated middle school STEAM teacher and a foreign language teacher. It will also have a schedule adjustment so that students can better access classes and programs, including new Compass Core classes in each grade: digital literacy in sixth grade, financial literacy in seventh grade and civics in eighth grade.
Levin also spent some time reviewing the results of a recent English learner audit. The district was found to be compliant in six areas, including initial identification of English learners and parent empowerment. Levin noted that this was a significant improvement from the last audit six years ago. According to the audit, the district does still need to work on several areas, such as aligning its literacy program, timelines for reaching out to new students and professional development for staff.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Salem Derby did address the $3.8 million budget deficit that the city is facing and his plans for a Proposition 2 ½ override vote.
“Our priority is to minimize the impact to services,” said Derby.
Scott noted that no specifics are available yet, but that they will address those as soon as they are known. She added that this financial situation is one that many communities in the area are facing. Scott expects that more will be known at the April 28 meeting.
