Easthampton Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Balch talks about her three main goals for her first year at EPS during the School Committee’s July 21 meeting.
Photo credit: E-Media
EASTHAMPTON — At its July 21 meeting, Superintendent Michelle Balch presented an overview of the evidence for her first year evaluation.
Balch began by reviewing the three main goals she set for her first year at Easthampton Public Schools: strengthening data-informed practices, participating in the new superintendent induction program and fully implementing the Parent Square communication app.
She noted that the focus of leadership team meetings this past year has been looking at discipline and attendance dates, especially after schedule changes at Easthampton High School, as well as analyzing Star assessment and MCAS data. Balch noted that the change in the schedule decreased the number of tardies at the high school. She also stated that Star assessment reports had been shared with parents via the Parent Square app so that parents would have that information immediately and would not need to wait for parent-teacher conferences.
Referencing the new superintendent program, Balch offered praise and noted that it had been very helpful to have her mentor guiding her and offering support in this first year. She added that much of the work she’d done came from the entry findings report, noting that it “set the groundwork for the work we had to do.” That report, as well as listening sessions, have led to a 25-person strategic planning committee that will continue to lay the groundwork for upcoming projects and initiatives.
In terms of the incorporation of Parent Square, Balch said that 99% of families are registered, calling that number “incredible.” Balch added that the district will now work to see exactly what kind of information should be shared and how the district can have more two-way communication with parents and caregivers.
Balch’s presentation on her evaluation led into her presentation on other work that has been done this year, including a revised mission and vision for the district and a focus on the four core values of the district: learning, equity, belonging and shared responsibility. She added that every meeting comes back to those main pillars of the district and “everything will be aligned.”
School Committee members will review all of the evidence individually and then create an evaluation based on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s rubric. Each memberwill submit their evaluation to School Committee Chair Laura Scott, who will then pull them all together. That report is expected in September.
