The experience to confront the challenges ahead

There are a number of issues confronting the Cambridge Public Schools that will require experienced leadership.  Joe has a track record of  confronting challenges and the ability to work with colleagues to resolve them.

 

Superintendent’s Contract:  The most important issue confronting the next School Committee is whether or not to extend the contract of the Superintendent of Schools.  I have been the contract extension process several times and have hired two Superintendents of Schools.  I know the importance of the decision, I understand what is involved in a search process and I have experienced the impacts on the CPS.  This is a decision that will take a lot of thoughtful discussion as I decide if Dr. Fowler-Finn is the leader that Cambridge needs at this time.

 

Review of Middle Schools:  This issue cannot be rushed as we work with educators from across the School System to review the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, review best practices from surrounding communities and discuss a number of concepts. This information will be presented to the next School Committee to further study specific recommendations . The first part of the process is building the case for a strong middle school through best educational practices.

 

Helping schools achieve Adequate Yearly Progress:  This a critical issue that we need to address. There are two elementary schools that are in restructuring and several schools that are need of improvement.  The Committee needs to support any and all interventions that are needed by students, teachers, parents and

Administrators.  

 

Passing the science requirement:   The class of 2010 will be required to pass one of the science exams. Currently, 80% of  the class of 2010 has passed the science exam. We need to be aware of this requirement and to ensure that students get needed support pass this exam and graduate. 

 

Challenging our gifted and talented students:  This is an area that needs additional attention in our system.  We want a curriculum that is going to challenge all our students. The high school has responded to the needs of this segment of our student population with honors and AP classes.  We need to explore ways to do this in our elementary schools.

 

Meeting the needs of our special education students:  The School Department recently hired a new Executive Director of Special Education.   As a Committee we need to support the Executive Director in her development of a new strategic plan and provide the needed budget support.

 

Shepherding CRLS through renovations:  As a Member of the Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee, I have been working with my colleagues on a proposal to extensively renovate CRLS.  The original scope of the project was to include a new roof, windows, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.  The School Committee is supporting additional renovations to the facility to meet the needs of the student population.  If the City Council approves funding, construction will take place between 2009 and 2011.  This project may require the use of the vacant old Graham and Parks and Longfellow Schools for displaced CRLS students.  The CRLS renovation project will require vigilance to minimize the impact on students.

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Committee to Re-Elect Joe Grassi

393 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA   02141

Tel: 617-491-5240    Email: joegrassi1@msn.com   

 

Re-Elect JOE GRASSI                                        

Cambridge School Committee