We would like to thank our supporters who made it to the Keith Auditorium on Wednesday, March 27th. With such a large turnout and a two hour time limit to the meeting, it unfortunately wasn't possible for everyone to speak.
We were particularly moved by one speaker who said she supported both innovation schools even though her own children wouldn't be eligible because they didn't live in the Taylor, Hannigan, or Gomes areas.
Some Spanish-speaking parents talked about the difficulty they experience when they can't communicate with teachers and other staff their children's schools. This is similar to the stories that were shared at a meeting for parents in July 2012.
Please join us again on Monday, April 1st at the Keith Middle School Auditorium at 6 pm for a continuation of the Public Hearing. Only those who signed up on March 27th will be able to speak.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
PowerPoint Presentation to School Committee
Last week, the New Bedford School Committee held a Special Meeting to allow both proposed innovation schools to present their school plans and answer questions. You can view the Esperanza School PowerPoint by clicking the link below. You can also watch the Special Meeting on New Bedford's Cable Access.
Esperanza School Presentation to the New Bedford School Committee on March 20, 2013
Please join us at the Public Hearing tonight, March 27th. It will be in the Keith Middle School Auditorium at 6 pm. If you will be speaking, please arrive early to sign up. There is a 3 minute limit for each speaker.
Esperanza School Presentation to the New Bedford School Committee on March 20, 2013
Please join us at the Public Hearing tonight, March 27th. It will be in the Keith Middle School Auditorium at 6 pm. If you will be speaking, please arrive early to sign up. There is a 3 minute limit for each speaker.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
New Bedford’s Innovative [sic] Schools Discussed
WBSM
http://wbsm.com/new-bedfords-innovative-schools-discussed/
By Jack Peterson, WBSM News Director
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
The designers of the Renaissance and Esperanza Innovation School proposals appeared before the New bedford [sic] School Committee Wednesday night to make presentations and answer questions.
It was the first of two public hearings on the innovation school plans. The designers were grilled for nearly an hour with questions from School Committee members. Their proposal would see a school that teaches its students both English and Spanish.
Note from the Esperanza Design Team:
Please read the post entitled Upcoming Meetings for a clarification regarding the meetings on March 20th and March 27th.
http://wbsm.com/new-bedfords-innovative-schools-discussed/
By Jack Peterson, WBSM News Director
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
The designers of the Renaissance and Esperanza Innovation School proposals appeared before the New bedford [sic] School Committee Wednesday night to make presentations and answer questions.
It was the first of two public hearings on the innovation school plans. The designers were grilled for nearly an hour with questions from School Committee members. Their proposal would see a school that teaches its students both English and Spanish.
Note from the Esperanza Design Team:
Please read the post entitled Upcoming Meetings for a clarification regarding the meetings on March 20th and March 27th.
Innovation schools spark public debate in New Bedford
The Standard Times - March 21, 2013
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130321/NEWS/303210361/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
Innovation school advocates made their case before the School Committee Wednesday night, facing questions about budget, enrollment and how their schools would fit into the district's current buildings.
"There are inequities everywhere in the district. ... Just because it's not sharing a space doesn't mean it's not there," said Jennifer Clune, one of the members of the Renaissance design team, who said there were many examples elsewhere of different schools successfully sharing space.
The School Committee is considering two proposals for innovation schools, which are part of the district but have autonomy in areas such as budget, personnel and curriculum. The committee will vote on the plans in April.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130321/NEWS/303210361/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
Innovation school advocates made their case before the School Committee Wednesday night, facing questions about budget, enrollment and how their schools would fit into the district's current buildings.
"There are inequities everywhere in the district. ... Just because it's not sharing a space doesn't mean it's not there," said Jennifer Clune, one of the members of the Renaissance design team, who said there were many examples elsewhere of different schools successfully sharing space.
The School Committee is considering two proposals for innovation schools, which are part of the district but have autonomy in areas such as budget, personnel and curriculum. The committee will vote on the plans in April.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tonight's Special Meeting of the School Committee
At tonight's meeting, the design teams for both proposed innovation schools presented information about their schools and answered questions from members of the School Committee.
The Esperanza School design team's presentation included the following topics:
We would like to thank the members of the audience who congratulated us on a quality presentation and engaged in conversation with us about the issues discussed tonight.
The Public Hearing will be held next Wednesday, March 27th at 6 pm in the Keith Middle School Auditorium. This is an opportunity for members of the community to share their thoughts regarding the Esperanza School of Language and Culture with the members of the New Bedford School Committee.
The Esperanza School design team's presentation included the following topics:
- challenges within New Bedford Public Schools
- how dual language instruction can address those challenges
- an explanation of the benefits of dual language, specifically two-way immersion
- research on the educational impact of dual language instruction on various subgroups (ELLs, African American, low-income, special education, etc)
- the effect of dual language instruction on the graduation rate
- an explanation of innovation schools and how they maintain local control
- the requested autonomies
We would like to thank the members of the audience who congratulated us on a quality presentation and engaged in conversation with us about the issues discussed tonight.
The Public Hearing will be held next Wednesday, March 27th at 6 pm in the Keith Middle School Auditorium. This is an opportunity for members of the community to share their thoughts regarding the Esperanza School of Language and Culture with the members of the New Bedford School Committee.
School Committee meets tonight to question New Bedford innovation schools
The Standard Times - March 20, 2013
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130320/NEWS/303200336/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
The city's two proposed innovation schools would receive about $4,200 per student to spend toward salaries, teaching materials, copying supplies, additional school supervision and field trips under the terms of a plan between the innovation schools and the district.
The figure is based on the average cost per student at six comparable elementary schools in the district, minus the cost of oil, gas, electricity and custodial services.
The figure also takes into account the cost to the district of teacher benefits and other services, including administration, transportation, special education and the school nurse.
"As we prepared this, we tried to be as fair as we could because we recognize as an administrative team that those are our kids," Haskell said.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130320/NEWS/303200336/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
The city's two proposed innovation schools would receive about $4,200 per student to spend toward salaries, teaching materials, copying supplies, additional school supervision and field trips under the terms of a plan between the innovation schools and the district.
The figure is based on the average cost per student at six comparable elementary schools in the district, minus the cost of oil, gas, electricity and custodial services.
The figure also takes into account the cost to the district of teacher benefits and other services, including administration, transportation, special education and the school nurse.
"As we prepared this, we tried to be as fair as we could because we recognize as an administrative team that those are our kids," Haskell said.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Impact Statement Submitted on March 15th
The following is directly from Subsection h in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 92 (this text is also included in New Bedford Public School's RFP):
The screening committee shall review the prospectus for the purpose of determining whether the prospectus: (i) presents a sound and coherent plan for improving school performance and student achievement; (ii) supports or enhances existing educational efforts in the district; and (iii) reasonably can be expanded into a comprehensive innovation plan. In the case of a new school, the committee will prepare an impact statement describing how the new school will affect the children and faculty in the district. Within 30 days of receiving a prospectus, the screening committee shall decide, on the basis of a two-thirds vote, to accept or reject the prospectus, or return the prospectus to the eligible applicant for revisions.
The screening committee met in August 2012 and voted 2-to-1 to approve the prospectus for Esperanza School without needing an impact statement at that time. The design team developed the innovation school plan and submitted it to Superintendent Shea in December 2012. In January and February 2013, representatives of the Esperanza School and the New Bedford Educators Association (NBEA) negotiated and signed a Memorandum of Agreement requiring an impact statement at this later stage in the process.
The Esperanza School team submitted the following impact statement to Superintendent Shea on Friday, March 15, 2013.
For the launch year, families may enroll children in grades K-2; students enrolling in grades 1-2 may enroll from other district schools. Enrollment will be voluntary; no student will be involuntarily enrolled in the school. In subsequent years, enrollment will continue annually at the kindergarten level, while students in the uppermost grade will graduate into the subsequent grade until eighth grade is reached. Students may voluntarily transfer into upper grades if there are open slots available, and they meet language proficiency requirements.
NBEA faculty in other schools may apply for open positions at the Esperanza School, but will not be guaranteed a position. No NBEA member may be laid off as a direct result of the creation of the Esperanza School.
The New Bedford Public Schools will provide the Esperanza School with a lump sum per pupil budget that includes all federal entitlement and other applicable funds, and that is equitable to the students served and the budgets that other NBPS schools in the same grade span receive. The school will be expected to not exceed its approved budget plus any external funds that are raised by and for the school. As specified by the New Bedford Public Schools RFP for Innovation Schools, the budget will be cost-neutral with respect to the impact on the District's finances.
The screening committee shall review the prospectus for the purpose of determining whether the prospectus: (i) presents a sound and coherent plan for improving school performance and student achievement; (ii) supports or enhances existing educational efforts in the district; and (iii) reasonably can be expanded into a comprehensive innovation plan. In the case of a new school, the committee will prepare an impact statement describing how the new school will affect the children and faculty in the district. Within 30 days of receiving a prospectus, the screening committee shall decide, on the basis of a two-thirds vote, to accept or reject the prospectus, or return the prospectus to the eligible applicant for revisions.
The screening committee met in August 2012 and voted 2-to-1 to approve the prospectus for Esperanza School without needing an impact statement at that time. The design team developed the innovation school plan and submitted it to Superintendent Shea in December 2012. In January and February 2013, representatives of the Esperanza School and the New Bedford Educators Association (NBEA) negotiated and signed a Memorandum of Agreement requiring an impact statement at this later stage in the process.
The Esperanza School team submitted the following impact statement to Superintendent Shea on Friday, March 15, 2013.
Esperanza School of Language and Culture - Impact Statement
NBEA faculty in other schools may apply for open positions at the Esperanza School, but will not be guaranteed a position. No NBEA member may be laid off as a direct result of the creation of the Esperanza School.
The New Bedford Public Schools will provide the Esperanza School with a lump sum per pupil budget that includes all federal entitlement and other applicable funds, and that is equitable to the students served and the budgets that other NBPS schools in the same grade span receive. The school will be expected to not exceed its approved budget plus any external funds that are raised by and for the school. As specified by the New Bedford Public Schools RFP for Innovation Schools, the budget will be cost-neutral with respect to the impact on the District's finances.
Budget Submitted on March 15th
The Esperanza School understands that as an Innovation School, the district intends for the school to be cost-neutral. The proposed use of budget autonomies is necessary to achieve the school’s mission, so that the leadership can make real-time decisions on critical matters that directly affect teaching and learning for its students. Esperanza School will seek budgetary autonomy and flexibility over its resources in order to fully implement the proposed dual language immersion mission and maximize services and support for its students. While the Esperanza School will receive a lump sum per pupil budget for FY 2014, the school looks forward to working with the District toward increased budget autonomy that examines central discretionary costs to best meet the needs of students.
The Esperanza School expects a large portion of its budget will be allocated for staffing. One area of autonomy requested is to budget staff based on actual salaries rather than average salaries. As the amount for actual salaries will not be known until staff is hired, the budget being submitted for the purposes of this plan is based on average salaries. The team was instructed by the Business Manager to use the same $4174.79 per pupil amount to calculate the budget for years 1, 2 and 3. It is understood that there will be increases in salaries due to contractual agreements as well as increases in per pupil allotment once the District has a clearer understanding of its fiscal expenditures.
In year 1, Esperanza School will focus most of its per pupil expenditure on staff salaries. It will seek external funding through Innovation School Implementation grants awarded by the Executive Office of Education and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for instructional supplies, language proficiency assessments and professional development. Also, as enrollment increases, the school will gain greater budget flexibility to build in these costs into district fund expenditures.
Breakdown of Per Pupil Expenditure and Estimated Title 1 Funds
Year 1:
156 students x $4174.79 = $651,267.24
114 students (75%) x $111 = $12,654 (Title 1)
Total: $663,921.24
6 teachers
Year 2:
208 students x $4174.79= $868,356.32
156 students (75%) x $111 = $17,316 (Title 1)
Total: $885,672.32
8 teachers
Year 3:
252 students x $4174.79= $1,052,047.08
189 students (75%) x $111 = $20,979 (Title 1)
Total: $1,073,026.28
10 teachers
The Esperanza School expects a large portion of its budget will be allocated for staffing. One area of autonomy requested is to budget staff based on actual salaries rather than average salaries. As the amount for actual salaries will not be known until staff is hired, the budget being submitted for the purposes of this plan is based on average salaries. The team was instructed by the Business Manager to use the same $4174.79 per pupil amount to calculate the budget for years 1, 2 and 3. It is understood that there will be increases in salaries due to contractual agreements as well as increases in per pupil allotment once the District has a clearer understanding of its fiscal expenditures.
In year 1, Esperanza School will focus most of its per pupil expenditure on staff salaries. It will seek external funding through Innovation School Implementation grants awarded by the Executive Office of Education and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for instructional supplies, language proficiency assessments and professional development. Also, as enrollment increases, the school will gain greater budget flexibility to build in these costs into district fund expenditures.
Esperanza School of Language and Culture Budget for Salaries
FY ’14, FY’15, FY ‘16
| Line Items |
Total Salaries for FY ‘14 |
Total Salaries for FY ‘15 |
Total Salaries for FY ‘16 |
| Total Per Pupil Revenue | $663,921.24 (per pupil + Title 1) |
$885,672.32 (per pupil + Title 1) |
$1,073,026.28 (per pupil + Title 1) |
| Principal | 80,000 | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| Classroom Teachers | 360,000 | 480,000 | 600,000 |
| English Language Development Teacher/ Literacy Coach (FTE .7 -Year 1 ) |
42,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Special Education Teacher | 55,000 | 55,000 | 55,000 |
| Paraprofessionals (1 per grade) |
75,000 | 100,000 | 125,000 |
| Clerk | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 |
| Specialists (art, music, phys.ed) | 18,000 FTE .5 (1/2 of FTE .4 provided by district and 1/2 of FTE .4 plus FTE .1 provided by Esperanza) |
23,700 FTE .63 (1/2 of FTE .47 provided by district and 1/2 of FTE .47 plus FTE .16 provided by Esperanza) |
29,700 FTE .79 (1/2 of FTE .59 provided by district and 1/2 of FTE .59 plus FTE .2 provided by Esperanza) |
| Total Amount Allocated | $663,000.00 | $831,700.00 | $982,700.00 |
Breakdown of Per Pupil Expenditure and Estimated Title 1 Funds
Year 1:
156 students x $4174.79 = $651,267.24
114 students (75%) x $111 = $12,654 (Title 1)
Total: $663,921.24
6 teachers
Year 2:
208 students x $4174.79= $868,356.32
156 students (75%) x $111 = $17,316 (Title 1)
Total: $885,672.32
8 teachers
Year 3:
252 students x $4174.79= $1,052,047.08
189 students (75%) x $111 = $20,979 (Title 1)
Total: $1,073,026.28
10 teachers
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Audio: Esperanza School of Language and Culture
In July 2012, the Esperanza School design team met with the editorial board of The Standard Times. Audio clips of the discussion are available at:
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130312/OPINION/130319970/
The following topics are listed:
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130312/OPINION/130319970/
The following topics are listed:
- failure of English immersion
- identifying ELL students
- motivation for designers
- the plan
- parents' response
- languages in the city
- Esperanza school committee
- how will success be measured?
- the student body
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Upcoming Meetings
The School Committee determined the following key dates at last night's meeting.
Special Meeting - Presentations on Innovation Schools
Wednesday, March 20th at 6 pm
The teams for Esperanza School of Language and Culture as well as Renaissance Community School for the Arts will present to the School Committee and answer their questions. Since it is a special meeting, there is no public comment.
Public Hearing
Wednesday, March 27th at 6 pm
This is the final required step prior to voting to approve innovation schools (as detailed in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 92, Item m). The entire meeting will be centered on listening to the city's residents and parents. Members of the New Bedford community can make their voices heard!
Vote
Monday, April 8th at 6 pm
The School Committee will vote at the regularly scheduled April meeting. In order for either innovation school to be implemented, at least four School Committee members must vote yes.
At this time, all meetings are at Keith Middle School (225 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford).
Special Meeting - Presentations on Innovation Schools
Wednesday, March 20th at 6 pm
The teams for Esperanza School of Language and Culture as well as Renaissance Community School for the Arts will present to the School Committee and answer their questions. Since it is a special meeting, there is no public comment.
Public Hearing
Wednesday, March 27th at 6 pm
This is the final required step prior to voting to approve innovation schools (as detailed in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 92, Item m). The entire meeting will be centered on listening to the city's residents and parents. Members of the New Bedford community can make their voices heard!
Vote
Monday, April 8th at 6 pm
The School Committee will vote at the regularly scheduled April meeting. In order for either innovation school to be implemented, at least four School Committee members must vote yes.
At this time, all meetings are at Keith Middle School (225 Hathaway Blvd, New Bedford).
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Your View: Innovation schools would demonstrate city's resolve to improve
The Standard Times - March 2, 2013
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130222/OPINION/302220304/
By Sister Marianna Sylvester
Sister Marianna Sylvester serves at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
As Mayor Mitchell stated in his Education Agenda — The Time to Act is Now: "We will move our school system and our city forward only if we recognize the need to change and to collaborate toward mutual goals."
A tangible sign that the city school district is moving forward comes in the form of a grant for $20,000 from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the design teams of the Renaissance Community School for the Arts and the Esperanza School of Culture and Language. The attainment of this grant money is a vote of confidence, and a reason for the district to be proud of the hard work that is being put forth by teachers and administrators.
Let us agree that "The Time to Act is Now!" The mayor and the School Committee have demonstrated their willingness to move the New Bedford Public Schools forward by seeking a new superintendent; two design teams have taken up the challenge to present excellent proposals; the state has allocated start-up grant money for these schools; the city is planning for a future with small neighborhood learning communities in the South End; and children need every opportunity to be successful now. A yes vote from the School Committee to support the creation of the Renaissance Community School and the Esperanza School of Language and Culture in 2013 will give credence to the reputation of a school district that states it is ready to grow and change.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130222/OPINION/302220304/
By Sister Marianna Sylvester
Sister Marianna Sylvester serves at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
As Mayor Mitchell stated in his Education Agenda — The Time to Act is Now: "We will move our school system and our city forward only if we recognize the need to change and to collaborate toward mutual goals."
A tangible sign that the city school district is moving forward comes in the form of a grant for $20,000 from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the design teams of the Renaissance Community School for the Arts and the Esperanza School of Culture and Language. The attainment of this grant money is a vote of confidence, and a reason for the district to be proud of the hard work that is being put forth by teachers and administrators.
Let us agree that "The Time to Act is Now!" The mayor and the School Committee have demonstrated their willingness to move the New Bedford Public Schools forward by seeking a new superintendent; two design teams have taken up the challenge to present excellent proposals; the state has allocated start-up grant money for these schools; the city is planning for a future with small neighborhood learning communities in the South End; and children need every opportunity to be successful now. A yes vote from the School Committee to support the creation of the Renaissance Community School and the Esperanza School of Language and Culture in 2013 will give credence to the reputation of a school district that states it is ready to grow and change.
Legal Requirements Regarding the Final Vote on Innovation Schools
Yesterday's blog post presented quotes from an article about the budgets for the innovation schools. It was stated that the School Committee needed to make a decision on the innovation plans within 60 days of receiving them. Both Esperanza School of Language and Culture as well as Renaissance Community School for the Arts are following the same timeline regarding the innovation schools process, as set out in the legislation (see below).
The plans were turned into Superintendent Shea in mid-December. A period of negotiation with the New Bedford Educators Association followed, and a Memorandum of Agreement (detailing the waivers and modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement) was signed by the required parties for each school.
The School Committee officially received copies of both plans at their February 13th meeting. According to the 60 day timeframe, the latest possible date for a vote is Sunday, April 14, 2013. Currently, the votes for both schools are scheduled to take place at the April School Committee Meeting on Monday, April 8, 2013.
The dates for the public hearings have not yet been determined, but will be held in late March.
The following is directly from the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 92 (this text is also included in New Bedford Public School's RFP):
(m) Upon receipt of an innovation plan regarding an Innovation School, a school committee shall hold at least 1 public hearing on the innovation plan. After the public hearing, but not later than 60 days after the receipt of the innovation plan, the school committee shall, on the basis of the quality of the plan and in consideration of comments submitted by the public, undertake a final vote to authorize the Innovation School for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to subsection (n).
The plans were turned into Superintendent Shea in mid-December. A period of negotiation with the New Bedford Educators Association followed, and a Memorandum of Agreement (detailing the waivers and modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement) was signed by the required parties for each school.
The School Committee officially received copies of both plans at their February 13th meeting. According to the 60 day timeframe, the latest possible date for a vote is Sunday, April 14, 2013. Currently, the votes for both schools are scheduled to take place at the April School Committee Meeting on Monday, April 8, 2013.
The dates for the public hearings have not yet been determined, but will be held in late March.
The following is directly from the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 92 (this text is also included in New Bedford Public School's RFP):
(m) Upon receipt of an innovation plan regarding an Innovation School, a school committee shall hold at least 1 public hearing on the innovation plan. After the public hearing, but not later than 60 days after the receipt of the innovation plan, the school committee shall, on the basis of the quality of the plan and in consideration of comments submitted by the public, undertake a final vote to authorize the Innovation School for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to subsection (n).
Friday, March 1, 2013
For innovation schools, devil in the (budget) details
The Standard Times - March 1, 2013
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/NEWS/303010351/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
Innovation schools are in-district public schools with additional autonomy over areas such as curriculum. They receive funding through a per-pupil allocation and must contribute to parts of the district's overall budget — such as maintenance or costs of the central administration — but have the power to opt out of other services.
Members of the design teams said they first asked the district for the information this fall, as early as September in the case of the Esperanza School, to supply the information they need — such as what the district will require from them in terms of administrative or maintenance costs.
"The School Department didn't have a business manager for most of the fall. ... That's my understanding of the main cause of the delay," said Kerry DeJesus, one of the members of the Esperanza School design team, repeating the explanation provided by the district and a member of the Renaissance design team.
"I do hope that the mayor does understand that the reason why the budget has not been submitted is due to no negligence on the part of the design teams," DeJesus added. "We have done everything possible to get the information we need."
Renaissance Art School design team member Jennifer Clune said under the terms of the state innovation school statute the School Committee must consider the proposals in April, within 60 days of receiving the plans.
"I totally understand that people want to see a cost-neutral budget," she said, adding that some of the answers to St. John's questions are in the plans.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/NEWS/303010351/
By Natalie Sherman, Writer for The Standard Times
nsherman@s-t.com
Relevant Quotes: (Please follow the link above to read the complete article.)
Innovation schools are in-district public schools with additional autonomy over areas such as curriculum. They receive funding through a per-pupil allocation and must contribute to parts of the district's overall budget — such as maintenance or costs of the central administration — but have the power to opt out of other services.
Members of the design teams said they first asked the district for the information this fall, as early as September in the case of the Esperanza School, to supply the information they need — such as what the district will require from them in terms of administrative or maintenance costs.
"The School Department didn't have a business manager for most of the fall. ... That's my understanding of the main cause of the delay," said Kerry DeJesus, one of the members of the Esperanza School design team, repeating the explanation provided by the district and a member of the Renaissance design team.
"I do hope that the mayor does understand that the reason why the budget has not been submitted is due to no negligence on the part of the design teams," DeJesus added. "We have done everything possible to get the information we need."
Renaissance Art School design team member Jennifer Clune said under the terms of the state innovation school statute the School Committee must consider the proposals in April, within 60 days of receiving the plans.
"I totally understand that people want to see a cost-neutral budget," she said, adding that some of the answers to St. John's questions are in the plans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)