Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Regional, and Pelham Schools:
As we approach our school break, there a few updates of importance.
Budget
As you are probably aware, the state House of Representatives budget was released on Monday and it was a shock to all. The majority of Regional school districts and towns were "level funded" meaning we would receive the same amount of funding next year as this year. This would be a devastating cut for the Regional schools (middle school and high school) on top of all the other cuts already made.
With the phone calls many of you made, and with the pressure from so many legislators, the Representatives are looking at another plan. Several amendments have been posted and we are hopeful that revisions in the budget will be made even before the budget debate begins.
Next week, representatives of our four Regional towns will meet to discuss the budget. This meeting is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 in the Middle School library.
We will keep you posted on developments.
Middle School Principal
I have decided to postpone the process for selection of a Middle School principal. I know this is disappointing for many reasons and it raises questions about next year. First and foremost, I am confident that next year will be a wonderful year for our seventh and eighth grade students. The faculty and staff at the Middle School have the plans and structures in place for a successful year every year--and they have identified areas in which they will continue to progress. I will appoint an interim principal with whom we will all work closely to insure a productive year.
After identifying a group of candidates who represented the strengths and skills we look for in a principal, I had planned to bring forward three candidates. I looked forward to those of you attending our public interviews having an opportunity to hear an array of perspectives and areas of concentration. One of the three found it necessary to withdraw for personal reasons. After weighing the pros and cons of continuing with two candidates, I decided to postpone the process.
******************************************************************
For those of you with children in our schools, I hope you have a refreshing and relaxing break with your children.
Sincerely,
Jere Hochman
Superintendent