Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Region, and Pelham Schools:
"Learning" @ ARPS!
As I am sure you can tell, the email address of Learning@arps is intentional. I can say with certainty that it is the "learning" aspect that intrigues me and motivates me as your superintendent. Everyone IS learning in our "ARPS" learning organization and community. For that, we are fortunate.
In today's society, a society too often characterized by cynicism and extremism, it is tempting and simple to get "dug in." It seems the new badge of honor is to be an extremist and a greater one to be an anonymous extremist throwing generalizations and misinformation into the airwaves until something sticks.
What I admire and appreciate in this debate-filled town is the willingness of most everyone to listen and to learn. At the end of the discussion, the debate, or the day there may still be disagreement, but it is an informed and objective disagreement.
In recent years and weeks, and surely in the weeks and years ahead, there will be such healthy discussion on dozens of issues. This is Amherst and, yes, we do tend to test the waters and take the roads less traveled - still getting results! As has been the case with so many issues, it will be tempting to base an opinion on another's generalizations or isolated experience; or to take a snippet of information out of context and transpose it to "everyone thinks..."
So, I thank you for subscribing to and for your "learning" @ ARPS!
As noted in my previous letter, I will insure that these and other communications are routine for your information and your learning as you shape your informed opinions and thoughts about our schools.
Thank you! And, thank you to those who responded to the last email letting me know there are a few folks out there who actually read these!
While mid-school year for us, Happy New Year to all!
Jere Hochman
Updates
It is budget development season! Like other "seasons" in our calendar, I often think we need to put on bright orange clothing or protective gear before stepping onto the budget field. Soon we will be reacting to the driving forces of state and town budget constraints and the competing demands for limited resources.
The first step in the process is the dissemination of our "Data" packet which includes numerous facts, figures, and explanations about our schools and operations. This packet includes a glossary of our educational jargon, as well.
At the January 8 Regional School Committee meeting, we will present the first draft of the "Budget Assumptions" document. This is a compilation of the assumptions we are making about revenues and expenditures to build the budget. For example, if we assume that the revenue from the state and towns are about the same as this year and we assume that expenses in health insurance, utilities, and other known areas are increasing, then we should assume that there will need to be a reduction in other areas.
What will be shared Tuesday night is that such a gap exists again this year. We begin with the assumption that state revenues may be about the same as last year and that the Town of Amherst is limiting us to a 2% increase (we have not received direction from the other Region towns). Simultaneously, we know certain expenses will increase. Consequently, we begin the process of building the budget knowing the "gap" in the elementary budget could be well over a million dollars and in the hundreds of thousands for the regional schools.
As the process proceeds, we will continue to share more detailed information and options in the next month. School Committee members, administrators, and town officials on the Amherst Budget Coordinating Group will continue to coordinate planning efforts.
I feel compelled to repeat one item from the previous email about the remaining funds from last year's budget. Again, the surplus that has been newsworthy was in the Regional Schools, NOT the elementary schools. The surplus became more apparent as late spring evolved and as changes in spending regulations were implemented. The surplus funds were "one time" funds, not ongoing funds that could sustain salaries or programs. Finally, purchases were made based on previous unfulfilled requests for instructional materials, equipment, and one-year staffing to enhance our programs.
I will continue to provide updates in this email and on our website.
You may have read or heard by now that there will be a production of portions of the "Vagina Monologues" at the High School this year. This is a single performance and is part of a week of activities and awareness raising on women's rights, safety, and responsiveness. Although the performance is important with powerful messages, we are mindful this not for everybody. As was the case in the previous production four years ago, several parameters will be placed on production. Details are still being worked out on these parameters, but they will include the same "parent permission" approach for student participation and student attendance; no school day or assembly performance; and others.
For those not familiar with our high school programs, this is not the single annual "school play" or musical. "AIDA," this year's school musical, will be performed later this year. The annual High School Cabaret is this weekend and several other musical and drama performances have occurred and will take place this year.
The State Legislative session is about to begin and, as always, we will pay close attention to the proposed legislation and changes in regulations. Of primary interest will be the budget.
While there are numerous issues to monitor, one very specific area we hope to press is that of the "Circuit Breaker" Funding for special education. We are dedicated to and committed to fully including all students in our schools. Students with disabilities are fully included based on their Individual Educational Plan or "IEP." Understandably, due to the need for additional teachers and support personnel; equipment; and other needs, the expenses for special education often exceed the average per pupil cost. The state reimburses towns for these expenses when they exceed $35,000 and only then at 72% of the remainder.
If there is one way the state could level the playing field for children and support children in every zip code regardless of socio-economic status, it would be fully reimbursing towns for special education costs. You will be reading more about this and hearing requests for your support, soon.
The next Regional School Committee meeting is Tuesday evening, January 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Library. Included in the budget is a presentation by high school science teachers about the 9th grade course proposal (included in the last learning@arps) and the first review of Budget Assumptions (noted above). I will respond to a letter presented to the School Committee by the Amherst Committee on Excellence during the Superintendent's Update.
The AMHERST School Committee meeting scheduled for January 15 is being moved to Wednesday, January 16.
AGENDA for REGULAR Meeting of REGIONAL School Committee
7:00 PM, TUESDAY-January 8, 2008
High School Library
1. Welcome
A. Call to Order
B. Agenda Review
C. Minutes (no minutes to review this meeting)
2. Announcements and Public Comment
3. Superintendents Update
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business
A. Ninth Grade Science Course Presentation
B. FY09 Budget Meeting #2: Budget Assumptions
5. New Business
6. Reports
7. Sub-Committee Reports
8. School Committee Planning
A. Calendar review
B. Items for upcoming meetings
C. Sub-committee reports
9. Adjourn