What’s Working and What’s Not in New Bedford Public Schools
Earlier this year, New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Andrew O'Leary compiled a report on the status of the city's school system based on his first year being in charge.
His report, entitled "Entry Plan Findings," was submitted to the school committee at the end of September and was the primary subject of his visit this week to Townsquare Sunday.
The report highlights areas where progress has been made and where more work is needed. The number one finding is that student academic outcomes are not trending in a positive direction.
"At the end of the day, we are about teaching and learning," O'Leary said. "We know that our students can exceed at higher levels than we're seeing now. We also know we need to build a strong, sustainable staff that will be with the district for a long time. Put it all together and we know academic outcomes will improve, but we're not there yet."
Addressing learning loss because of the pandemic, O'Leary said the district is creating systems to address student needs over the long haul.
"We want a sustainable, resilient district for the next five or 10 years," he said. "I have very little interest in blaming the pandemic. I'm much more interested in saying it's 2024, and what will education look like this year, next year, all the way to 2030."
The superintendent also said the district is now working on a five-year strategic plan to go before the school committee within the next six months.
The report also addresses teacher retention; an area in which O'Leary said New Bedford historically has done quite well.
"If you become an educator in New Bedford, you will move progressively up the salary ladder, you will acquire solid benefits including health, so the financial package we have is one of the best in the region," he said.
You can read the entire "Entry Plan Findings" report on the Superintendent's page on the New Bedford Public Schools website.
The complete interview with Superintendent O'Leary can be heard here:
If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.
Spooky Movies That Were Filmed in Massachusetts
Gallery Credit: Ariel Dorsey