School Committee: Frugality Pays Off in Spending Freeze

School Superintendent Anthony Pope told the School Committee on Tuesday, May 24, that the department will return approximately $800,000 to the city, thus keeping a promise that was made by the previous administration.

"It's been tough," he admitted, "knowing that we had to return this money to the city."

When Pope took over as superintendent last summer, he immediately imposed a spending freeze in school accounts. He said his conservative tactics at the outset were meant "to keep us safe and allow us to return the money."

The City Council on May 23 approved a general school budget of $49,514,206.

School Committee member Jennifer Hardy told Pope it was nice to see city councilors support your efforts in taking a new direction in education and considering the changes that have been made during the school year. "We're reaping the fruits of your hard work."

Later in the meeting, School Committee member Kathleen Roby made a similar comment regarding the city council's support of the superintendent.

Pope said he'll implement a new data-driven culture with regard to budgeting and fiscal accountability. "We're trying to get smarter on how to use the data we have."

School Committee member Margaret Dwyer said she likes the new accounting system for incoming state and federal grants. "It's good to see all grant money in one place … and having clearly defined goals is important" in implementing those grants.

The School Committee also gave Pope the go-ahead to post summary job descriptions for three Instructional Leader positions. The three will work as a team in setting goals, evaluating and suggesting improvements in core instruction and seek efficiencies in all schools within the district. The Instructional Leaders will serve as the superintendent's cabinet and report to him. The two positions of assistant superintendent will essentially be replaced by these positions.

Current assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, Sandra Delaney, plans to retire and assistant superintendent of schools James Jolicoeur has accepted a position as superintendent of the Leominster School District.

The School Committee also heard from Melissa Labarre, chair of the recently formed Parent Advisory Council. She said the PAC goal is to improve communications between parents and schools, strengthen public relations, work to change the perception of the school district, and be proactive in supporting education initiatives.

Pope said the PAC will add value by bringing issues and concerns to the forefront of discussions on school policy.

All parents are welcome and encouraged to participate. The next meeting will be June 22. Check the school web site calendar or Google Marlborough School District for the time and place.

Pope also congratulated Erin Casey as Teacher of the Year as selected by the Marlborough United Brethren Masonic Lodge. Casey is an eighth-grade math teacher at Marlborough High.

Lisa Pacific, a first-grade teacher at the Jaworek School and Sharon Bradley, a high school guidance councilor were selected as runners-up.

Alexia Forhan, a science instructor and Kathy Regan, a health technologies instructor, were chosen from the Assabet Valley Regional Technical School District.

The individuals were chosen for their passion for teaching and their willingness to go beyond expectations.

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