Each week, the Abington News is asking the three candidates for the School Committee a question to help voters better understand them as candidates. Election Day is Saturday, April 29.
Candidate responses are published as submitted, in the order they were received, and were not edited.
This week’s question: If elected, what do you need to accomplish over the next three years to consider your time on the School Committee ‘successful’?
In case you missed it, here is the Question from Week 1 and Week 2
MELANIE WHITNEY
If elected, my first responsibility is to understand what the Committee and Superintendent’s office has for priorities. Although I will be an elected official, I am one member of a team and to be most effective, we need to agree on our priorities. All candidates have been soliciting feedback from our community over the last couple months and I think we need to evaluate the themes of the commentary. Within three years, I would define success in three broad categories:
1. Student achievement
2. Educator retention and satisfaction
3. Community/Family engagement
To measure student achievement, I will look to academic, art, athletic and other extra curricular activities at all levels. Achievement is not a one-size fits all definition. For each student/family, goals would be different. At the early education level, academic achievement is difficult to measure. MCAS is one quantitative measure and I do believe there is some comparability of results year over year, but it’s not a metric I would use to measure achievement. Students’ progression each semester and readiness for the next year are achievements that our educators could measure. Participation in our “specials” like PE, art, health and technology as well as the percentage of students opting into after school activities can measure achievement at this K-4 level. Participation, engagement and interest would be my focus for K-4 “achievement”. I would also push for earlier introduction for language and STEAM activities at the elementary level. I believe that our school is central to our community for children, and their ability to engage in all aspects of learning is a goal of our school district. At Grades 5-12, student academic achievement can be measured by attendance, drop out rates, students opting in to higher level classes, student surveys and educator feedback. My goal would be for our AMS and AHS students to have one club or activity that interests them. Each student deserves a sense of community within their school. I would advocate for additional arts, trades and life preparatory classes and/or clubs. I would also like chart a path to additional language offerings. Reviewing metrics of participation and assessing engagement gaps will help us align our school programs/offerings with student needs. Additionally, I’d keep a close pulse on school threats, disciplinary actions and school violence as these behavioral concerns are certainly a barrier to success. The mental health and safety of our students is foundational to achievement.
Educator retention and satisfaction can be measured through turnover. Additionally, we can follow the career path of an educator who is interested in switching directions. By understanding our educators’ career goals, we can help grow our district from within. Continually asking educators for feedback, both formally and informally, will help us understand how we can provide even greater job satisfaction. The number of candidates applying to open positions will also be a quantitative metric we can use to determine how Abington compares to surrounding districts. Educator needs are ever changing, so it is important to keep the dialogue open and be flexible in addressing changing classroom needs. My goal would be 95%+ participation in surveys from educators to ensure all voices are heard.
Community and family engagement is an area I feel is critical to the success of our district. As we all know, budget and time constraints are often a roadblock. We do, however, have a number of organizations, residents and groups that are passionate about topics relevant to our students. I’d like to see new connections built between the schools and these community members. I’d like to see either an arm of PTO, student council or another group liaise between the community and schools. I would measure success in this area through a survey. Does our community have an interaction with our students at least quarterly? Do our students have an opportunity to provide service to our residents at least quarterly? Do our Beaver Brook Students have an interaction with our high school students? I would like to see a growth in parental engagement within the schools through use of surveys/feedback options. Perhaps enhanced communication tool can help us understand any home-school information gaps.
As with each of these goals, we will need to understand our historic measures to be able to set attainable growth goals. I would prefer to see SMART goals set out by the Committee so our community can see our progress and reflect on how we’re doing as a district. Just as our Superintendent sets out goals, our Committee’s goals should be documented and continually reviewed. Our success as a district depends on the focus and continual evaluation of our goals. Thank you for your interest in our schools and I welcome your feedback!
CHRIS COYLE
One of the first things that will need to be accomplished over the next three years is the successful transition to a new Superintendent of Schools for Abington. I believe strong leadership at the top sets the tone for the entire district. I feel the current committee made an outstanding choice with Dr. Felicia Moschella to take on this extremely important job and role.
There has been a tremendous amount of positive feedback from staff, students, families and residents about Dr. Moschella being appointed as the new Superintendent starting July 1, 2024. I know many are excited to see all the great work she will do to ensure our schools keep moving in the right direction.
There will always be things in our schools and throughout the district that need improvement. Maintaining the work that has been done, while closing academic gaps that do exist and ensuring support for the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of our students will be key priorities to focus on. From an academic perspective, I am looking to see the impact some of the changes made in Middle School math have on their MCAS scores. I would like to work to create potential opportunities for increased academic rigor for those students that excel in particular areas. At the same time, we also need to absolutely ensure that we have all necessary supports, resources and technology in place for our English Language Learners and Special Education population.
Outside of core academics, I will refer back to what I wrote last week regarding transitions. It is one of my goals, if re-elected, to meet with administrators and ask about the ongoing plans to ensure smooth and appropriate transitions across the district. As I mentioned with last weeks question, the structure of buildings change, but the makeup of students doesn’t just change because of the building where they are taught does.
The budget will always be a big part of helping to make any year or term a success. Keeping a strong operating budget for the schools, that is fiscally responsible for the residents and town, will also be an accomplishment I look toward. The district’s work in researching grant possibilities is a means to help supplement the budget during potential down times. As we continue to see the population grow in our youngest demographic, working to maintain manageable classrooms and sizes will be a challenge and is something that will be a priority of focus for me as well.
In regards to work as part of a governing body, it’s important to me that the Abington Public Schools remain a safe and inclusive place for all of its students to learn, grow and prepare for life after graduation. I want to make sure that staff members feel safe, supported and enjoy the important work they are doing in their buildings and classrooms. I want School Committee meetings to remain a place where parents, students and residents are listened to and heard. I want those attending meetings to feel welcome, comfortable and safe. I want people to feel encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns and ideas they have.
The children of Abington Public Schools are the future of our world and so being a member of school committee is a big task that I have never taken lightly. I will continue to work hard, listen, ask questions and welcome community input, if re-elected to another term.
Please remember to get out and vote on April 29th from 8AM-6PM at Beaver Brook Elementary School. I humbly ask for one of your two votes. Feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have. My email is christophercoyle@abingtonps.org.
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