Mattapoisett School Committee members hold on to the hope that they will get one additional second-grade teacher for next year at Center School to support the larger first-grade moving up to second. The second grade currently has only three classes, rather than four.
All during budget season, School Committee Chairman James Higgins continued to advocate for a fourth second-grade teacher, despite the looks that the budget would not support it.
Higgins continued pressing the issue, which resulted in discussion between Town Administrator Michael Gagne and Superintendent Doug White about how to fund the fourth teaching position.
According to White, the Town might consider granting the fourth second-grade teacher if the School Committee allows the funding from participation in the School Choice program to fund the Town’s cost to cover the health insurance for the position, and if it advertises the teaching position as a year-long position only.
“The Town was concerned that we’re using one-time funds to support a teaching position,” said White.
After considering the possibilities, the committee voted to authorize White to continue to work with the Town of Mattapoisett to find a way to bring in the one-year teaching position.
During the meeting, the committee discussed its options for participating in the School Choice program for the next school year, factoring in class size as the deciding factor in keeping school choice slots on the lower side for next year, despite increasing the number of slots from last year.
School Choice brings in $5,000 per student offered a School Choice slot.
Three slots were offered to the second grade last year, and now Center School Principal Rose Baumann said she received confirmation that one of those students will not be returning next year to the third grade.
Higgins had concerns over the size of the incoming kindergarten class, and with the current enrollment as it stands now, next year will bring three classes of 18 – a high number for Higgins. He said he believes in the program, but would be “more gun shy than last year,” advocating the addition of just one student to the first grade and none to kindergarten.
Committee member James Muse proposed adding two slots to kindergarten, two to first grade, and keeping the two current second graders as-is.
“I think School Choice is a great thing,” said Muse. “I think it provides an opportunity for diversity in the school.” He also said he believed in enrolling the students as early as possible, preferably in kindergarten.
Member Charles Motta said he was beholden to the Mattapoisett students, and that larger class sizes would have a negative impact on their education.
The matter will go to the Board of Selectmen for further discussion.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for June 9 at 7:00 pm at Center School.
By Jean Perry