Prompted by the suggestion of Amanda Hastings and a motion from Jim Muse, the Mattapoisett School Committee voted during its April 13 public meeting to approve two new slots for its School Choice program for the 2023-24 academic year.
The action increases the maximum number of slots from 12 to 14.
The public hearing on School Choice began with Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reporting that all 12 current School Choice slots between Center School and Old Hammondtown are currently full and that one slot is expected to open up with the impending departure of an Old Hammondtown student scheduled to graduate out of the program.
With the April 13 vote and presuming the existing 12 School Choice students continue, there will be a potential of three openings for next school year.
At the outset, Nelson recommended the committee vote to maintain the current 12-student cap with preference being given to Grades K-2. He reported that 15 applications had already come in for the 2023-24 school year. A lottery date will be set for May. Nelson said the tuition rate is $5,000 per student, except for Special Education situations, which are custom crafted according to need.
During the public hearing, Hastings, attending via Zoom, asked, in light of the pandemic’s effects on education, if the committee should consider expanding the program in order to benefit out-of-district students who might benefit from the ORR School District’s recent focus on literacy.
Mattapoisett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin sought clarification regarding Hastings’ suggestion that older students be considered in such an expansion.
Hastings confirmed Lavin’s interpretation and suggested ORR “broaden the net” of students to be considered for School Choice not only by expanding the number of slots offered but in doing so, addressing the needs of children older than Grades K-2.
In response, Lavin explained the committee’s traditional preference for Grades K-2.
“We are really focused on having a school community and a culture that embraces the students, and … we have seen the benefits of seeing these students come in early in K, One or Two, able to really reap the educational rewards but also the social, emotional and cultural rewards that we bring – I’m saying K-through-Six schools, all the way through – versus somebody that has come in Five and Six …,” said Lavin. “The responsive classroom is really embedded in our K-One … I am partial to staying K-One to be honest.”
Nelson noted that the 15 applications received are of a proactive nature in case Mattapoisett decided to raise its current cap on School Choice openings. He also noted that the committee could vote to maintain the current 12-student cap without affecting the FY24 operating budget.
No one responded to the opening of the floor to public comment on the matter, and the committee voted to close the public hearing.
It was during deliberation that Muse put forth the suggestion that Mattapoisett expand its School Choice cap from 12 to 14 students (opening three spots for 2023-24.)
“It seems to me we’d be able to have two new spots,” he said, referencing Mattapoisett’s “excellent education.”
While Nelson recommended that any new slots earmarked for grades higher than K-2 go to rising fifth graders, Lavin said she would be most comfortable if two new slots went to students in Grades K-1. She noted that adding two School Choice students to Grade 2 would bring the Grade 2 total for 2023-24 to five.
Nelson explained that once a student is accepted into Mattapoisett’s School Choice program, that student is guaranteed a spot until graduating out following Grade 6. Even if the committee voted to cancel the entire School Choice program, the existing 11 students in the program would be grandfathered to completion (through Grade 6.)
In other business, the committee voted to approve a field trip to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence for the Grade 1 class, sponsored by the Mattapoisett Parent-Teacher Association.
The Mattapoisett PTA also was approved for its donation of $6,000 to fund spring 2023 field trips. Nelson and committee members expressed appreciation for the PTA’s efforts to support the students.
In her Chairperson’s Report, Lavin explained the adjusted meeting schedule relative to the need to avoid a potential Open Meeting Law violation. She celebrated two events: the Old Hammondtown Grade 6 students versus faculty basketball game and the more-recent art show.
In his Central Office Report, Nelson said transitional meetings are underway for the next school year. He also reported that the UMass Boston Collins Center has provided a draft report on Mattapoisett facilities.
Dr. Shari Federowicz, the assistant superintendent for Teaching & Learning, reported that the literacy program is in Round 2, due to be completed at the end of April.
Mattapoisett Schools will be represented on the Town Meeting warrant with at least one capital-planning article.
The committee voted to enter executive session and only to return for adjournment.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Monday, May 15, at 6:30 pm. The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, June 8, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett School Committee
By Mick Colageo