Whittier Regional Technical School Committee Highlights Impressive MCAS Performance and Career Technical Education Growth
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
10/09/2024
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Recording Published:
10/09/2024
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Duration:
56 Minutes
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Towns:
Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, West Newbury
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County:
Essex County
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State:
Massachusetts
- Meeting Overview:
The Whittier Regional Technical School Committee meeting focused on discussions around MCAS results, career technical education updates, and the financial health of the school. The meeting revealed that Whittier students continue to demonstrate exceptional academic performance, particularly in their MCAS results, and highlighted ongoing improvements and new initiatives in career technical education.
It was reported that 94% of students passed the English portion of the test on their first attempt, with 12% exceeding expectations, surpassing state performance metrics. The data also showed a strong performance in math, with 96% of students passing initially and a notable 177% above state averages for high-need students. In biology, 98% of students passed their first attempt. The school boasted a 99.1% graduation rate and a 0% dropout rate for recent graduating classes.
Career technical education updates presented by school representatives highlighted the introduction of a new Construction Craft Laborer program and successful completion of various community projects. These included a snack shack for the Georgetown American Legion Park and metal fabrication work for the Georgetown Police Department. The cooperative education program was a focal point, with over half of the senior class engaged in placements, though transportation challenges remain a barrier. The program has seen growth in local partnerships, offering students industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA 10.
A summer training program reported unprecedented success, enrolling 79 students with 39 securing employment post-training. This year’s program was managed independently by the school, leading to smoother operations and better outcomes. The school also announced a $350,000 Skills Capital Grant to enhance culinary equipment and a new partnership for English language training paired with vocational skills.
The business manager reviewed the school’s five-year capital plan, focusing on grant-funded equipment upgrades in technical areas, with an emphasis on culinary improvements. The committee also examined the overall financial health of the school, which was reported to be in excellent shape, with no vote required on the variance report presented.
During public comments, Bernie Cullen expressed concerns about the Whittier agreement, referencing a previous building proposal that was rejected by voters. The committee clarified its limited role in decisions made by external bodies like the Haverhill City Council.
Updates from the superintendent underscored ongoing collaborations with Northern Essex Community College and the UMass Donahue Institute, which are exploring potential partnerships. The superintendent encouraged community participation in upcoming listening sessions to address challenges and improve initiatives. Additionally, logistical adjustments were made for the November meeting to accommodate attendance at a YMCA event.
Maureen Lynch
School Board Officials:
Garry James, Sandi Coppinger, Brett Murphy, Ronald Fitzgerald, Richard Early, Patricia Lowell, Kurt Slevoski, David Irving (Secretary), Donna Holaday, Chip O’Connor, Scott Wood, Johanna True (Asst. Treasurer), Michael Rossi, Lisa O’Connor
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/09/2024
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Recording Published:
10/09/2024
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Duration:
56 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, West Newbury
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