The literacy tutoring grant, valued at approximately $199,000, underscores a focused effort on early education within the district. The grant is intended to support up to 41 students, with eligibility determined by Dibbles data collected in the fall and ongoing assessments throughout the school year. In the case that all identified first graders do not fill the available spots, the program may extend eligibility to students from kindergarten to third grade. This initiative aligns with the district’s strategic plan to address educational gaps, particularly among subgroups such as low-income students and those with special needs.

Following the literacy program discussion, the committee received a report on the extended school year program, which served 270 students from preschool to secondary levels. Approximately 75% of recommended students attended, participating in a diverse array of programs, including therapeutic and language-based learning centers. However, there was concern over the 25% who did not participate, sparking discussions on potential barriers and future adjustments to the program.

In a continued effort to improve educational outcomes, the Danvers Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) presented their summer activities aimed at community engagement and awareness building. The council organized sensory tents at local events and received the Apple Award for their collaboration with Danvers Public Schools to enhance special education services. Plans were mentioned to analyze survey results for strategic planning.

Assistant Superintendent Kristen Anderson provided her initial findings after engaging with over 40 educators and reviewing various data sources. She noted that Danvers students generally perform above state averages in academic achievement and growth, with specific statistics such as a 43% rate in the advanced and meets expectations categories compared to the state average of 41%. Anderson expressed optimism for the upcoming school year and highlighted collaborative efforts within the district.

The strategic plan discussion brought further emphasis on addressing educational gaps through a multi-tiered system of support. This plan aims for 10% growth over five years in areas like academics, social-emotional development, attendance, and behavior. Data will be tracked using a new data warehouse, Panorama, which is compliant with privacy regulations. This system will provide visual indicators of progress across various metrics.

Budget presentation improvements were proposed, shifting from monthly reports to quarterly updates, focusing on more digestible data with visual aids. The aim is to provide comprehensive financial information, including grants and capital investments, to enable better decision-making. The retreat attended by some committee members reinforced the need to review policies and streamline operational documents.

Student handbooks were another focal point, with changes including a classroom no-use cell phone policy and updates related to educational technology tools. The high school principal detailed a cell phone policy where students lock their phones during class to encourage self-regulation, with consequences outlined for policy violations. The handbook also emphasized the use of Smart Pass to monitor student movements during school hours.

In extracurricular activities, the committee addressed participation fees in performing arts programs. This transition seeks to eliminate ambiguity by integrating fees into the school system. The Superintendent and Mr. Grover highlighted the necessity of this “cleanup” to ensure a fair and consistent funding structure, with participation fees supporting stipends previously handled by boosters.

Lastly, the meeting addressed logistical matters such as the transportation contract, reducing leased buses to save costs, and minor updates to accounts and balances for the upcoming school year. The Superintendent also provided updates on federal education funding, though local implications remain uncertain.