School District Consolidation in Massachusetts: Opportunities and Challenges
May 29, 2009
9:00 – 10:30 am
American International College
Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
Springfield, MA
** see directions below **
Presented by:
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS)
Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
Session Overview
The topic of school district consolidation has been at the center of Massachusetts education policy conversations for the past several months. Governor Patrick’s Administration is currently promoting a reduction in the number of Massachusetts school districts. One of the long-term goals stated in the Administration’s education agenda is to: “Increase the size while reducing the number of the Commonwealth’s current school districts to streamline administration and management structures, which will expand opportunities to ensure strong oversight and leadership and improve teaching and learning.”
This proposal has drawn mixed reviews from policymakers, educators, parents and community members across the state. Proponents of the proposal view a reduction of the number of school districts as a way to decrease administrative and facilities costs and to build the capacity of small districts. Critics of the plan question the actual savings potential of district consolidation and harbor concerns over its impact on students and communities.
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy invite you to attend a session at which policymakers, education and community leaders will discuss the question: What are the opportunities and challenges that must be considered when developing a plan for district consolidation?
Presenters
Saeyun Lee, Policy Analyst, Executive Office of Education
Nicholas Young, President-elect, MASS; Superintendent, Hadley Public Schools
Moderated Panel Discussion
- Saeyun Lee, Policy Analyst, Executive Office of Education
- Glenn Koocher, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC)
- Elaine McArdle, Journalist and writer
- Senator Stan Rosenberg, President Pro Tempore, Massachusetts State Legislature
- Nicholas Young , Superintendent, Hadley Public Schools
Moderator
- Greg Schmutte, Vice President for Academic Affairs, American International College
REGISTRATION
Call the Rennie Center reservation line at 617-354-0002, ext. 13 or register online using the registration form below. Registration is free, however space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
DIRECTIONS
Directions from the North
Take Interstate 91 (I-91) South. As you approach Springfield, merge right onto Interstate 291 (I-291) East. Take Exit 5B (20A West - E. Springfield). Continue on Page Blvd. Proceed to the first traffic light. Turn left onto Roosevelt Ave. Continue on Roosevelt Ave. for 1.7 miles. At the 3rd traffic light take a left onto Blunt Park Rd. At the very next light take a right onto State St. (Mass Mutual building is directly across the street). Proceed on State St. until you reach Maynard Street (on your right). Take a right onto Maynard and take a quick right into the parking lot. The event will be held diagonally across the street, in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center, located on Homer Street.
Directions from the South
Take Interstate 91 (I-91) North. As you approach Springfield, merge right onto Interstate 291 (I-291) East. Take Exit 5B (20A West - E. Springfield). Continue on Page Blvd. Proceed to the first traffic light. Turn left onto Roosevelt Ave. Continue on Roosevelt Ave. for 1.7 miles. At the 3rd traffic light take a left onto Blunt Park Rd. At the very next light take a right onto State St. (Mass Mutual building is directly across the street). Proceed on State St. until you reach Maynard Street (on your right). Take a right onto Maynard and take a quick right into the parking lot. The event will be held diagonally across the street, in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center, located on Homer Street.
Directions from the East or West
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 6 (Springfield). After the toll booths, at the first light take a left onto Interstate 291 (I-291) West. Take the second exit (Exit 5). Bear right onto 20A West (Page Blvd.). Once on Page Blvd., get immediately into the left turning lane and turn left onto Roosevelt Ave. at the first traffic light. Continue on Roosevelt Ave. for 1.7 miles. At the 3rd traffic light take a left on Blunt Park Rd. At the very next light take a right onto State St. (Mass Mutual building is directly across the street). Proceed on State St. until you reach Maynard Street (on your right). Take a right onto Maynard and take a quick right into the parking lot. The event will be held diagonally across the street, in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center, located on Homer Street.
About Massachusetts Association for School Superintendents (MASS)
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, originated in 1973, and is the only statewide organization dedicated to the unique professional and advocacy concerns of school superintendents and assistant superintendents. The mission of M.A.S.S. is that the association will enable its membership to provide: an informed, powerful, cohesive voice to influence state legislation, policies and funding; systems of professional support and collegiality; and strategic leadership for the continuous improvement of public education for all children. For more information, visit: www.massupt.org.
About the Rennie Center
The Rennie Center’s mission is to develop a public agenda that informs and promotes significant improvement of public education in Massachusetts. Our work is motivated by a vision of an education system that creates the opportunity to educate every child to be successful in life, citizenship, employment and life-long learning. Applying nonpartisan, independent research, journalism and civic engagement, the Rennie Center is creating a civil space to foster thoughtful public discourse to inform and shape effective policy. For more information about the Rennie Center and our current work, visit www.renniecenter.org.
