[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5978767,"mediaKeyId","5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c","parentId",5775654,"title","District presents college and career readiness update: graduation dips, AP and internship participation rising","audioSeconds",582,"startMs",2418000,"endMs",3000000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c&start=2418&end=3000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c/thumbnail_2418000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5978767/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/District-presents-college-and-career-readiness-update-graduation-dips-AP-and-internship-participation-rising","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978767-45c6f63f7ed2a9ccbd02e24d963c69e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415049&Signature=P2~6DppjtZYesIRruEizZV3qeSz-pG2sdx~sy1dmxzYusI3SeNEviF25mpAxOQ1CTCCiE8JS5YIb7ND5quKOYfR8Am4OSFNzPg8EN9nX1renwWoYhLbeUs-QEq2XDAqIqn9RiAbq6wq3JMOMBXh578osRffFliIhaNDrxU8mWi-tpQIqDNqAUitUndsNOV0HNZml9wgSbhpT1duPLn~SMouSiHFXIJ08SyBT4UtSsOHX~dDMFcluwBf5ISEFmW4~FznwWLTZlki4uICpk2TCdRM6MFywXXi51Wa1kmVq3HljYKRXws9Soy1Lp1nUBTwpOE5xdqZbLbuCgBIAwDsqZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield City, MA","date","2025-09-18T22:02:26Z","article","District staff presented a college and career readiness update to the School Committee on Sept. 18 that combined student outcome data with programmatic developments. Pam Matheson and Dr. Rose Boulet highlighted a rise in the district’s four‑year graduation rate through 2022 to 85 percent, followed by a decline between 2022 and 2024 that amounted to 55 fewer graduates in the most recent year. \"In 2022, we're at 85 percent,\" Pam Matheson said, and staff acknowledged the dip since then.

Staff also reported a 171‑student increase in 11th‑ and 12th‑grade participation in advanced coursework in 2024 and steady growth in AP exam performance and unique test takers between 2021 and 2025. Matheson summarized the AP trend: more students are taking AP classes and a larger share are scoring 3 to 5 on AP exams. The district reported a rise in FAFSA completion among June graduates (64 percent this year), a 20 percentage‑point increase compared with prior years for the June cohort, and noted that the FAFSA figure excludes summer graduates.

Paul Madison and the school‑to‑career staff reported program growth in work‑based learning and internships: the district’s career and internship fair has increased both student participation and employer presence, and staff aim to expand the spring event to about 550 students and additional vendors. The district reported a 21 percent increase in work‑based learning placements and described new micro‑internship projects and a partnership with MassHire to develop a comprehensive allied healthcare pathway in three schools. \"We've increased the number of students participating as well as the number of employers and organizations that are coming to our event,\" a career‑pathways staff member said.

Staff also announced a new Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) designation for a manufacturing pathway at Central High School and said they have enrolled approximately 100 students in an introductory engineering elective expected to feed the pathway program. District leaders framed these developments as steps to expand options for both college and career pathways and said CSOs and school staff are working to address the recent graduation decline.

Discussion versus action: The presentation was informational; no committee votes were recorded to change programming or allocate funds during the meeting. Committee members asked clarifying questions about percentages and cohort sizes; staff explained percentage changes can reflect differing class sizes year to year.

What comes next: Staff said they will continue monitoring graduation outcomes and work‑based learning participation, plan a larger career fair in March 2026, and pursue pathway partnerships with industry and higher‑education partners; the presentation did not include immediate budget requests or binding commitments recorded in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Springfield School Committee 9/18/2025 Public Speak-Out & Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent and staff presented data showing a recent dip in the four‑year graduation rate after a prior rise, alongside increases in advanced coursework participation, AP exam scores, FAFSA completion, and work‑based learning and pathway development.","taxTitle","Springfield City, Hampden County, Massachusetts","taxId",3703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978770,"School committee votes to recommend naming Chestnut gymnasium for student Andrea Lee Sophia",194,2142000,2336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c&start=2142&end=2336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c/thumbnail_2142000.jpg","/articles/5978770/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/School-committee-votes-to-recommend-naming-Chestnut-gymnasium-for-student-Andrea-Lee-Sophia","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978770-331bf607162866ebde8a57cd0adf5f8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415049&Signature=JmnFH1gyP2QLNPtcFEahm8lvAq3CwiHZFXRerPo5QX6C2ZNvHicrXkKKwwBYUD5XwI0QiQSjNFKflKGRxujfiPq4xGQnqMYCVWQcrCEUNgWHhFYI4TuvRLEQ1zWVg5xoSbnyqmKNcpQOKOXK8Qtf7fs4wUBS~6UXJstC56e3pfeRqszkxP5MVdpqAcTHAGfJRoy6GvPmMnYndmMIKbsmJNJk3c0fCmHPAtlmUwuXJz85k~bt0~ODqhWbcSYnvHvcx8awRSPUHwsPj3wNm0BImpLTwqlRepJPyhkU0OlMYyQ9Udfum20aPB6Y7dx4JJVnEhw3Y1I0rr3ybqVhrg6l9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield School Committee voted Sept. 18 to recommend to the Buildings and Maintenance Subcommittee that Chestnut School’s gymnasium be named in memory of student Andrea Lee Sophia. Superintendent Dr. Denault and community speakers described Sophia as a three‑sport athlete and a unifying presence at Chestnut. \"We respectfully propose that we change the gymnasium's name to Andrea Lee Sophia Gymnasium,\" a Chestnut community representative said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The naming would be a permanent memorial on district property intended to honor a student’s impact on school culture. Committee protocol requires review in the Buildings and Maintenance Subcommittee before final approval; the committee recorded a motion, a second, and a roll call vote forwarding the request.

Vote and procedure: Attorney Peter Murphy made the motion and Miss Gresham seconded. The roll call recorded votes of \"Yes\" from Attorney Murphy, Mr. Collins, Miss Gresham, Miss Bruno Naylor and Mayor Domenic Sarno; Mr. Gonzales and Miss Hurst were absent. The chair said the matter would proceed to the subcommittee for further review.

Discussion versus action: The committee’s action was to refer the naming to the appropriate subcommittee; no final renaming ordinance or binding dedication took place at the full committee meeting. Committee members offered condolences and commended Chestnut staff and family for organizing a proposed permanent tribute.

Background: Presenters said the Chestnut community has established an annual memorial event, the \"Forever 12 Classic,\" in collaboration with Andrea's mother and school leaders; the naming proposal was framed as a way to make the tribute permanent.","The committee voted to send to the buildings and maintenance subcommittee a request to consider renaming Chestnut's gymnasium in memory of Andrea Lee Sophia; committee voted in favor by roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978774,"Pre‑K teachers urge district to honor contract on start and end‑of‑year schedules",343,516000,859000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c&start=516&end=859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c/thumbnail_516000.jpg","/articles/5978774/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/PreK-teachers-urge-district-to-honor-contract-on-start-and-endofyear-schedules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978774-a3698d92144db17558d2ca939e450c50/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415049&Signature=SOENwKLOjIPNCGyNwwS1Ou56vvNMhSdXFf6OYYznrBzy0LvziBysUvxE~DnkKouFDs56KXLJHH3Q-aEAzvw2JJ0vj2cccUfAyOozuLUvrwqSxWmBk5VFZbvvFHCxHQdzuorHyc~0hK-A0X0OU36zvxZunlzyhyHRKA2KAipUgC-fNq6V-IOYJ1zDLl3cXRMHPEPpvkTEcA8EcSJDQsC4drbUv7hBHSNFx~o5AyEP9FSdMsj0OEN-ubuINmxT4TcRu0UM8cQ1cDhyzhpzcXBhChFq3P7wZ9AbdUVwQ1lt2UvgGgp4B644Ic7sgryHFmcSbR6ZTZVQFrybXUsC00BWKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Micah Orten, a pre‑K teacher at White Street, told the School Committee that the district moved the preschool start date earlier this year and that the change broke a recently ratified collective bargaining agreement. \"Already this year, our contract has been broken when our start date was moved up,\" Orten said. He argued the unexpected change forced teachers to \"scramble and play catch up\" and undermined trust between educators and the district.

Orten said his request was simple: honor the existing contract language requiring a delayed start for preschool and a half day on the last day of school so teachers can safely close classrooms. \"That time is not optional. It is absolutely necessary. It is not a matter of convenience. It is a matter of safety,\" he said, citing safety risks posed when teachers have to pack and clean while children remain present.

Maureen Saint George, a 20‑year preschool teacher at Boland Elementary and a member of the SEA bargaining team, said the bargaining team negotiated language specifying that preschool would begin the Monday after Labor Day and that the change would take effect immediately on ratification. \"There was never talk at the table about starting this part of the contract in the next year,\" Saint George said. She asked the district to amend the calendar to reflect the contract and to honor the half‑day without preschool on the final day of school so teachers can close out classrooms safely.

Why it matters: Pre‑K classrooms serve young children, including those with disabilities and higher supervision needs; teachers told the committee that beginning classes earlier and not providing the agreed‑upon half day increases safety risks and workload. The speakers framed the request as asking for the \"legal minimum\" under the collective bargaining agreement, not additional compensation.

Discussion versus action: These remarks were presented during the public comment period; the transcript records no committee motion or vote in response. Committee members acknowledged the speakers and the bargaining context but did not record a formal decision at the meeting. The transcript shows the bargaining team and the district had negotiated the language and that teachers expected immediate implementation; the district did not present a calendar amendment during the meeting.

What comes next: Teachers asked the district to amend the calendar and to communicate changes to families; the transcript does not document a district commitment or timeline for doing so.","Pre‑K teachers told the committee the district moved the start date this year and did not implement negotiated contract language requiring a delayed start and a final half‑day without students; they asked the district to amend the calendar to comply immediately.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978779,"Student says Springfield schools failed disabled and low-income students, cites ADA and IDEA",256,240000,496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c&start=240&end=496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775654-4a58fafed38dd10da89d63f7e2ea1b3c/thumbnail_240000.jpg","/articles/5978779/Springfield-City/Hampden-County/Massachusetts/Student-says-Springfield-schools-failed-disabled-and-low-income-students-cites-ADA-and-IDEA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978779-7df2cc3b52acf011e59e01e92c0d3bf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415049&Signature=RPILkssx8E5SRp95~zZeIOSwqfz4jHoZfqN3~dyPxGf4iBXJzgNHD5VIGDiXL0wqVQ7jvcCCuzVJI2qm0YQL95dlU3RgRbJMT17LU0pZBSODlFZGJm-iHM857OKRjgwliKuDW8r1C~S7RCUGJVKtvbkzEK4xzAEXL5Bc7w9jF~K4sn6IgLIYuNOP5wnJ-2P5olCBbm-7bmOXECQqqWzRGhXD1ftfR9V-0PH8npSfWaAEdHpUzItFxjm~IaoJKN6u0pWqKZvPQgNgBDymp59DhNqk3BgEvaw7wfKH4sK-gAllMJjuwwhZBIqBnUFYMCgBtymf6pVP6Mu1n0NO6ffrbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Miley, a student who addressed the committee during the public speak‑out, told the Springfield School Committee on Sept. 18 that school staff repeatedly failed to protect disabled and low‑income students and that accommodations required by federal law were not provided. \"I was bullied relentlessly,\" Miley said. \"And every single time, I waited for the adults to step in. But help never came.\"

The student said classmates and some school staff treated disabled students as if they \"did not belong,\" and described being asked whether someone had to carry them into the building. Miley said the treatment was \"dehumanizing\" and asserted that the district had ignored rights guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. \"This is what Springfield students are living through,\" Miley said. \"We will not stop until every student is safe, respected, and given the education they deserve.\"

Why it matters: Miley used personal testimony to frame the complaints as both rights issues and safety concerns. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) set legal obligations for access and accommodations; allegations that legally required supports were not provided, if substantiated, would require district response and potential corrective action.

School leadership acknowledged the testimony and signaled a follow‑up. Mayor Domenic Sarno thanked Miley for the testimony and said he understood the district had assigned a staff member to respond; Superintendent Dr. Denault also was referenced as having directed Deputy Superintendent Jose Escobarano to speak with the student. The record shows no formal hearing or adjudication of the claims during the meeting; the remarks were made during the public comment period.

Discussion versus action: The student’s remarks were part of public comment and did not trigger a committee vote. The only documented next step recorded in the meeting was a district follow‑up: Deputy Superintendent Jose Escobarano was to speak with the student and her family.

Context and background: The speaker framed the issue as affecting both disabled and economically disadvantaged students, invoking federal civil‑rights statutes rather than specific local policies or court decisions. The committee did not take a formal vote on any policy or disciplinary action at the meeting; the committee thanked the speaker and proceeded with the agenda.

What comes next: The transcript records the pledge by district leadership to follow up through Deputy Superintendent Escobarano; the transcript does not record a timeline, the content of any subsequent meeting between staff and the student, or any concrete corrective measures.","A student identified as Miley told the Springfield School Committee that disabled and low‑income students have been repeatedly bullied and denied legally required supports, and school officials said Deputy Superintendent Jose Escobarano would follow up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District presents college and career readiness update: graduation dips, AP and internship participation rising

School committee votes to recommend naming Chestnut gymnasium for student Andrea Lee Sophia

Pre‑K teachers urge district to honor contract on start and end‑of‑year schedules

Student says Springfield schools failed disabled and low-income students, cites ADA and IDEA