Beverly superintendent outlines entry plan, emphasizes equity and school presence

Superintendent Peter Cushing presented his entry plan to the Beverly Public Schools School Committee on Aug. 27, telling members he will prioritize hearing from families, staff and students and spend regular full school days observing instruction and operations. "It's a great day to be a Panther," Cushing said after describing the district launch day for staff. The committee reviewed the plan and offered feedback on student outreach, representation on advisory bodies and scheduling of learning walks. The presentation and discussion were informational; no committee vote was required. The plan is structured in three phases. Phase 1 (relationship building) was extended to Sept. 30 and Cushing said he had met about 70 staff and community members so far. Phase 2 will review systems and structures including special education budgets, student data and a facilities review. Phase 3 (Feb. 1 to June 30) focuses on curriculum learning walks, superintendent advisory councils and continued community engagement. Committee members asked for more clarity on how student advisory councils will be constituted, to ensure voices beyond highly engaged students are included; Cushing said he will revise the plan to emphasize broader, less formal pathways for student input and noted he plans to interview seniors and spend time in cafeterias and at dropoff and dismissal to meet a wider range of students. Several members urged intentional outreach to underrepresented students and suggested in‑school events or lunch‑table conversations as low‑barrier options. Cushing said he will publish a branded version of the plan on the district website, will schedule group meeting times for parents and community organizations, and will circulate opportunities for short meetings when feasible. He also said he will rotate a full school day in each building at least once per week to directly observe school operations. The plan references the New Superintendent Induction Program (NSIP) run by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; Cushing said most new superintendents (about 90%) enroll in the three‑year NSIP cohort. Committee members recommended the superintendent identify and publish community partners and existing programs the district can use for student support and cessation/diversion services tied to other policy work. The committee did not take formal action on the plan at the meeting; Cushing said he will incorporate the suggested edits and return the plan as part of the district records and in a future memo.