Superintendent Jeff Bruno reports progress on student learning; plans multiyear strategic plan

Dr. Jeff Bruno, superintendent of the Groton‑Dunstable Regional School District, said he has completed a draft of his entry findings and is preparing to begin work on a multiyear strategic plan that will align the district improvement plan with individual school improvement plans.

Bruno told the committee that internal benchmarks — including DIBELS, IXL and DESSA data — are helping the district connect teacher, building and district goals. He said progress has been made on student learning and professional practice goals, but a full multiyear strategic plan is behind his original timetable because of the demands of the budget process.

"I do have a draft, report of entry findings that's completed, and close to being or almost completed close to being ready to to share publicly," Bruno said. He said he expects to begin forming a planning committee of administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents in April or May and to work through the fall with a goal of producing a draft document later in the year.

Committee members asked about the evaluation timeline for Bruno’s year‑end review; the chair described a plan to compile evidence in April, provide materials to committee members for individual evaluations shortly thereafter, and produce a composite evaluation by late May. Bruno also said he has started a weekly communication to families and staff to highlight district activity and provide regular updates.

Committee members praised staff and highlighted resource challenges. "The overwhelming strength of this district is its teachers and staff," Bruno said, noting that staff have been "very good with kids" despite budget cuts.

The committee chair said she will schedule a workshop on the evaluation rubric in April or May to prepare members to complete individual evaluations.