Commissioner signals renewal of Southbridge turnaround plan; committee says renewal not synonymous with prolonged receivership
Summary
Chair told the committee Commissioner Pedro Martinez sent a letter indicating intent to renew the district's turnaround plan for up to three years. Committee members said they will continue working with the commissioner and partners to complete action items aimed at exiting receivership and emphasized renewal does not necessarily mean three more years in receivership.
The chair of the Selfridge School Committee announced on Nov. 18 that the district received a letter from Commissioner Pedro Martinez indicating he intends to renew Southbridge’s current turnaround plan for up to three years.
The chair said committee members, the superintendent, the DESE representative and town councilors met with the commissioner on Friday to discuss the plan and that the committee will continue to work with municipal and state partners, and with MASC trainings, to complete action items aimed at exiting receivership. The chair emphasized the three‑year turnaround plan renewal does not automatically mean the district will remain in receivership for three additional years.
Committee members expressed concern and asked for continued engagement and direct answers from the commissioner; one member said the full committee should meet with the commissioner to press for clarity and next steps. No formal vote on the plan occurred at the meeting; the announcement was informational and committee leaders said they will pursue additional meetings and action items.
The transcript records the chair referencing the commissioner’s letter but provides no statutory citation, implementation timeline beyond the three‑year renewal note, or formal committee action on the renewal.
