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Southbridge School Committee unanimously approves phase-three plan to pursue end of receivership
Summary
The committee voted unanimously on May 12 to approve a phase-three plan developed with state input; the plan will be forwarded to the state commissioner for consideration as the district moves toward restoring local control.
On May 12 the Southbridge School Committee voted unanimously to approve a phase-three plan intended to advance the district's work to exit receivership and build local committee capacity, and to forward the plan to the state commissioner for approval.
"I endorse the proposal wholeheartedly," said Member Martina Shay during the discussion, praising the plan's clear dates, goals and project scope. The motion to approve was seconded and then carried in a roll-call vote.
The committee discussed how the timeline was developed with input from committee members, the receiver and Juan Rodriguez (a department representative), and noted outreach to municipal officials. Vice Chair Carla Dela Cruz Davala and other members said they used guidance from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and a former MASC president while assembling the timeline.
Roll-call vote: Norma Tisnik (yes); Martina Shay (yes); Carla Dela Cruz Davala (yes); Maria Torres (yes); Frank Kabinsky (yes); Stephanie Rivers (yes); Britney Davidson (yes). The committee recorded the approval and agreed to forward the plan to the commissioner for final consideration.
Why it matters: Committee members and the receiver characterized the vote as a procedural step toward returning local control; the plan sets dates tied to school operations (committee members noted the school-year opening date is in late August) and anticipates forming a building committee soon after local elections.
Next steps: The committee will send the approved phase-three plan to the commissioner for consideration, proceed with subcommittee work (policy and building), and continue coordination with the receiver and town officials to prepare applications and materials for state processes.
Sources: Discussion and roll-call vote at the May 12 Southbridge School Committee meeting; committee member statements recorded in meeting transcript.
