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New school leader outlines preschool changes, staffing shortfalls and goals for the year
Summary
Nahant’s new school leader told the committee that preschool registration was delayed while records were uploaded, that preschool classrooms will be grouped by age, and that special‑services staffing (notably an occupational therapist vacancy) is straining services; the committee also discussed transportation timing, facility fees and plans for a greenhouse and a three‑year strategic plan.
The Nahant School Committee on Aug. 19 heard a broad update from the school’s new leader, who described changes to preschool grouping, recent hires, ongoing special‑education staffing gaps and a set of priorities for the coming year.
The leader said preschool registration was delayed while student data were uploaded into the district portal, and that teachers will organize two separate classrooms by age — one for three‑year‑olds and one for four‑year‑olds — rather than the mixed‑age model previously used. She said the change is intended to match instruction to developmental needs and to comply with special‑education group‑size rules: classes may have up to 20 students unless more than five students require special‑education services, in which case the class size must be 15. The school is operating a waiting list when classes fill.
Why it matters: the reorganization affects where children will be placed this fall and the school’s ability to meet special‑education requirements and deliver targeted instruction.
The leader reviewed results from a staff survey (23 respondents) that highlighted school culture and behavior expectations as top priorities; those findings are shaping professional development, weekly teacher PLCs (professional learning communities) and an updated school improvement plan. She said intervention blocks and a designated interventionist backed by DSP (paraprofessional) time are being scheduled to provide more consistent special‑education support in classrooms.
Staffing: committee members and the leader discussed recent vacancies in special services, including an open occupational‑therapy (OT) position. Several support roles are budgeted as part‑time (roughly 18 hours), which limits benefits eligibility and may hinder recruitment and retention. The committee discussed reworking job postings, offering certification pathways for candidates without director certification, and — cautiously — combining roles (for example, director plus OT) to attract applicants, while noting potential workload and conflict‑of‑interest concerns.
Hires and spotlights: the school announced several recent hires and staffing moves, including a new technology hire (Fabian), a music teacher brought in last week to teach Thursdays and lessons, Nancy Pass for pre‑K, and several paraprofessionals including Cassie Jones and Olivia. A retired staff member is supporting the school part‑time to help continuity.
Operations and partnerships: the leader reported near‑completion of greenhouse wiring and plans to assign each class a raised bed so students can grow produce for the cafeteria, a small farmers market and local food banks. She recommended developing a three‑year rolling strategic plan and a five‑year maintenance plan to inventory boilers, roofs and other capital needs. Committee members urged that the strategic plan include measurable academic metrics (for example, multi‑year targets tied to math implementation) and noted concern about student attrition beginning in fourth grade.
Transportation and facilities: parents and committee members raised concerns that some students arrive at middle and high schools as early as 7:40 a.m. and wait outside until buildings open. Members asked staff to pursue staggered routing and later late buses so students participating in after‑school activities can use transportation. The committee also reviewed a proposed change to facility rental fees (for‑profit hourly rates discussed increasing from $50 to $65) and discussed residency verification and possible sliding scales tied to nonprofit operating budgets.
Technology and paperwork: the leader proposed an online application and rental form to reduce repetitive annual paperwork for families and suggested technology training for administrative staff. Members referenced state guidance on educational uses of artificial intelligence and encouraged targeted staff training.
Procedural items: routine items on the agenda included a motion to approve the June 24, 2025 minutes and a motion to approve a bill roll for routine fiscal items; both motions were moved and seconded on the record. A roll‑call vote is not recorded in the transcript.
The committee scheduled its next meeting for Sept. 2. The August 19 meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
