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Easton names Dr. Pruett BICO representative; superintendent outlines grant and staffing priorities
Summary
At its July 16 meeting the Easton School Committee appointed new superintendent Dr. Pruett as the district’s representative to the BICO collaborative, heard that the district applied for a $120,000 early college grant, and learned of several new hires and internal promotions to strengthen curriculum, technology and EL services.
The Easton School Committee on July 16 voted to appoint Dr. Pruett, the district’s newly installed superintendent, as the town’s annual representative to the BICO/Bico collaborative.
Dr. Pruett, who told the committee he has worked in Easton for nine years, said he would serve as the district’s representative “pursuant to chapter 40, section 4E as amended, by chapter 43 of the acts of 2012,” and requested the committee’s approval. The motion to appoint was moved and seconded and passed by roll call.
In remarks to the committee, Dr. Pruett described district work closing the fiscal year and highlighted a pending grant application: “As of today, the Easton Public Schools has submitted an application for a $120,000 early college grant through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,” he said, adding that if awarded the funds would expand opportunities for students to earn college credit and support an early college coordinator position.
Assistant Superintendent Anne Weintraub provided staffing updates the committee described as “very exciting.” Weintraub said Jessica Brittingham has started as director of instructional technology; Jeanne Baxter, an internal candidate with 30 years in the district, will begin as director of curriculum on Aug. 1; Eric Winchell will join as data specialist; and Beth Requena will move into an EL department head role as the EL program has grown to eight teachers and one paraprofessional.
Weintraub said the district created the EL department head position because the EL program had expanded substantially over the past three years and needed dedicated leadership. Committee members thanked the leadership team and congratulated the new hires and promoted staff.
The committee heard additional statewide context from Dr. Pruett: Governor Healey announced a proposed $100 million supplemental to help districts retain staff, which Dr. Pruett said would translate to about $112 per pupil on top of the FY27 state budget if approved by the legislature.
What happens next: Dr. Pruett and staff will continue grant work and report back to the committee; the appointment to the BICO collaborative takes effect immediately following the committee’s roll-call approval.
