Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
School officials outlined the FY27 budget timeline, said House 1 state figures will inform planning in January, and warned that special-education out-of-district placements (estimated $40,000–$200,000) and elementary building needs will drive multi-year capital decisions.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Student representative announced Victor Roman will teach Quinsigamond Community College dual-enrollment English; the committee congratulated the middle school principal on a principal-of-the-year award and heard updates about a new firefighter course, PBIS gains and the Aspen family portal.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Dr. Nadia Ward of Clark University told the Southbridge School Committee the district is piloting a five‑year, $2,000,000 Health Foundation grant that includes a ninth‑grade SEL curriculum (MAX), the My Peace mobile app for screening and care coordination, and sensory immersion rooms now in use on campus.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
The student representative reported a new unified basketball program started by athletic director Don Tier Ortiz that pairs student athletes and volunteers, praised community support and announced Thanksgiving pep‑rally traditions and gifted shirts from Southbridge Middle High School.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
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.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Chair announced Commissioner Pedro Martinez plans to renew the district's turnaround plan for up to three years; committee members said they remain committed to meeting DESE expectations and working toward leaving receivership, emphasizing continued collaboration with DESE and MASC.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Clark University and the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts are piloting a five-year, $2 million initiative in Southbridge Public Schools that includes a ninth-grade SEL curriculum (MAX), a counseling app (My Peace) and a sensory immersion room; early signs include fewer classroom removals and improved counselor engagement.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Superintendent Bill Metzger reviewed 2025 MCAS results and student‑growth metrics, said the district returned to pre‑pandemic math performance for grades 3–8, and stressed attendance as the primary lever for improving achievement.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) staff presented on in-district classrooms at Southbridge Academy, describing program structure, referral criteria, behavior supports, and data showing lower suspension and incident reports since the program began.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Southbridge Public Schools
The Southbridge School Committee voted to form a policy subcommittee (Martina Shay, Stephanie Rivers and Norma Chisnick) and selected Britney Davidson as the committee’s delegate to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees conference.