At the April 1 School Committee meeting there was a Public Hearing on the MA School Choice Program, a presentation of the High Rock School Improvement Plan, and a 2026-2030 Strategic Planning Update.
Public Hearing on Massachusetts School Choice Program, School Year 2025-2026
- Under the MA School Choice Law, G.L. c.76, § 12B, all school districts in Massachusetts are presumed to participate in and to admit non-resident students under the Choice Program unless there is a vote to the contrary by June 1 each year. The law requires that a public hearing be held and that a resolution stating the reasons for withdrawing from the school choice obligation be stated as part of the resolution not to participate.
- The School Committee provided the opportunity for the public to ask questions and/or voice any concerns regarding the school choice program.
- On May 20, 2025 the Superintendent will make a recommendation that the Needham School Committee vote to withdraw from participation in the MA School Choice Program (Chapter 76, Section 12b) for the 2025-2026 academic year due to programmatic and space limitations.
High Rock School Improvement Plan
Jessica Downey (High Rock Principal) presented an update on the High Rock School Improvement Plan. Detailed slides and the School Improvement Plan can be found in the packet.
- School Climate & Sense of Belonging – District Survey Data Points
- Students ranking school climate favorably is lower today than in 2018 (64.2% v 60%) but sense of belonging is higher (56.4% v 61%)
- Students ranking school climate unfavorably is materially higher today than in 2018 (17.4% v 8%) and sense of belonging is flat (14% v 13.8%)
- Equates to 73 students ranking school climate as significantly lower than pre-covid, and 58 students feel like they don’t have a strong sense of belonging.
- Focus this year on getting school climate and sense of belonging to be stronger through:
- Next steps include:
- Homework in Middle School
- 6th and 7th grade students were surveyed regarding their homework requirements as a 5th, 6th and 7th graders
- District Priorities and Corresponding High Rock School Goals (Roadmap for the next four years)
District Priority: All students are drivers of their own learning.
Corresponding High Rock Goals: Implemented Universally Designed Learning methods, gathered student transition feedback, enhanced culturally responsive instruction, updated equity statements, and improved inclusive communication.
District Priority: All students experience integrative teaching and learning.
Corresponding High Rock Goals: Delivered an interdisciplinary lesson, aligned advisory curriculum with SEL competencies, and provided staff training in well-being, restorative practices, and behavioral management.
District Priority: All students will learn and grow within adaptable environments.
Corresponding High Rock Goals: Enriched student engagement through community events and author visits, and optimized learning time with restructured SLS blocks and an IXL challenge.
District Priority: Infrastructure that supports needs of all students.
Corresponding High Rock Goals: Actively participated in the middle school reunification project, collaborating with district leaders and gathering insights from other schools to inform our planning.
School Committee asked questions and engaged in a robust discussion.
2026-2030 Strategic Planning Update
Diane Simmons, Director of Strategic Planning & Community (retired) presented an update on the 2026-2030 strategic plan for Needham Public Schools. Detailed slides containing the proposed updates to the Portrait of a Needham Graduate can be found in the packet.
- Planning Process:
- Survey of staff and workshops with stakeholders revealed general endorsement of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Competencies and the importance of a shared vision but also many suggestions for edits to improve clarity of message.
- Portrait of a Needham Graduate (PONG) Strategic Planning 2026-2030 Priorities:
- Creative Thinkers & Problem Solvers
- Communicators & Collaborators
- Socially and Culturally Responsive Contributors
- Responsible & Resilient Individuals
- Empowered Learners
- Strategic Objectives for 2026-2030:
School Committee engaged in discussion about the proposed changes to the Portrait and Goals for the future.
The Next School Committee Meeting will be on April 15 at 6:30pm.