Hull High School Receives Positive NEASC Accreditation Report
School meets seven out of eight foundational elements, with curriculum development identified as area for growth
HULL - December 16 - Hull High School has received commendations from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in several areas, including its advisory program and community partnerships.
The NEASC notification letter, sent to Principal Robert Shaw, highlights the school's achievements following a visit that occurred approximately 18 months ago.
Superintendent Mike Jette shared the report's findings with the school committee at their December 16, 2024 meeting.
"There are eight foundational elements that are in the standards for accreditation and Hull High School is meeting seven of those," Jette said.
The commission commended the school for its well-developed advisory program, which helps students feel known and supported and provides opportunities for community service and social-emotional learning.
Other areas of praise included the variety of opportunities for students to showcase their learning, the use of formative assessments across disciplines to inform instruction, and community partnerships that provide significant learning opportunities.
The report also noted the school's commitment to developing curriculum maps to ensure clear expectations for teaching and learning.
However, the commission identified one area for improvement: the development of a written curriculum in a consistent format for all courses across all departments.
"Foundational element 2.2a... has not been met by the school and will be included as a priority area for growth," Jette explained.
The school has until Oct. 1, 2026, to submit its three-year report, which should show the curriculum development to be in the "mid to final stages of implementation," according to the NEASC letter.
Jette expressed confidence in the school's ability to meet this goal, noting that curriculum directors have been hired at the high school to begin this work.
School committee member Kyle Conley emphasized the significance of the positive report.
"It just remains really inspiring and just worthy of so many kudos to the great things that are happening at our high school," Conley said.
In other business, the school committee received an update on a recent Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) facility survey of Hull's school buildings.
The survey, conducted by professional engineers, gave high marks to all of Hull's schools. On a scale of one to five, with one being a brand new school and five indicating replacement is needed, Hull's schools consistently scored twos across the board.
"Overall, I just think it's really important that the school committee know that it was a great visit," Jette said. "Our crew that is taking care of the buildings and the overall planning that has been done by the district just shone through on that visit."
School committee chair David Twombly emphasized the importance of this positive assessment.
"I want the community to realize that you made a big investment in these schools and we are taking care of these schools," Twombly said. "We're the stewards of the money that was invested."
The committee also heard from its budget subcommittee, which has begun discussions on priorities and goals for the upcoming school year.
Subcommittee member Kyle Conley encouraged community input in the budget process.
"We're very open to thoughts and comments and feedback and encourage anyone who has contributions to make to either reach out to one of us or directly to Dr. Jette or Diane," Conley said.
The budget development process is expected to continue over the next several months, with multiple opportunities for public input and discussion.
The school committee concluded its open session by voting to enter executive session to discuss negotiation strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Hull Teachers Association.