Pembroke School Committee Considers Strategic Plan, Reviews Special Education Progress
Special Education Department Reports Fewer Rejected IEPs, Improved Student Transitions
PEMBROKE - January 7 - The Pembroke School Committee is exploring the development of a strategic plan for the district, aiming to align goals across leadership levels and provide a clearer vision for the future. This initiative was discussed during the Jan. 7 meeting, where the committee also received an update on the Special Education Department's progress and challenges.
Superintendent Erin Obey presented the idea of creating a strategic plan, noting that the district has never had one in her 15 years of service. The plan would help articulate shared visions and goals, especially as new members join the committee.
"We have never had a strategic plan in the 15 years that I've been here," Obey said. "As we start to welcome new folks to the committee over the years, I think it's important that you all share some vision."
The proposed strategic plan would cost approximately $3,500 and involve a facilitator working with the committee for one or two days. The process would include focus groups, surveys, and data analysis to create a comprehensive plan.
The committee also heard a detailed report from Jessica DeLorenzo, Director of Special Education, on the Special Education Department's performance and compliance. DeLorenzo highlighted several areas of progress, including a significant decrease in rejected Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
"We have ranged in the 30s over even looking back to 21, 22 school year, it was still in that 30. So that is something I find a success," DeLorenzo said. The number of rejected IEPs has dropped from 39 to 7 this year.
Another success noted was the transition of 10 students from substantially separate programs to inclusionary settings over the past four years. DeLorenzo attributed this improvement to the addition of another strand in the transition program, allowing for smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction.
"We have been able to transition 10 students over the last four years out of substantially separate programs back into that inclusionary setting," DeLorenzo reported.
The department also maintains a high rate of inclusionary education, with 70% to 75% of students with disabilities in full inclusion models. This aligns with both department and state goals to educate students with their peers as much as possible.
However, challenges remain. The department is focusing on improving math instruction and curricular programming. DeLorenzo noted, "I'd like to look more at our curricular programming. We've done a lot of work on our reading programs at the K-8, especially, level, but just looking overall at the curricular programs we're using, especially in the area of math for direct instruction."
The committee discussed the potential benefits of increasing the number of special education teachers versus paraprofessionals. Committee member Susan Bollinger raised the question, "Is it possible that maybe like we could improve some of our scores if we had like put the dollars toward teachers rather than paras?"
DeLorenzo explained that while this is a consideration, it's also a matter of cost and logistics. "We've talked about before when we talk about like a co-teaching model, it's an expensive model. So when we're talking about replacing paras with teachers, it's like two paras for every teacher."
The committee also addressed the need for more parent involvement in the Pembroke Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC). Despite various efforts, including offering Zoom options and providing food, attendance at CPAC meetings has been low.
Obey also presented proposed language for the Athletic Handbook to state that no student, athlete, or coach will face penalties for forfeiting a game against a team that includes players of the opposite sex.
Committee member Patrick Chilcott brought up the issue, pointing to a recent incident at a different district where a female field hockey player was hurt by a male opponent. "I wanted our coaches to know they could forfeit that game without any backlash," Chilcott explained.
Athletic Director Brian Phillips has been talking about this issue with other schools in the Patriot League. While no other district in the league currently has a similar policy, there's interest in adding language to athletic handbooks.
The next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 21, will include a school safety conversation with local law enforcement officials.