by Annie Collyer for the Newton-Kingston Taxpayers Association
On October 18, the Sanborn Regional School District (SRSD) School Board (SB) held a joint meeting with the Fremont School Board, whose students tuition in to SRSD High School. Much of the meeting focused on increasing cooperation between the Districts and other initiatives, all designed to improve outcomes for students.
One of the needs discussed is professional development, both vertically (between grades) and horizontally (within a grade) with focus on what teachers tell the Administration they want and need, rather than on what the Administration might think a good idea without consulting the teachers. Both members and Administrators agreed this approach makes the most sense. Research demonstrates teacher-identified and classroom-oriented professional development to be the most effective for improving student outcomes, NKTA wishes to note. Both SBs endorsed the intent to cooperate with professional development, so that all students benefit.
There was discussion on test scores and college and career trends in the SRSD. The Curriculum Coordinator Michael Turmelle discussed the math program that is being rolled out at the High School. Superintendent Ambrose pointed out that approximately 80% of Sanborn students go on to either 4-year or 2-year colleges or to technical schools for deeper career development following high school graduation, about the same as the state averages. This has been consistent over the past 10 years, per the New Hampshire Department of Education. High School Principal Stack stated that many students graduate already having earned college level credits due to our dual enrollment programs. Mr. Turmelle noted that our adult communities have 28-30% with 4-year degrees, while our students pursue college at higher percentages. The District subscribed to a data collection service three years ago, to track college success following Sanborn. It will take a number of years to accumulate enough data to measure results.
One key challenge is teacher turnover, where the SRSD loses 10-16% of its teachers on average every year. This past year, we lost 4 out of 8 math teachers to nearby higher-paying Districts. Possible solutions to the critical shortage areas, math and science, were discussed. Dr. Pam Brown has suggested, over the past two years, paying bonuses or higher starting steps to critical shortage teachers since they require more training than some other teaching concentrations. Taryn Lytle, Kingston, stated at this meeting that Timberlane implements such a program. Mr. Ambrose will investigate these possibilities for SRSD.
The complete video and official minutes of SB meetings are posted on www.SAU17.org. The Newton-Kingston Taxpayers Association (NKTA) seeks to inform the voters and taxpayers of our communities about key developments in our towns and District with articles such as this. NKTA has a mission to seek the best possible education and local government with the best and most efficient use of tax dollars. For more information on NKTA, please visit http://www.nkta.vpweb.com or our Facebook Page. Membership in NKTA is $20/family and supports our mission, carried out by unpaid volunteers.