Mentoring lead proposes group-based mentoring, seeks grant funds and stipend split

Ted Norwick, who oversees the district’s mentoring program, recommended the board restore a separate mentoring stipend and shift from a one‑to‑one model to group‑based mentoring to reduce churn and preserve continuity as staff turnover occurs.

Norwick said a stable group model—mentors in cohorts of roughly eight to nine—would allow mentors to meet regularly and better address varying teacher experience levels. ‘‘When I got here… I had a one‑to‑one mentor. The following years that model grew and then turnover made it difficult to sustain those one‑to‑one relationships,’’ Norwick said.

Norwick also told the board he is finalizing grant writing and expects a grant award process that will likely guarantee about $12,500 to each school that applies; those funds would underwrite training, substitute coverage, and related mentor activities. The board placed the stipend split and mentoring model on a forthcoming agenda for approval.

No formal action to change stipends or accept grant funds was taken during the meeting; Norwick said he would finalize grant materials in April and return with details.