Families and staff identify internships, early college, arts, wellness as district priorities

District leaders told the School Committee May 18 that a family stakeholder session held May 12 produced clear priorities families want the district to pursue.

Superintendent Tim McCormack summarized the session: participants — including leadership-team members, school committee members, alumni, parents and community representatives — ranked expanded internships and work-based learning first, followed by college and postsecondary partnerships (early college and dual enrollment), expanded arts and creative opportunities, outdoor and experiential learning, and additional career and technical education pathways.

Mr. McCormack said the discussion reflected strong overlap with teacher listening sessions and that the district will hold a follow-up family working session at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 to validate findings and invite broader participation. He also highlighted that the district had received $75,000 for an advanced manufacturing pathway this year and is eligible for an additional $50,000 next year to strengthen career-technical programming.

Administrators said actions under consideration include phasing in additional ICP/CTE pathways (EMS/EMT, CNA, firefighting, medical pathways), strengthening dual-enrollment and early-college partnerships with area colleges, and expanding arts and extracurricular programming. The district also plans to continue work on student wellness initiatives and to explore increased community and alumni engagement.

Next steps: district will circulate the May 12 findings and invite families to the June 2 working session to refine priorities and next steps.