Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, March 13, 2020 Saugus Education Association President Lavoie addresses School Committee on Elementary Grade Configuration (Editor’s Note: Rick Lavoie, president of the Saugus Education Association, recently wrote this letter to the Saugus School Committee, sharing his and teachers’ concerns about the elementary school grade configuration.) I am reaching out to you all with this letter to share some thoughts that I have. At the end of January, the Superintendent held two public forums to discuss the need to shift the originally proposed grade configuration at our elementary schools. Shortly after that meeting, I shared a survey to the SEA membership at the Elementary level. I am sharing those results with you here. The survey was conducted anonymously and there were several portions that allowed for teachers to add their own comments. To protect the anonymity of those who contributed, I did not include the comments on the results … but I did want to highlight some of their thoughts and concerns with you … 72 teachers participated in the survey and 52 of them added additional commentary. That amounts Lawrence A. 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Here is a consensus of what they said: Roughly half of the comments spoke to the lack of communication around this topic. The survey results back this up with over 95% of Elementary teachers stating that they had not had a single meeting about the grade configuration with administration. Their comments, on communication, also expressed frustration that word of this configuration shift happened at a school committee meeting and was not communicated to staff. They also expressed frustration with having to attend a joint meeting of parents/teachers. The teachers feel isolated from important decisions. The original grade configuration of preK-2 and 3-5 was the next most frequent topic. The teachers explained that the skills of a 1st and 2nd grader are closer in alignment than those of a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. The MCAS beginning in third grade tends to add credibility to this statement. Teachers also commented on the resources used in their classrooms and how it is not uncommon for early elementary teachers to share resources based on the needs of students. First and Second grade teachers will no longer be housed together, and as such, will not be able to share resources. One teacher explained that Special Education laws prohibit students who are 48 months apart from sharing special resource rooms. Second and Fifth graders will need separate accommodations. I am not sure if that is an accurate statement or if the Belmonte layout allows for multiple rooms, but it should be explored. Lastly, the most frequent comment among those writing on grade configuration were teachers trying to find alternative solutions to this proposal. Teachers like to trouble-shoot. We need to do it constantly in our classrooms. Many teachers had alternative grade proposals in mind. Some of the ideas include keeping one of our current elementary schools open to serve as a PreK or a PreK-K school. No teachers said that the current proposal was their preferred option. The third most frequent topic was a mid-year move. Elementary teachers were shocked to see that they too would have to pack-up and move across town. Their concerns rest along the topics of MCAS testing (which would be disrupted by a midyear move), logistical questions, and the social emotional needs of our students. Many comments touched on several of those concerns. A particularly common thought was that we should slow down a little and do this correctly. Teachers wanted to be part of the conversation. While I, and I am sure the staffs, appreciate the public hearing, they wanted in at the beginning, but those opportunities were not presented to them. They are concerned that their classroom materials, largely purchased on their own, will be lost in the shuffle or discarded. The move is definitely increasing anxieties and weakening morale. Another issue that came up was the lack of understanding on what a STEAM academy reRick Lavoie SEA President ally is. The teachers understand the acronym, but have not been shown what their role in this academy might be. There has not been sufficient professional development on this and I personally am not quite sure if the description I’ve heard at meetings is accurate either. If the Belmonte design was to have three STEAM rooms with maker spaces, how does adding an additional 200 2nd grade students compliment the physical space? I have also spoken to many of these teachers. They are concerned and frustrated with this process. They feel as though it is a done deal already. I hope that this public hearing is not just a show, but that you all will listen to the concerns of teachers and parents. Based on the feedback that I’ve already heard, I know that the new grade configuration and move to implement are not popular. I know that your job is to do what you think is best for the students, parents, teachers, and community. I would humbly ask that you keep an open mind tonight and that you listen to those concerns. I hope you will ask if the architectural firm has any alternative plans or if we can explore the idea of keeping an older building online for now. Your election to the school committee came at a busy time for Saugus. So far, I have been pleased with the work the committee has done and I am optimistic that you will make the right choice. Thank you for your time.
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