School Committee Meeting Update and Opinion 2-9-09
At tonight’s meeting, the School Committee had a sobering discussion about the CAG report with members of the CAG Education Committee. Questions focused on the structural deficit, the decline in education here in Newton, best practices and communities we should emulate/investigate.
The idea of better communication with the public was mentioned several times. Recommendations on how to do this included better use of the website and a more transparent decision-making process that clearly delineates the trade-offs that need to be considered. I would also add the need to educate Newton residents about our education system.
In order to fully understand the complexity of each decision, people need to learn more about the different parts of Newton Public Schools and how they interact and affect each other. Regarding methods, we need consistent, frequent, and direct communication. If NPS could gather families’ email addresses along with emergency numbers at the beginning of each year—an idea I hear floated by parents frequently—it could send regular (every two to three weeks?) information and updates directly to parents, as well as keep a library of these emails on its website. Armed with more information, we can all better understand and participate in discussions of priorities and values.