1:03:08
How We're Changing Somersworth Schools (Starting Now)
Coruway Film Institute
Overview
This video outlines a critical juncture for Somersworth Schools, highlighting a perceived crisis in public education and the urgent need for community involvement in reimagining the district's future. Superintendent John Sheay and Mayor Matt Girtin present data on student performance, financial challenges, and systemic issues, emphasizing that the current educational model is outdated and under attack. The meeting serves as an initial step in a multi-stage process to gather community input for redesigning the school district, with a focus on creative solutions within existing budgetary constraints. The speakers stress the importance of community participation to ensure a high-quality, equitable education for all students.
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Chapters
- The meeting is part of a commission to reimagine and redesign Somersworth School District, encouraging 'outside the box' thinking.
- Attendees are asked to identify themselves using colored cards based on their connection to the school system and residency.
- The core message is that Somersworth schools, and universal public education in New Hampshire, are in crisis and under attack.
- Community support, ideas, and backing are crucial for navigating these challenges.
This sets the stage by establishing the purpose of the meeting and the critical need for community input in addressing the school district's challenges.
Attendees holding up green, yellow, or red cards to indicate if they are parents with children in the school system, Somersworth residents without children in the system, or non-residents.
- State standardized test results show low proficiency rates, with significant percentages of students underperforming.
- Somersworth ranks in the middle to lower percentiles statewide for these tests.
- Key contributing factors to underperformance include the district's economic disadvantage and significantly lower state funding compared to other districts.
- The goal is to improve with existing resources rather than increase taxpayer burden.
This chapter grounds the discussion in data, illustrating the tangible academic challenges and financial realities the district faces, which necessitate a reevaluation of current strategies.
The mayor presents data showing that approximately 29% of students are proficient in state standardized tests, with 26% in the first tier of underperformance and 45% in dramatic underperformance.
- Staffing challenges and 'reduction in force' (RIFF) notices have been a recurring issue for over a decade, indicating a persistent problem.
- A news clip from 16 years prior shows a similar situation of teachers being put on notice, highlighting a 'Groundhog Day' cycle of crises.
- The process of issuing RIFF notices demoralizes staff and creates uncertainty about future employment and benefits.
- The community reaction to these notices demonstrates strong support for teachers and a desire for transparency.
This section reveals the long-standing nature of the district's problems, emphasizing that current issues are not new and that past approaches have not resolved them, thus underscoring the need for a new strategy.
A news report detailing how 155 educators in Somersworth received RIFF notices, causing community outcry and a city council meeting where parents and students pleaded for reconsideration.
- Despite challenges, Somersworth schools have many strengths, including dedicated teachers, staff, and a consistent set of values like integrity and compassion.
- The 'Hill Topper Promise' outlines these core values, taught from kindergarten through 12th grade.
- The district offers strong career technical programs, AP classes, and has seen students accepted into Ivy League colleges.
- Community support for sports teams and a general atmosphere of inclusivity and support for diverse students are significant assets.
This provides a balanced perspective by acknowledging the district's positive attributes and dedicated community, showing that the reimagining process aims to build upon existing strengths.
Mention of students attending Ivy League colleges and state champion sports teams (football, volleyball) as evidence of student success and community support.
- The US education system, designed over a century ago, is considered obsolete and inefficient for modern needs.
- Decades of reform efforts have yielded little progress, further hampered by economic downturns, epidemics, and technological shifts.
- A significant portion of students are disengaged, facing academic and mental health challenges, exacerbated by the rise of generative AI.
- The principle of universal public education itself is under attack through chronic underfunding and state-level initiatives that undermine its foundation.
This chapter articulates the systemic and philosophical threats to public education, framing the local challenges within a broader national context and highlighting the urgency for action.
The state of New Hampshire is described as a 'test state' for attacks on public education, with the state government arguing in court that it has no duty to support public education and offering financial incentives for homeschooling that divert funds from public schools.
- The commission's charge includes examining data, identifying priorities, assessing strengths/weaknesses, understanding budgets, and recommending solutions.
- The process emphasizes community input and creative reimagining, not just incremental improvements.
- No decisions have been made; community feedback is essential for guiding future actions.
- The next steps involve interactive sessions where community members will work in groups to brainstorm ideas for redesigning K-12 education, high school, facilities, and partnerships.
This outlines the structured approach the district is taking to involve the community in developing concrete proposals for the future, ensuring a collaborative and informed decision-making process.
Four breakout group topics are presented: 'Redesigning the K-8 Blueprint,' 'Reimagining High School,' 'Using Community Resources for Education,' and 'Partnerships.'
- The community is urged to participate actively, share ideas, and encourage others to get involved.
- The goal is to move beyond incremental improvements to boldly reimagine and redesign education in Somersworth.
- The district aims to leverage its size and community spirit to create a model for universal public education that prepares all students for success.
- The ultimate vision is for Somersworth to be a place where every student receives a quality education equipping them with essential skills and values.
This concludes with a powerful vision for the future, emphasizing the potential for Somersworth to lead by example in strengthening public education through community collaboration and innovative thinking.
The superintendent expresses hope that Somersworth can 'get universal public education right' for its students, equipping them with math, literacy, tech, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills, alongside integrity, compassion, and respect.
Key takeaways
- Somersworth schools are facing a crisis driven by outdated educational models, underfunding, and systemic challenges to universal public education.
- The district's future hinges on community involvement in a deliberate process of reimagining and redesigning educational approaches.
- Data on student performance and financial constraints highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions.
- While facing significant challenges, Somersworth schools possess inherent strengths, including dedicated staff, strong community values, and pockets of excellence.
- The 'reimagining' process is distinct from standard strategic improvements and requires bold, creative thinking from the community.
- Active participation in upcoming sessions is crucial for shaping the future direction of Somersworth schools.
- The ultimate goal is to create a robust, equitable public education system that prepares all students for future success and responsible citizenship.
Key terms
Reimagine and RedesignMayor's CommissionUniversal Public EducationState Standardized TestsProficiency LevelsEconomic DisadvantageState FundingReduction in Force (RIFF)Hill Topper PromiseGenerative Artificial Intelligence (AI)Compulsory EducationBreakout SessionsK-8 BlueprintCareer Technical Center (CTC)Community Partnerships
Test your understanding
- What are the primary reasons cited for the current crisis in Somersworth schools?
- How does the district plan to involve the community in the process of reimagining education?
- What are the key performance indicators the school board will use to measure progress?
- Why is the principle of universal public education considered to be under attack, according to the speakers?
- What are the four main themes or topics for the community breakout sessions?