The School Committee has engaged in thorough analysis of potential administrative structures for our school system. Of the options, only the full-time superintendent model will enable our schools to continue their excellent growth and development.
A part-time model, with projected savings of $80,000, would be penny-wise and pound-foolish. This represents the cost of educating just six of our 1,260 students and less than 1 percent of the $11.4 million school budget. Small gains would be negated by long-term pain caused by insufficient time to focus on coordination across the schools/grades and our overall ability to consistently meet our student’s educational needs from kindergarten through grade 12.
The current administrative structure is thin by private sector standards and would be thinner using either a part-time or shared-service model. Those of us in the private sector understand the need for excellent, full-time management. A full-time, Harvard-focused structure will best allow our teachers to do their jobs and focus on students and curriculum. Let’s support the faculty in the best way possible.
A full-time superintendent would ensure progress in areas identified as critical by the strategic plan. Specific areas include technology, parent communication, professional development for faculty and critical thinking skills for our K-12 learners to be successful in the 21st century. A part-time superintendent would only have time to address tactical and operational issues, as validated by the largely operational arguments supporting the part-time model. Those arguments do not address long-term educational success for the children.
A full-time position would attract long-term commitment from experienced candidates. It would keep focus on Harvard issues without the distractions of another district. The model will enable us to grow our schools independently. It reflects our commitment to learning in the face of a fiscally challenging environment. It will strengthen Harvard longer-term.
Let’s use the critical thinking skills as identified by the Bromfield faculty to support a full-time superintendent. Such skills include avoiding generalizations/oversimplifications and thinking interdependently. Reach out to the School Committee now, or after the hubbub of the holidays, and show your support for the most effectively-resourced administration.
Robin L. Foley
West Bare Hill Road
