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Date: 10/5/2022
LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow School Committee appointed two of its members to the Middle School Building Committee at its meeting on Sept. 27.
Longmeadow Public Schools (LPS) Superintendent M. Martin O’Shea explained to the School Committee that the responsibilities of the Middle School Building Committee include “vetting” the scope and budget for the project and members of the committee provide input and insight into the creation of the middle school educational program.
O’Shea said that serving on the Middle School Building Committee is a “significant commitment” of time and work over multiple years, although he acknowledged that it is expected that some members will change as circumstances and town board memberships change. School Committee Vice Chair Mary Keane and member Zachary Verriden both stated that, while they were interested in contributing to the work, the time commitment was not feasible. O’Shea told the committee that there were several ways members of the community could contribute to the project throughout its course.
School Committee Chair Nicole Choiniere and member Julie Morgan volunteered for the positions on the Middle School Building Committee.
Aside from Choiniere and Morgan, the School Building Committee is comprised of O’Shea, four community members – two appointed by the Select Board and two by the School Committee – Select Board Chair Josh Levine, Town Manager Lyn Simmons and several school department and town-appointed officials who will serve in a non-voting advisory capacity.
Superintendent goals
O’Shea reviewed and took committee comments on his goals for the 2022-2023 school year.
“Last year taught us that we really need to ensure that we have an aligned approach to social-emotional learning (SEL) and to supporting the mental health needs of students,” O’Shea said. To that end, O’Shea committed to identifying an SEL program that can be adopted throughout the district.
As part of the district’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, O’Shea discussed plans to work with the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator from the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative on areas such as policy review, data examination, focus groups for feedback from families and students of color, and hiring practices.