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Date: 8/2/2023
WARE — The School Committee met via Zoom on July 19 to welcome Bobbie French as a potential candidate for the new special education director position. French is a resident of Phillipston and has over 29 years of experience in education, including work in public, private, and Catholic schools.
“I want to prioritize emotional and mental health in schools for both students and teachers. I am passionate about this topic,” French said in her introduction. “I believe that it is essential for every student to be able to read by the third grade. Literacy is extremely important for opening doors for all of our students.”
While French wants to focus on these issues, she believes other areas are too centralized. Committee member Michael Foran agreed, stating that he appreciated French’s emphasis on reducing the stress placed on students and administrators by standardized tests such as the MCAS and SATs.
“At the end of the day, it’s only one piece of data. We want students to be able to learn and apply these skills so that when the tests come around, they feel confident about them,” said French.
“What attracted you to Ware?” asked committee member Brian Winslow.
“The small community feel that we have in Phillipston and Templeton. The difference is, Phillipston and Templeton are regional, and there is a bit of a divide because of it. I like where you know everybody’s name,” said French.
“What are your thoughts on post-COVID education? What should the focus be regarding the students?” asked committee member Aaron Sawabi. French again mentioned the importance of emotional and mental health after post-COVID-19 restriction learning.
“We need to adjust with the students and work with them. We need to make sure they are okay and that we are prepared if anything else happens,” said French. She mentioned how COVID-19 was traumatic for many students and that this trauma can last for years. French added that making students feel comfortable doesn’t stop there.
Committee member Julie Slattery mentioned that she was in favor of having a stronger focus on mental and emotional health and asked French what could be done to help with this and ensure a more respectful culture in schools.
“Teachers need to feel valued, honored, and like they belong,” said French. Similarly, she said that each student should be treated with the same respect. “Every single student should be greeted at the door every day. You could be the first adult that has spoken to them that morning.”
However, French recognized that issues of feeling excluded or ostracized can’t all be fixed with a simple greeting.
“Most of us from around here come from a dominant white male culture. We need to ask ourselves, ‘How can we look at things from a different lens,” said French. She then explained how all policies, procedures, dress codes, and attendance protocols must be accounted for when discussing a fair culture within the schools.
“Is there any bias in the curriculum? We need to ensure that every classroom has windows and mirrors for each student,” said French, alluding to the notion that every student should be shown representation in their classrooms.
Sawabi motioned for the committee to vote to recommend French for hire as the new special education director. The motion passed with all in favor.