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Date: 4/27/2022
SPRINGFIELD – After years of advocation, the Springfield School Committee and the district’s paraprofessionals reached a three-year contract agreement during their April 14 meeting.
Addressing the paraprofessionals undefined contract remained a critical discussion point throughout the pandemic. Several paraprofessionals highlighted the issue during the public speakout periods of School Committee meetings, while City Councilor At-Large Justin Hurst submitted a resolution during the council’s April 4 meeting that advocated for a resolution.
“I know the value of paraprofessionals. I know what they bring to the table. I know they ought to be paid for the work that they do,” said Hurst during the April 4 meeting. The councilor’s resolution received co-sponsorship from each member of the City Council.
When introducing the voting item during the School Committee meeting, Superintendent Daniel Warwick expressed his support for the city and paraprofessionals reaching an agreement.
“[We’re] thrilled to have this agreement with the paraprofessionals. The paraprofessionals ratified this at 95 percent, so it’s great to have this in place,” said Warwick.
Mayor Domenic Sarno briefly thanked the two sides for reaching an agreement. “Thank you to everyone involved,” said Sarno.
The new contract lasts until June 2024 and provides wages starting at $18 an hour for paraprofessionals.
The School Committee approved the paraprofessional contract in a unanimous vote.
Preschool Curriculum
The School Committee also reviewed changes to the district’s preschool (pre-k) curriculum model. While schools previously utilized Big Day for pre-k as a source for curriculum, Warwick said the school district is embracing a new model due to Big Day becoming “obsolete.”
Elementary Literacy Supervisor Kate Asher introduced the new curriculum model, Frog Street for pre-k. Asher explained the new program will address the expansion of pre-k throughout the district, with Frog Street set to be implemented over the next two years.
After undergoing a selection process during the year’s initial months, Asher stressed that Frog Street needed to meet certain requirements before its selection. The priority needs include supportive lessons for all learners and supporting students’ social/emotional learning.
The literacy supervisor also highlighted the program’s literacy instruction. “Literacy instruction focuses on all key areas of emerging literacy development, including vocabulary development, alphabet knowledge, concepts of print and written expression,” said Asher, who said the mathematics instruction offers similarly in-depth curriculum.
School Committee member Denise Hurst expressed support for the new program after previously discussing Frog Street in subcommittee meetings. “It’s a job well done and came out of subcommittee unanimously,” said Hurst.
The School Committee approved the new curriculum in a unanimous vote.
The School Committee will meet again on April 28.