Superintendent's Message

 

February 5, 2020

Dear Learning Community,

There have been various rumors circulating about School Committee discussions regarding regionalization, or possibly combining our school with another school system. As a result, other school districts, and potentially impacted partners such as our bus company, have started to inquire about our plans. I write as School Committee chair to set the record straight that these inquiries are premature.

The Board of Selectmen, with School Committee agreement, had previously commissioned a study which was approved by Town Meeting vote in May of 2019. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of potentially combining with another district. The study was only a preliminary step, it completed late last year, and it was reviewed in public on Wednesday January 29, 2020. The study results were presented to both the Board of Selectman and the School Committee in open session in the high school auditorium. I cannot overemphasize that the results are preliminary and in no way represent School Committee intention or commitment to regionalize.

As indicated within the study’s "Next Steps" section of the report, if we are to move forward, or if we are to reject such an idea, we need to have a concerted community wide approach. To date, no such approach has been defined nor initiated. Community discussion is warranted and absolutely required as part of the process. We need to follow a plan that includes community input that is conducted through transparent mechanisms that engage you as members of our community. We want to hear your questions and concerns, and whether this is an idea that you feel the School Committee should realistically explore or not.

If you do not hear information directly from the School Committee, you can be assured there is most likely no relevant information to share. With your involvement, we are confident there will be no surprises, and no unclear messaging on this very important topic. The School Committee will ensure the recommended processes are followed and that there is every opportunity to work with, and through, the community.



Sincerely,

Aaron Sawabi, Chair

Ware School Committee

Access the report HERE