WEST SPRINGFIELD – West Springfield Superintendent of Schools Michael Richard received favorable comments throughout his review, the results of which were announced during the Dec. 12 School Committee meeting.

Richard earned a proficient rating from the committee, who lauded his professionalism and dedication.

“Overall Mr. Richard is doing an excellent job as superintendent,” Nancy Farrell, School Committee vice chair said, reading from the report compiled from school committee members’ feedback. “He has a strong work ethic. He continues to advocate for all students in West Springfield Public Schools.”

Farrell noted in the course of the evaluation, Richard gave evidence to support his professional practice and student learning goals were being met. The committee noted Richard met his goal of guiding the district through the eligibility and feasibility stages of its pursuit of a new Coburn Elementary School.

Also, for the areas that could be evaluated, Richard met his student learning goals relative to school and grade-level Composite Performance Index (CPI) and Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) on state-mandated assessments. The committee noted he had made progress in the district’s goal of increasing its CPI in science, technology and engineering from 79.5 to 81.8 in 2017 and to 84 in 2018. They could not, however, assess English language arts and math CPA scores for grades 3-8 due to changes in the test that did yield comparable data.

Richard was also assessed on four main standards – instructional leadership, management and operation, family and community engagement and professional culture. Richard received proficient marks in all of these areas.

Addressing instructional leadership, Farrell said, “Mr. Richard makes every effort to be an exceptional educational leader. He works closely with principals to ensure that teacher schedules allow for [professional learning communities]. He also provides evidence on engaging students with emphasis on subgroups, English language learners and special education. He provided the School Committee with evidence of professional development of inclusive practices.”

Farrell also said the committee noted Richard’s advocacy for an English language learning director and that he was also responsible for getting the district improvement plan was written and approved.

When surveying management and operation,  the committee found Richard worked with the chief of police, town council member and school committee members to increase communication between the departments.

Farrell also noted, “Mr. Richard sees the need for more school adjustment councilors to address the needs of our students. He advocated for this in the budget and continues to advocate for the position.”

In this area, one School Committee member suggested a safety subcommittee should be formed.

The committee found Richard to be very strong in the area of community and family engagement, making sure to mention his "In the Spotlight” programming on Channel 15.

“Mr. Richard started the District Spotlight so community members could see what is happening in our schools and to promote the schools to the community,” Farrell said. “This year he also has a show in the Spotlight where he interviews teachers, administrators, students and community members.”

The committee also commended his efforts to meet with parents to discuss concerns four time a year, however one committee member suggested he survey more students and families across all grade levels and schools.

The committee was also satisfied with the professional culture created by Richard, noting his strong communication skills and willingness to answer calls and emails in a timely manner. They also noted his direction of the new teacher induction program. One committee member suggested he could do more to communicate with the Town Council so they can better understand the district’s needs.