HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM – A new form and procedure for accepting school transfers was reviewed by the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional (HWRSD) School Committee on Dec. 1, after receiving approval from the district’s legal counsel. Transfers across town lines had been a major complaint during the lawsuit between Hampden and HWRSD that was settled in October 2021 and addressing the process for transfers was a part of the suit’s settlement.

Superintendent John Provost outlined the new procedure, noting transfer requests must be made between Jan. 3 and March 1 to be eligible for the following school year. Extenuating circumstances would allow for transfer requests outside of that window on a case-by-case basis.

After School Committee Vice Chair Maura Ryan raised the question of emailing the form and School Committee member Bill Bontempi asked about electronic signatures, fellow School Committee member Sean Kennedy suggested uploading the form to the website so parents can easily find, access and submit the document.

Bontempi considered divorced or otherwise separated parents who may have different plans for which school their child attends. He asked that language be included to indicate the form must be filled out by the “primary parent,” which the superintendent clarified to mean the parent who is legally in charge of the child’s educational decisions. Provost said transfers are not the only area affected by such disagreements. While “challenging,” he said the district’s efforts are on reaching a consensus.

The topic was tabled to tighten up some language and address the “primary parent” issue.

New SROs

Two new school resource officers (SRO), Wilbraham police officer Daniel Ryan and Hampden police officer William Jaques, were introduced to the School Committee. Ryan, who has replaced Daniel Menard as the Wilbraham Police Department’s SRO, said he attended Minnechaug Regional High School and Menard “inspired” him. While a member of the Southwick Police Department, Ryan said he originated an SRO program based on the one used in HWRSD.

Jaques will work part time as the SRO at Green Meadows School. Until now, the K-8 school did not have anyone in that position.

Provost thanked Menard for his over 20 years of service as an SRO for the district’s five schools in Wilbraham. “He will be missed,” Provost said.

Curriculum Councils

Provost presented the School Committee with a job description for the curriculum councils. He explained that there will be four councils – one each for math, English language arts, science and related arts. Two councils will run for two years at a time, after which the councils for the other two areas of study will begin their work.

Every council will be composed of two teachers from each school and the positions will be compensated with a stipend. Caruana later suggested that one member of each council be a special education teacher. Provost commented, “I think that is a great idea.”

New position

The district is in the second extension of a three-year School Violence Prevention grant from the federal Department of Justice. Under the program, HWRSD must complete all projects by Dec. 31, 2023. Director of Safe Schools/Healthy Students Gina Kahn proposed a “very part time and very temporary” position to coordinate the projects and ensure their completion.

Kennedy asked if current district personnel were eligible for the position.

“Possibly,” Kahn said, but emphasized that the right candidate would “understand school safety” and have some knowledge of the projects on which the district has been working. The position was approved.
Superintendent update

During the superintendent’s update, Provost said his entry plan into the district was focused on the elementary level this week. He said that kindergarten teachers are working hard to implement the math and English language arts curriculum adopted by the School Committee in June. Provost shared that kindergarteners had learned the alphabet and could correctly use basic literary terms. They also were able to identify and draw shapes, and he had a conversation with a young student who could compare and contrast cones and pyramids.

Provost said the district will soon be receiving quotes and proposals for an equity audit, a part of the HWRSD’s Strategic Plan. He said the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team would play a role in the process.

Finally, an upcoming family reunification drill will be conducted at Green Meadows School. Provost said the entire district will benefit as the preparations have been shared with the other schools.