SPS wins International Award for Budget Excellence

I was delighted to learn recently that The Association of School Business Officials International awarded Springfield Public Schools the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and presentation of its 2010-2011 annual budget. This is the first time Springfield Public Schools has received such an award and I am extremely proud of our Budget and Finance Department, which is led by acting Chief Financial Officer T.J. Plante.

I know that budget documents aren’t always “exciting” documents to read, but I urge you to take a glance at the SPS 2010-2011. It has been online since May, following the School Committee’s adoption of it... If you haven’t yet had a chance to read through it, it is accessible at www.sps.springfield.ma.us/AboutOurDistrict.asp.

The budget overcomes a $16 million deficit yet protects classroom funding and class size. In addition, it emphasizes the school district’s mission to improve student achievement; and increases student allotment to schools from $75 to $85 per student. The 2010-2011 budget also includes funding that reinstates middle school sports, enhances reading enrichment programs as well as sustains all costs related to student safety and security.

Again, I offer very proud congratulations to the men and women of the SPS Budget and Finance Department. Your hard work has allowed all of us to shine!

Week's events give strength and encouragement

The occupation of the superintendency is as busy as ever and I continue to love the work. There were a few events this week that were especially meaningful to me, which I'd like to share.

Early in the week, I attended the Broad Prize announcement in New York City. The superintendents in attendance heard first hand some of the best and most promising practices currently taking place at five high performing school districts. These five districts were finalists for the Broad Prize, and as such they will share $2M in college scholarship dollars for their students. The example of Eli and Edie Broad in sharing their family's wealth to improve opportunities for urban public school students has affirmed my world view as to the possibilities of what we all can do individually and collectively in making a difference.

Later in the week, Mayor Sarno hosted a college awareness event to celebrate Springfield Promise, a college access program. During the event, several speakers, including SPS graduates now enrolled in college, shared their stories of leadership, perseverance, determination and hope with the Commerce High school students and others in attendance. My message to students was simple: dream big, set goals, work hard, stay focused and know that education does pay off.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Susan Taylor, editor emeritus of Essence magazine and founder of the National Cares Mentoring Movement. Ms. Taylor was the keynote speaker at the 2010 Through Her Eyes Girls Conference here in Springfield. Her entire message was powerful, yet what resonated most with me was her reference to Ghandi and his need to take time for himself in order to love others well. Her candor, ability to connect with the audience, offering of hope and encouragement of the human spirit was awe inspiring.

All three events helped shape the aspirations and educational opportunities of young people. As we continue the journey of improving our school system, it is important to remember, excellence is not achieved overnight; rather it is built one day at a time!

SPS: Dressed for success

By the time I became superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, the school uniform policy was already underway thanks to the commitment and great work of the School Committee. As I walk the halls and visit the classrooms of our schools, I am always impressed by how smartly dressed our students are. Sure, there have been some learning curves along the way. Principals have had the difficult task of striking just the right balance between monitoring students for proper attire while remaining focused on what matters most – classroom teaching and learning.

Recently, the School Committee amended the uniform policy to include very specific sweatshirt and cardigan options for high school students. This change was based largely on feedback from school administrators. The School Committee’s ongoing commitment to the SPS school uniform policy is part of the reason school districts throughout the region turn to us for advise, counsel and suggestions on this issue.

Community responds to new program

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the more than 400 parents who have already signed up for - and in many cases participated in - the recently launched Springfield Parent Academy.

The journey that has taken the Parent Academy from a concept to a reality has been an amazing one, filled with stories of commitment to and belief in the mission of the academy.

The fact that more than 400 people have already signed up is proof positive that our community was ripe for this unprecedented opportunity, which we believe will help strengthen our parents, our families, our students and our community. It has been made possible only through the hard work of many community organizations and will flourish only with parental engagement.

Once again, congratulations to all involved! To learn more about the Springfield Parent Academy and its free offerings, log on to www.SpringfieldParentAcademy.com.

College Month

This month is “College Awareness Month” in the City of Springfield. Throughout the year, the district continually offers college access programs and services in partnership with area colleges and universities, as well as community organizations; but this month, Springfield joins many cities nationwide in setting October aside as a distinct time for students of all ages to learn more about continuing their education after high school. “College Awareness Month” builds on pre-existing events that take place in October, such as the administration of the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and local college fairs, to spread the message of college awareness throughout the district. Many of our students do enroll in college after graduation, but the numbers are still too low. In June, 887 out of 1,200 seniors reported they had been accepted to college; and the Springfield Renaissance School graduated its first senior class in June with a 100 percent college acceptance rate. The national conversation and school reform efforts clearly articulate that every student graduating from high school is career and college ready. In a school district with an over 80% poverty rate, we must galvanize district and community resources to ensure that every child in SPS knows that college is a realistic option for all of our students.