Members of the ConVal School Board attended Peterborough’s Select Board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27, to discuss upcoming evaluations of the district and what the results might mean for the town.
The four members of the Peterborough ConVal delegation – Dick Dunning, Thomas Kelly, Janine Lesser and Kristen Reilly – detailed planned independent evaluations covering the district’s efficiency and effectiveness in both the educational and financial realms.
“The ultimate goal would be to bring information to the community,” Dunning said. “We can make decisions based on what each option looks like, educationally and financially.”
The school board issued a request for quote to find an independent evaluator to to explore whether the tax burden is being used and distributed properly, and how that is affecting academics in ConVal’s 11 schools.
Both sides voiced optimism about the relationship between the town and district, noting that they are both serving Peterborough residents and hope to maintain communication, especially after last year’s petition for Peterborough to leave the district.
“I think the petition article was a positive thing,” Dunning said. “It was a wake up call.”
One of the concerns that both boards hope the evaluations will address is the region’s changing demographics. Projections five years out show continuing trends of Peterborough’s population aging and getting smaller.
“I feel very positive that we’re heading in the right direction,” Dunning said. “But we need to keep the ball rolling.”
Selectman Tyler Ward wanted to highlight the staff at ConVal schools, saying his son’s high school teachers and guidance counselors were exemplary. Selectman Barbara Miller said the same of the education her grandchildren are getting at South Meadow and Dublin Consolidated School.
Next week’s Selectmen’s meeting, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, will feature ConVal Superintendent Kim Saunders.