BEVERLY — Thursday's assembly — an event long known as the State of the Schools address — changed this year to "An Evening of Accomplishments" to highlight some of the district's positive changes over the last year.
The night has traditionally been a chance for the superintendent, along with city officials, to provide the public with a financial overview of the school district.
But in today's economy, most people are aware of the decline in state funding each year, and the concrete numbers that determine program cuts and layoffs usually aren't available until March, said Paula Colahan, president of the Citywide Parent-Teacher Organization, which hosts the annual event.
"State of the Schools can give the impression we have some budget information," Colahan said, "and we never do. We haven't for the last five years."
However, Superintendent James Hayes said he'll do his best to provide a financial outlook anyway, in about 15 minutes.
"That still is my responsibility," he said. "I think I'll be able to characterize it."
If he has any numbers, they want to hear them, Colahan said. But for the most part, the evening will focus on aspects like more Smart Boards (computerized chalkboards) in classrooms, the new playground at North Beverly Elementary School, and the results of last year's redistricting with the closing and change in use of the McKeown Elementary School building.
Based on feedback from the community, the PTO decided to take a more hands-on approach by hearing from those directly involved with the schools. Mayor Bill Scanlon and Rep. Mary Grant were invited, but won't be speaking. Instead, the public will hear from School Committee members, administrators and teachers from each of the seven public schools.
"We really want to hear about the programs their schools are doing, that some of the other schools might not know about, or might want to replicate," Colahan said.
The public will also hear from School Committee President Annemarie Cesa and keynote speaker Assistant Superintendent Marie Galinski, who will talk about MCAS standardized testing.
Colahan will also weigh in with an update on how much money the PTO raised in the last year and what it was spent on.
"This is an opportunity to hear about the great things going on in the schools," she said, "before we hit the budget season."
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salem news.com.
Get up to date
What: "An Evening of Accomplishments," presented by the Beverly Citywide PTO
Where: Briscoe Middle School auditorium
When: Thursday, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Refreshments and coffee reception from 6:30 to 7:30
Snow date: Feb. 5
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