BEVERLY — With a new superintendent and a soon-to-be-opened new high school, the Beverly Public Schools are embarking on a new era. And school officials are seeking help from the community on how to proceed.
Superintendent Marie Galinski and the School Committee are looking for volunteers to assist them in developing a long-range plan for the district.
Volunteers are needed to serve on a large Strategic Planning Committee and four working subcommittees, as well as to participate in focus groups.
"It's the perfect time to do it," School Committee President Annemarie Cesa said. "With a new superintendent and a new building coming on line, this is the right time for this to be done."
School officials say they are looking for a "wide and diverse" representation of the community to help, including parents, school staff and administrators, alumni, high school students, major benefactors, and business and community representatives.
The planning committee and the four subcommittees will meet biweekly for six to nine months beginning in September. The subcommittees will gather and review information in four areas — class size, facilities usage, consolidation/outsourcing and technology.
The focus groups will take place throughout the city early this fall.
"Some people just don't agree with the way we're moving, and we want them to have a place at the table to have some input in this," Cesa said. "I want people to feel that their voice is being heard. Developing a strategic plan is something we've talked about at Beverly Public Schools since I joined the School Committee seven years ago."
Anyone interested in serving on a committee or attending a focus group should contact Donna Bergeron at dbergeron@beverlyschools.org before Aug. 10.
School officials ask that you include your demographic background and contact information; role in the community (parent, employee, alumni, etc.); prior school district committee experience; expertise that you would bring to the committee; availability; and commitment for meetings.
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or by e-mail at pleighton@salem news.com.
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