News&Notes from the Superintendent

“Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia

This quote serves as a profound reminder that growth and transformation are at the heart of education. For educators and families, this quotation encapsulates the essence of encouraging curiosity and resilience in our students. While recognizing that change can be difficult and often requires patience and perseverance, embracing it as a natural outcome of learning empowers our students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. We try to nurture a mindset that celebrates continuous improvement and adaptability, and to create an environment where learning becomes a journey of personal evolution. As we support each other in this mission, we not only inspire our children to reach their greatest potential but also lead by example, showing that the pursuit of knowledge can be a lifelong adventure of change and self-discovery.

Please find below this week’s updates & events happening in our District ~

Last week, Julie Kelley, Research Analyst for the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) provided the update that the Department of Revenue (DOR) has posted the August state revenue report, and that the FY25 revenue continues to run below benchmark. She quotes from the report that "..preliminary revenue collections for August totaled $2.622 billion, $192 million or 7.9% more than actual collections in August 2023, but $14 million or 0.5% below benchmark." Ms. Kelley will continue to update us on the status of the state revenue picture but cautions Districts to remain conservative with expenditures until state revenue turns around.

This time of year, also brings reminders of important reporting deadlines for Districts, and the FY24 End of Year Report (EOYR) has a filing deadline of September 30, 2024. The Business Office will be working to complete this on behalf of SBRSD.

Here are some other important items to highlight:

Our facilitators have been appointed to lead our new Task Force Initiatives and are in the process of scheduling the initial meetings. There is still time to lend your voice to either one!

• Cell Phone Policy Task Force – Facilitators: Jesse Carpenter and Charles Miller, with support from Julie Dolan.
• Improving Attendance Task Force – Facilitators: Julie Steuernagle and Paul Sullivan, with support from Sandi Hubbard.
  

If you are interested in participating on either one of these Task Force Teams please send my Executive Assistant, Michelle Castellano, at mcastellano@sbrsd.org, a message expressing which group you would like to join. We thank you in advance for your interest!

**** IMPORTANT DATE UPDATE****

• We will be hosting a Candidate Forum to introduce and get to know those community members running for a seat on the SBRSD School Committee this November. This forum will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:00 pm in the TACPAC. We are excited to share that our students will be hosting and facilitating this meeting for our school community – please join us!

• On October 16th—We will also be hosting a Flu and COVID vaccine clinic in the Mount Everett cafeteria from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required: home.color.com/vaccine/register/tritown

To review the 2024-2025 Budget Information, please see the District website at https://www.sbrsd.org/documents/district/budgets/fy25-budget/567699 .

Things are in full-swing and my door is always open to the students which is, of course, my favorite part of every day! I have already received invitations to read at NMC and SE and, I just can’t wait!

Already this week is off to a great start with today’s menu featuring the famous orange chicken – a fan favorite! I also was able to see some Volleyball last week as well as a half of a soccer game! The looks on their faces when I comment on a great play they made makes it all worthwhile - I know how much it means to them to know they are loved and supported.

It's almost time for the Superintendent's Advisory Councils to begin, and I can't wait to see what this year brings!

The Core/Implementation Team is actively building out our BerkStudio model, and we are working with our coaches and Transcend partners weekly. I had the opportunity to meet with the Managing Partner, School Design and Partner, School Design Services to finalize our goals for the year with Transcend.

Our first Community Team meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 8th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm - more details to follow!

To learn or become a part of this incredible community focused initiative please find the link here at https://www.sbrsd.org/page/transcend-partnership.

Please check the event calendar regularly as it will keep you up to date as will the weekly notes from the Principals.

Take a look at our Early College course offerings below! Do you see a class that interests you? Talk with our Early College Coordinator, Lindy Marcel, and enroll now!

Interested in learning more about our Early College program? Visit our website!

Innovation Pathways offers opportunities for students to explore cutting-edge technology and in-demand fields! The program emphasizes real-world skills through career-focused experiential learning. Participants connect with industry mentors, go on field trips, get set up with internships in their areas of interest, and more!

Mount Everett currently offers two technical pathways in Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology.

To learn more about our Innovation Career Pathways please use the links below! To express interest in learning more about Innovation Pathways please use our form - Expression of Interest Form

Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns as I welcome the opportunity to hear from you.

Best,

~ Dr. Beth Regulbuto, Superintendent of Schools