CAMBRIDGE - In a special session on Thursday, July 11, the Dorchester County Board of Education elected new leaders, introduced a revised organizational chart, and approved a contract with Wilmington, Delaware based Transforming Lives, Inc., providing support for elementary and middle school students struggling in a traditional academic setting.
DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson counted the votes then congratulated new School Board President Sheri Hubbard and Vice President Talibah Chikwendu before going into closed session.
When the meeting opened again to the public, Hubbard, with Chikwendu seated beside her at the front of the room, proceeded with the scheduled agenda along with Thompson and member Chris Wheedleton.
As a new organizational chart, discussed in closed session, was presented for consideration and approval, Thompson wanted it noted that while Dr. Jodi Colman and Dr. Michael Collins had been promoted to Assistant Superintendent positions, neither would be receiving a pay raise.
Colman, director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, will be Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Student Services. Collins, director of operations and human resources, will be Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.
The contract with Transforming Lives, Inc., was also discussed in closed session with Dr. William Fuller, executive director of alternative education.
Thompson explained the program would operate in two locations, with 24 elementary students at the Sandy Hill Judy Center on Glasgow Street and 24 middle school students at New Directions Learning Academy on Cambridge Bypass.
“The program is designed to help our most struggling and needy students experiencing some behavioral challenges in an educational setting,” Thompson said.
But Thompson stressed the program is meant to serve youngsters needing it as a temporary stopping point to receive “the best services they can have, socially and emotionally, to build them to increase their academic progress and return to their own school.”
“We’re actually going to lose the term Alternative Education and figure out something more positive to use,” Thompson said.
He thanked Dr. Fuller for driving two hours to meet with the board and discuss any concerns they might have. He also thanked the board for asking tough questions “to make sure we’re getting the best quality services for the money we’re paying.”
The program, which will be called Positive Change Academy – Dorchester, runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, at a cost of $950,000 in 12 monthly installments of $79,166.
The detailed contract can be viewed on the Dorchester County Public Schools Website under Board of Education Agenda.
Prior to voting to approve the contract, each Board member offered supportive comments.
Wheedleton felt the program allied with the strategy of the overall district leadership. He also felt reassured at being able to monitor how it’s going.
“We know that we’re going to get to see how things are progressing throughout the year; that gives me confidence that it will be a great partnership,” he said.
Chikwendu wanted to thank teachers who had volunteered to participate in the program and get the training “to become better aware of how to help our students who may be struggling in these areas.”
Hubbard clarified that the program contract was for elementary and middle school students. High School students would still be served by Vision Quest Academy for the first half of the year, until the contract ends.
“Before it does, we will determine how to proceed, ” Hubbard said.
Referring to teacher training, Hubbard said, “that is one of the key components that I really like about this program. The directors, or people in charge, or instructors, whatever we want to call them, will be training our teachers, so that we will be able to do this on our own eventually, without having to look to a third party.”
Before adjourning, Hubbard added closing comments.
“I just want to say, as a board, we would like to thank the two members who recently resigned for their service and wish them well in whatever endeavors they choose to pursue,” she said.
Noting that there will be two newly appointed Board members sworn in at the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 18, Hubbard welcomed them in advance.
“I look forward to working together to help make Dorchester County Public Schools a place where students are safe and get the best education possible, where teachers look forward to coming to work and want to serve their entire careers here, and a place parent are happy to send their children, knowing we will do our all for them,” Hubbard said.
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