Press Release distributed by the Superintendent of Schools:
Last spring, the Superintendent of Schools announced the formation of an Elementary Building Use Task Force. The charge of the Task Force is to identify options and priorities regarding the utilization of elementary space, and conduct a cost/benefit analysis for each option to ensure an equitable, high quality educational program for all students. In the coming years, should Wayland experience a sustained increase in growth, we will approach a crossroads. In such a situation, we want to be well prepared to discuss the pros and cons of any changes in grade configuration or building usage at Claypit Hill, Happy Hollow, and/or Loker. If the time comes that we are compelled by increased enrollment to move in a new direction, we would be well advised to have a plan in place. The Task Force is going to help us develop that plan by recommending various options to the School Committee. The School Committee, in turn, will weigh these options and make any needed decisions.
The Elementary Building Use Task Force held its first meeting on Monday, September 10. It is composed of a diverse and talented group of parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and a school committee member. From Claypit Hill, they are: Moira Breen-Smith (Parent), Debbie Bearse (Principal), Bernadette Vanaria (Teacher), and John Penrose (Community Rep). From Happy Hollow, they are: Alexia Obar (Parent), James Lee (Principal), Kori Rogers (Teacher), and Tracy Scheidemantel (Community Rep). From Loker, they are Pam Cerne (Parent), Brian Jones (Principal), Kate MacDonald (Community Rep), and a yet to be named teacher. The remaining Task Force members are School Committee member Ellen Grieco, Assistant Superintendent Brad Crozier, Student Services Director Marlene Dodyk, and Superintendent Paul Stein.
The Task Force’s first order of business is to make sure that we offer opportunities for community input. To that end, we have scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, October 24 from 7:30 until 9:00 PM in the Lecture Hall at Wayland High School (South Building). For the near future, we encourage any interested community member to send the Task Force an email (via Diane_Marobella@Wayland.k12.
