Daniel Whalley

This School Improvement Plan outlines strategic priorities for the 2025-2026 academic year. The plan focuses on three main pillars: Attendance and Graduation, Curriculum and Instruction, and Culture and Climate. Key objectives include improving daily attendance rates, decreasing chronic absenteeism, maintaining a high graduation rate of 90% or higher, reducing course failures by at least 15%, enhancing instructional practices, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment through strong school culture and communication.

The strategic plan is designed to offer vocational-technical training in conjunction with a sound academic program. The primary purpose is to enable students to become productive and responsible members of the community by providing them with the knowledge and learning experiences that give them the options of securing gainful employment upon graduation, continuing formal studies at the post secondary level, or pursuing a combination of both. The plan focuses on academic and career expectations, social expectations, and civic expectations.

The 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan for Pathfinder Tech focuses on three key priorities: attendance and graduation, curriculum and instruction, and culture and climate. The plan aims to increase daily attendance rates to 95% by June 2025, improve chronic absenteeism rates for targeted subgroups, and maintain a 90% or higher 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. In terms of curriculum and instruction, the plan seeks to improve MCAS scores by moving students to higher achievement levels and implementing standards-based units and lessons. Finally, the plan aims to build a positive school culture through clear communication, positive relationships, and professional accountability, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. The plan utilizes data analysis, targeted interventions, professional development, and stakeholder engagement to achieve these goals.

The Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed a new optional Medicare Advantage Plan offered by MIIA and Blue Cross/Blue Shield for retirees over 65. The plan offers expanded coverage including access to any Medicare-accepting doctor, dental and hearing aid coverage, and vision coverage. The committee unanimously recommended the plan to the School Committee for approval.

The committee discussed adding a limited orthodontia coverage benefit to the current dental plan. Different coverage options with varying maximum benefit amounts and premium increases were presented. A key question addressed was whether all employees would have to pay the increased premium, even if they didn't use the benefit. The committee requested additional quotes for a second dental plan without orthodontia coverage to allow employees a choice and avoid paying for unnecessary benefits.