Weston School Committee approves superintendent goals, $1.75M warrant amid curriculum and survey reviews

WESTON — October 25, 2021 — Weston School Committee hears Calkins reading rollout gains and a parent survey flagging high school stress. Country School Principal Erin McGuire and K-5 ELA specialist Catherine O'Dell reported that 90 percent or more of students at every grade level met or exceeded the district's BAS reading benchmark last year, that the kindergarten mid-year benchmark has been raised from Level B to Level D, and that fall intervention numbers in grades 1-3 have dropped sharply. Survey consultant Vicki Rakoff presented results from 731 households representing 1,202 students, with majorities rating schools "well or very well" but high-school parents reporting elevated stress, anxiety and depression — "openings to incredible conversations," she said. Superintendent Dr. Midge Connelly said high school pool-testing enrollment stands at 65 percent versus above 80 percent at lower grades. The committee voted 5-0 to approve the 2021-22 superintendent goals and a $1,755,314.40 warrant.