State of the schools: challenges ahead in 2010

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January 21, 2010

Superintendent gives yearly report to board

By Julie Huss

DERRY — With challenges ahead, and much uncertainty about future money issues, the state of Derry's schools is something everyone should be proud of.

That was the word given to School Board members last week as Derry Superintendent Mary Ellen Hannon offered a "state of the schools" report. Hannon said she wanted to get the information out about how the schools were doing, how students were succeeding, and where the district was heading in the future.

"We look at where we are, our accomplishments, and our challenges that lie ahead," Hannon said.

And accomplishments are many, as are the challenges facing the district, she added.

In her overview to the board, Hannon said the district currently is at approximately 6,236 students with enrollment fluctuating and changing on almost a daily basis. Staff at all the district's schools totals about 600. Hannon then focused on key points in her report including facilities, curriculum, personnel and technology.

For the district's facilities, several buildings received some work as school including roof work at South Range Elementary, and wallpapering projects in Derry Village, and South Range. Gilbert H. Hood Middle School received a major refurbishment of outdated restrooms, Hannon said, and the unused Floyd elementary still sits vacant and unoccupied, but is now heated in a minimal way to protect pipes as the temperatures plummet.

The district also installed surveillance cameras around the properties and Hannon reported vandalism issues have dropped considerably.

"This has been a great help to us," she said.

Hannon said for technology, the district is always working on ways to keep up to date with what's happening in the technology world while keeping students and staff trained, and ready to go on the latest equipment.

The district's technology plan has more than 1,300 computers being used, and technology plans include more staff training and upgrading servers and software, Hannon said.

Under personnel, Hannon said a new assistant principal, Stephanie Pike, took a position at Ernest P. Barka Elementary School and staffer Richard Flagg took a position working with at-risk Derry high school students.

The district still has challenges to face, Hannon said. A big hurdle to cross is the possibility Derry may face a possible $7M shortfall in the next few years due to a new educational funding plan. She said the public needs to know that work is being done to help solve this issue.

"We are not just waiting to see what happens," Hannon said. "We've [had meetings] with the governor and everybody is working to try and figure out what is in the best interests of this community and the state."

Hannon said in the end, it's all about the students and the quality of education they receive.

"No matter what the challenges are, it's always about our children," she said.