The Daily News asked its readers to submit questions for the Newburyport mayoral candidates. Here are the candidates' answers.
Question: What specific power does the mayor's office wield to influence the success of Newburyport's schools? As mayor, what are three policies or issues you will address to improve our schools?
Donna Holaday
The mayor serves as chairman of the School Committee with specific powers related to these meetings established in the Rules and Regulations of the Newburyport School Committee (rev. 2007). I believe the mayor has an obligation to be well-versed in education policies and practices and advocate for the district's needs at a local, state and federal level to continually improve the quality of our schools.
The three issues I would address:
1. Time on learning at the NHS — State mandate requires secondary schools to provide 990 hours of "time on learning." Currently, NHS provides only 820 hours. A self-study team has been reviewing this issue to prepare for accreditation. This must be addressed with changes in the current block schedule implemented in the fall of 2010.
2. Foreign language at the middle school — This is also a high priority issue and funding through grants, the NEF or other fundraisers must reinstate foreign languages at this level.
3. Strategic planning — The five-year plan was developed this past year with broad representation from across the community to continue the forward movement of our schools. Annually, this plan must be reviewed, updated and funded to the highest level possible.
James Shanley
As mayor, a priority for me would be selecting a new Superintendent. I would work with the Search Committee and the School Committee to make sure that we hired the strongest candidate.
The mayor will continue to have considerable influence when it comes to Newburyport's schools. While the Education Reform Act sets a foundation budget, it does not set a cap. The School Committee and the Superintendent develop the school budget, but it is the mayor who presents the school budget to the City Council for approval. Additionally, the mayor has a seat at the table when school employee contracts are negotiated and can have a direct role in shaping these contracts.
Relationships with leaders on Beacon Hill are critical when applying for School Building Authority funds. A mayor with constructive relationships at the state level can make a difference in obtaining funds for school-building rehabilitation.
A school building-need analysis must be done so that we can ensure we have schools that are safe, healthy and provide the greatest opportunity for our children.
I would also encourage the schools and the Youth Services Department to adopt a complementary approach to helping our children engage in healthy, active lifestyles.
If you have a question for the candidates, send it to jmacone@newburyportnews.com. The election will be Nov. 3.
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