Hull Schools Off to Strong Start, Administrators Report

New Superintendent Outlines Entry Plan for District's Future

HULL, MA - September 9 - Hull Public Schools administrators reported a smooth start to the new school year at the September 9 School Committee meeting, highlighting successful consolidation efforts and positive energy among students and staff.

The district welcomed 13 new teachers this year, with 10 joining the Jacobs School and three at Hull High School. Kristen Ryan, Director of Student Services, noted the district is nearly fully staffed, with only two paraprofessional positions open in each building.

"We're pleased to share that we are almost fully staffed," Ryan said. "We have two paraprofessional positions in each building, which we are confident will be filled soon."

The district implemented new grade configurations this year, with pre-K through 7th grade at the Jacobs School and 8th through 12th grade at Hull High School. Administrators reported the transition has gone smoothly so far.

Kyle Shaw, Principal of the Jacobs School, said, "Today, with the first day of preschool, everyone involved in the reconfiguration process should feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment as the building was a fully functioning pre-K through 7th grade school."

At Hull High School, Principal Rob Shaw noted the successful integration of 8th grade students into the building. The school also reported strong participation in fall sports, with 108 students registered out of about 280 in the high school.

New Superintendent Dr. Michael Jette presented his entry plan to the school committee, focusing on looking, listening, and learning about the district. He outlined plans to visit each school weekly and every classroom by the end of September.

"My goal is to visit each school weekly," Jette said. "I want the School Committee to know that I have planned Monday from 12 to 2 and Wednesday from 10 to 12 to spend those two-hour blocks in our two schools."

Dr. Jette emphasized his commitment to developing a new strategic plan to guide the district over the next decade. He plans to meet with various stakeholders, including staff, parents, and community members, to gather input.

"We will be spending time developing a strategic plan going forward, and so what are the things that emerge from looking, listening, and learning that are important for us to anchor on so that we can do the growth that we need to as a school district and what will set us up for success for the next decade," Jette explained.

The School Committee also discussed district policies, including the process for signing warrants. After deliberation, the committee decided to maintain the current process requiring three signatures, citing the importance of oversight in financial matters.

Committee member Kyle Conley said, "I'm really inclined to say let's just leave it as it is. If it's not broken, I don't know why we would be trying to fix it."