Plymouth School Committee Approves New Strategic Plan, Addresses Student Support Challenges
Plan focuses on teaching, wellness, community engagement, and resources amid rising ELL numbers and transportation costs
PLYMOUTH, MA - May 20 - The Plymouth School Committee approved a new strategic plan for 2024-2027 on May 20, focusing on four key areas to improve student outcomes and address ongoing challenges in the district.
The plan, developed through extensive community input, targets teaching and learning, social-emotional wellness, community engagement, and human capital/finance/facilities.
"This is something that we should be really proud of," said Superintendent Dr. Christopher Campbell. "I think this really paints a picture of what this community is looking for."
The strategic planning process involved 32 committee members and gathered input from over 2,700 community surveys. The plan aims to cultivate creativity, resilience, and innovation in a safe, inclusive educational environment.
Dr. Sean Halpin, Director of Student Support Services, presented a comprehensive update highlighting both progress and challenges facing the district.
One significant challenge is the rising cost of transporting homeless and foster care students. Halpern reported that transportation costs are projected to be the highest since he's been in his role.
"We're looking at a higher cost towards the end of this year, probably will be the highest we've had since I've been in the role," Halpin said.
The district has seen a substantial increase in English language learner (ELL) students, rising from 175 to 415. This growth has presented challenges in improving ELL scores and acquisition skills.
"We've had such growth in that time period, the numbers of ELLs that we've had," Halpin explained. "I think a lot of those students came in as beginners."
Homeschooling numbers have settled between pre-COVID levels and peak COVID numbers, with Halpin estimating they'll remain in the 150 to 170 range for a while.
The district is also facing challenges in providing mental health services to students. While they have partnerships with outside providers, Halpern noted there's still a need for more support.
"If we could get more, we would. We would do that, and we would identify the schools that need it the most," Halpin said.
The committee also discussed policy updates, including changes to health education exemptions and field trip policies.