School Committee Notebook: Schools Started Late Because of Contract, Says Superintendent

School Year Only Allows for Two Snow Days

In response to the buzz surrounding the Sept. 9 start to school this year, Superintendent Dr. William Cameron cited contractual obligations with the teachers' union contract. According to Cameron, the contract required a start-of-school date that fell at least two days after Labor Day. 

With the current schedule, there are only "two days in the legal school year after the end time designated for snow days," Cameron explained. According to the superintendent, the School Committee will need to take up the issue of "changing the instructional year and the student year" with the teachers' union.

Committee Authorizes Creation of Additional Kindergarten Position

In an effort to prepare for a possible influx of kindergarteners in the district, the School Committee unanimously approved Cameron's suggestion to create an additional position for a kindergarten instructor if needed. At the Sept. 7 meeting, Cameron said there were only seven spaces left to accommodate new kindergarten students.

The superintendent said space for an additional kindergarten classroom had been identified at Bentley School. 

Kindergarteners return to school on Sept. 14.

Teachers Ready to Handle Bullying

Before the first day of school, teachers in the district received training in a "district-wide plan to deal with bullying," Cameron said.  The district is obligated to develop a plan per new state statutes.  As a part of the training, teachers received copies of the book The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander by Martha Coloroso. School Committee members requested copies of the book.

District Hires Grant Manager

Salem Public Schools recently hired a grant manager. According to District Business Manager Timothy Sheehan, Gerard Roy relocated to Salem from Augusta, Maine, where he worked in the city of Augusta's Planning Office. Sheehan said Roy was "heavily involved" in efforts to obtain a block grant in Maine.

"We're thrilled he is accepting our offer," Sheehan said.

Roy will be guaranteed a one-year contract with the district.