Springfield Schools: A Shift in Control

Springfield, MA - Big changes are happening in the Springfield school system. Eight schools are preparing to leave the Empowerment Zone and return to the Springfield School Department's control.

Schools Making the Transition

The following schools are moving:

Duggan Academy
Van Sickle Academy
Chestnut Accelerated Middle School
Discovery Poly Tech
High School of Commerce:
Aspire Academy
Emergence Academy
Springfield Honors Academy

These schools have met their achievement goals and are ready for the change.

Planning for the Future

Each school is creating its own plan to maintain some of the current freedom while aligning with the broader goals of the school department. This process is similar to the creation of the Springfield Renaissance School years ago.

Superintendent's Statement

Superintendent Sonia Dinnall expressed excitement about the transition:

"We look forward to trailblazers and leaders around innovation schools because we know it is the right thing for the students and staff of the eight schools that are coming back to us from the Springfield Empowerment Zone."

Background on the Empowerment Zone

The Empowerment Zone was established over a decade ago as a compromise to support struggling middle schools. It includes:

Springfield Public Schools
State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Springfield Education Association
Business partners

Schools Staying in the Zone

Not all schools are leaving. At least six, including:

East Forest Middle
Rise Preparatory Academy
John F. Kennedy Middle

Transition Process

The process to leave the zone involves:

Creating a plan
Multiple public meetings
Requiring at least two-thirds of teachers to vote in favor

Discovery Poly Tech was the first to adopt the plan, with 100% of teachers voting yes. Other schools are close to finishing their plans and are expected to be ready after the winter break.

Timeline and Approval

Michael Calvanese, leading the transition, hopes all plans will be completed by early March. The School Committee will then review the plans and schedule meetings for public comment before making a final decision.

Calvanese stated that the timeline is flexible, aiming to have everything done by April 9 to give teachers clarity for the next school year.