Month: September 2017

Diversity Issues Arise as Amherst-Pelham Interim Schools Superintendent Michael Morris Takes Stage, Seeks Permanent Job

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Editor's note: This article has been updated  (9/28/17) to include additional information regarding standardized test scores. Michael Morris, the interim superintendent of the Amherst Regional Public Schools, gave a public "job talk" last night (9/27), to demonstrate why he should be granted the permanent post when the combined regional school committees meet again on Oct. … Continue reading Diversity Issues Arise as Amherst-Pelham Interim Schools Superintendent Michael Morris Takes Stage, Seeks Permanent Job

A Single New Or Renovated K-6 School on the Fort River Elementary School Site Will Be Study Committee’s Focus

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The Amherst School Committee is expected to vote next week on a mission statement for the Fort River Feasibility Study Committee, and will limit its focus to the Fort River Elementary School. The move would take the controversial prospects of townwide school consolidation and grade reshuffling off the table for the near future. On Tuesday … Continue reading A Single New Or Renovated K-6 School on the Fort River Elementary School Site Will Be Study Committee’s Focus

Guest Columnist Janet McGowan: Competitive National Search Is Needed for Permanent Superintendent of the Amherst Regional Public Schools

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Editor's note: Below is an open letter from Janet McGowan of Amherst, an attorney and mediator whose two adult children attended town public schools. McGowan, who has lived in Amherst for 14 years and serves on Town Meeting (Precinct 8), is seeking additional signers for this letter. Those wishing to do so can email her … Continue reading Guest Columnist Janet McGowan: Competitive National Search Is Needed for Permanent Superintendent of the Amherst Regional Public Schools

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Sets Oct. 10 Vote on Granting Permanent Job to Interim Superintendent Michael Morris

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Just a handful of Amherst residents turned out to comment at a joint meeting of the Amherst-Pelham Regional and Union 26 School Committees last night, to make themselves heard on the likely appointment of Interim Superintendent Michael Morris to the  permanent post. A few people urged the committee to approve Morris, to fill the job … Continue reading Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Sets Oct. 10 Vote on Granting Permanent Job to Interim Superintendent Michael Morris

Amherst School Committee Will Ask Town Meeting to Pass Resolution Opposing Expansion of Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (INCLUDES UPDATES)

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The Amherst School Committee voted last night to request Amherst Town Meeting's assistance in fighting a possible expansion of Hadley's Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (PVCICS). "Ultimately, what we're asking is for another body in town to take this up as an official matter," said member Anastasia Ordonez.  She said the committee did receive … Continue reading Amherst School Committee Will Ask Town Meeting to Pass Resolution Opposing Expansion of Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (INCLUDES UPDATES)

Amherst League of Women Voters Debates Removal of Policy Favoring Select Board, As Vote On Town Council Plan Looms

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About 25 members of the Amherst League of Women Voters gathered at the Bangs Center on Thursday night, to discuss whether to remove or revise a printed position supporting a "selectmen-manager form of government." Another meeting, during which the League will try to arrive at a consensus, will be held next Thursday (Sept. 14.) Members … Continue reading Amherst League of Women Voters Debates Removal of Policy Favoring Select Board, As Vote On Town Council Plan Looms

Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Proposes Granting Permanent Post to Interim Superintendent Michael Morris

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An extended public comment period will be offered at the Amherst School Committee meeting this Tuesday, (Sept. 12) on whether Interim School Superintendent Michael Morris should be offered the permanent post. At Tuesday's meeting, the committee will also vote on proposing a warrant article to Amherst Town Meeting, to explore full regionalization with Pelham. The … Continue reading Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee Proposes Granting Permanent Post to Interim Superintendent Michael Morris

Concerns Over New Town Government Proposal Raised at Public Hearing in Amherst

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A plan to replace Amherst Town Meeting, which has 240 elected members, and the five-person Select Board with one 13-member elected Town Council received mixed reviews at last night's public hearing. About 40 people attended the 7 p.m. hearing at Town Hall, and 17 testified. All were limited to three minutes each. Some praised the … Continue reading Concerns Over New Town Government Proposal Raised at Public Hearing in Amherst