Turnover isn’t easy.
James Connelly should know. He’s been an interim superintendent in Oxford now twice in the past year.
But Connelly said teachers and staff at Oxford schools have remained focused throughout the changes in the district.
“Turnover at the top isn’t helpful,” Connelly said. “However, I also know you have an outstanding staff here. And no matter what happens in governance, no matter what happens in the central office with turnover, you guys have your eye on the prize,” Connelly said. “You’re focused and I know none of these turnovers and none of the turmoil has affected the quality of education in the district.”
Connelly gave the encouragement during a back-to-school meeting for teachers and staff at Oxford High School Friday morning (Sept. 2).
During the meeting, Connelly went over challenges the district faces, and set goals for the upcoming year.
Students started school in Oxford today (Tuesday, Sept. 6).
Turnover
As the students return to schools this year, the district is in a state of flux.
In August 2010, former Superintendent Judith Palmer left the district amid a fight over her contract. Connelly was picked as interim superintendent to help the district move forward as it searched for a permanent replacement.
That replacement came in January, when Edward Malvey was hired by the board to fill a two and a half-year contract.
But five months into his tenure, Malvey resigned, citing personal and family issues.
This summer, the board brought Connelly back on to help see the district through another search.
Irene
The district has also had its share of problems with nature. This past winter, Oxford High School was closed for several days after heavy snow on the roof caused structural concerns.
Last week, most of town was without electricity after Hurricane Irene downed trees and power lines across the state.
Connelly urged the teachers to take into account the stress the students have been dealing with.
“I really want us to go back energized,” Connelly said.
“Don’t come back like we just got through a storm, wiping our brows,” Connelly said. “Understand the mood of people coming back to school … So be excited. Be upbeat.”
Goals
Connelly is only temporarily leading the district, but he said he hopes to make improvements in the district during that time.
It’s not clear when a new superintendent will be hired.
Board of Education chairwoman Rose McKinnon did not return a call for comment.
Connelly said he hopes to start a technology committee in 2011 – 2012 and to raise the bar for testing goals.
Oxford typically compares whether the students beat state averages on standardized tests, Connelly said.
“Folks, we’re better than that,” he said. “My goal this year, we’ve got to be better than the state average. We’ve got to be closer to the top.”
AYP
The Oxford school district met state benchmarks on the CAPT and CMT exams in 2010.
The district made “Adequate Yearly Progress,” or AYP, which means the district met the goals under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Individual schools also get rated. Oxford High School and Great Oak Middle School met the standards for AYP in 2010.
“I’m pleased to report to you that the district achieved AYP again. It’s not a district in need of improvement, so that is a plus for us,” Connelly said.
But Oxford Center School did not meet the benchmarks because one subgroup — students who receive free and reduced lunch — did not meet the AYP standards.
Districts in need of improvement need to implement plans to get better in the future, under the watch of the state Department of Education.
“By and large, this is a good thing for the Oxford community,” Connelly said.