Nahant committee formed to review Johnson School future

NAHANT-The School Committee has formed the Johnson School Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC).According to its mission statement, SPAC is charge with defining, reviewing and recommending a longterm vision for Johnson School to the School Committee.The 14 member committee consists primarily of district employees including the superintendent, Johnson Elementary School principal, a designee of the teachers union, and two members of the School Committee, who will serve as co-chairmen.The committee will also consist of two Johnson Elementary School parents, a member of the Johnson School Council, an officer from the Parent Teacher Organization and a member of the Nahant Education Foundation, which raises money for the school. Additional members of the committee will include a selectman, a member of the Finance Committee and two residents.School Committee member Christine Kendall said the two School Committee members serving on SPAC would only be able to vote on procedural matters that might arise during the course of meetings.The SPAC mission statement allows the group to hire a professional consultant if the School Committee approves the expenditure.Kendall said SPAC will discuss long range goals for Johnson School, which would be presented to the School Committee.?As of now I have no idea what those goals will/could be,” she said. “What the committee will do is research best practices around the state, nation and the world to see what strategic initiatives we should consider to advance the Johnson School’s position academically and socially in the Massachusetts public school system.”She said some of the things the committee could look at include strategic initiatives, capital improvements and operational efficiencies.?Members will use their best efforts to collect data, research, investigate and create input for the content of the strategic plan,” she said.She added the group would meet at least once a month and committee members are being asked to commit for a period of one year.?We are currently in the process of soliciting people that would be interested in being on the committee,” she said. “Members will show a willingness to collaborate, as well as listen to other opinions to strive for the best possible thinking.”Anyone interested in serving on the committee should Ann Schiffenhaus at [email protected] or by calling 781-593-1814.