SAUGUS — The School Committee believes Superintendent David DeRuosi has made significant progress with student learning and other goals.
Massachusetts public school superintendents are assessed annually on goals and standards set by the School Committee. Members met twice with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to complete evaluations.
For the 2018-19 school year, the committee said DeRuosi made significant progress with student learning and district improvement goals. Members rated him proficient, the second-highest ranking, in instructional leadership, management operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture.
“Dr. DeRuosi has consistently crafted a tight budget effectively utilizing funds to meet the educational priorities and goals of the district and the school committee,” said chairwoman Jeannie Meredith, reading comments submitted with the evaluation.
His presentation of the budget to both the public and the finance committee was extremely well received, she said.
“His work on the budget has enabled him and the committee to work necessary efficiencies aimed at implementing new positions and improvements geared towards improving student achievement,” said Meredith.
The evaluation rankings are exemplary, proficient, needs improvement and unsatisfactory.
In his self evaluation, DeRuosi wrote that he successfully expanded technology within the district by purchasing necessary Chromebooks and that he saved money by outsourcing cleaning costs.
The panel voted 3-2 in June to lay off the School Department’s custodians and hire a private cleaning company. Lisa Morgante and Liz Marchese were opposed.
DeRuosi estimated that the unpopular decision could provide “potential overall cost savings” of $1.1 million annually that could be used for educational programs.
The money will be used for literacy curriculum — coding and robotics classes — and teachers to instruct them, and the restoration of world language classes at the middle school and possibly the elementary level. New curriculum coordinators will also be hired, said DeRuosi.
He was praised for creating a safer environment for students and staff.
Earlier this year, DeRuosi recommended the School Committee adopt a change in protocol for threats of an aggressive intruder or active shooter at the town’s public schools. The district adopted the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (ALICE) method, which was recommended by the town’s police department.
The committee will meet for a workshop on setting goals for the 2019-20 school year this September.
