The Bristol Warren Education Association, Superintendent Mario Andrade and School Committee Chairperson Erin Schofield announced Wednesday afternoon that they have signed two Memoranda of …
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The Bristol Warren Education Association, Superintendent Mario Andrade and School Committee Chairperson Erin Schofield announced Wednesday afternoon that they have signed two Memoranda of Understanding to outline how the district will move forward regarding recent health, safety and student behavior issues at Kickemuit Middle School and Hugh Cole Elementary School.
The binding agreements, one for each school, take effect upon passage with the union withdrawing its grievances regarding safety concerns. The district will hire a team of professionals to provide social, emotional and behavioral supports to students at both the middle school and Hugh Cole. Additionally, both schools will establish a Safety Committee that will meet regularly to review and update school policies and procedures for expectations and consequences.
“Our goal throughout this process has been to shine a spotlight on the need for urgent attention to the safety of students and to ensure that students, teachers and staff can function together in a safe and caring learning environment. I believe that by all the parties working together we are well on our way to an improved school culture,” said BWEA Co-President Michelle Way DaSilva.
“I’m proud of the work we have done to this point,” said Superintendent Andrade. “By coming together, listening to the specific needs of each school and putting together a plan, we have all come to agreement on how to proceed and implement policies and practices in the best interest of our students.”
“Our community is not alone in trying to find solutions to the social, emotional, and behavioral health of our students. Since February we sought advice and best practice recommendations from other districts in the region and we feel ready to begin implementation. Now that we are all on the same page, the hard work can begin,” said Chairperson Schofield.
Earlier this year, the teachers' union staged a sick-out, with a mass of teachers calling out sick on a Friday, to protest the behavior issues within those schools.