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August 8, 2024
Somerville Public School District
-Superintendent Entry Plan-
I am honored and excited to join you as your new superintendent. Our schools are the heart of our community, and together, we have the opportunity to shape the future for our students. This entry plan outlines my approach to learning about our district, engaging with all of you, and collaboratively charting our path forward.
Purpose
This entry plan will help me develop a comprehensive picture of the Somerville Public School District, including our students, staff, and community stakeholders. My goal is to understand our school system's past, assess the present, and create a plan for the future. Through interviews, document reviews, and active engagement, I aim to gather the insights needed to inform our future goals and activities.
Entry Plan Goal
To ensure a thoughtful, thorough, and transparent transition, I will "hit the ground learning." Using a combination of in-person and remote interactions, I'm committed to intentional engagement, reflective listening, and active participation with all stakeholders.
Entry Plan Timeline
Phase | Description | Timeline |
1 | Getting to Know You | August |
2 | Listening to Understand | September |
3 | Analysis, Engagement & Planning | October-November |
My Commitments to You
As your superintendent, my core commitments are to:
Raise student achievement and close achievement gaps
Engage our entire community in mutual growth and accountability
Be the district's most vocal advocate and supporter
To fulfill these commitments:
I will ensure diverse and deliberate opportunities for stakeholder input
I will listen reflectively and avoid hasty changes during this transition
I will openly share my findings with the Board of Education and community
Together, we will use this information to establish goals and strategies for student success
Phase One: Getting to Know You
In this phase, I'll focus on:
Introducing myself through a community-wide letter
Meeting various groups: school board, staff, students, union leaders, local officials, and community organizers
Partnering with district leaders to ensure a smooth transition
Generating a list of key meetings for the next phase
*I'm looking forward to these initial meetings and hearing your stories. My door (and inbox) will always be open!*
Phase Two: Listening to Understand
During this phase, I will:
Engage in one-on-one and small group conversations with stakeholders
Participate in community and school-based activities
Be visible in schools, visiting classrooms and engaging with staff/students
Analyze student achievement data and identify achievement gaps
Review comprehensive district profiles and performance indicators
Key questions I'll be asking include:
Tell me a little about yourself and your connection to the district.
What are our district's strengths? What makes you proud?
Where do we need improvement? What are our most pressing issues?
How would you propose improving the relationship between our various stakeholders?
What advice would you offer to make these things happen? If you were me, what would you do? What would you not do?
What's your vision for our district in 1 year? 3 years? How would you measure success?
*These conversations are crucial. I believe that the best ideas often come from those closest to our students – our teachers, staff, and families.*
Phase Three: Analysis, Engagement & Planning
In this final phase, we will:
Review findings with district administrators and the Board of Education
Share collective data with staff and constituent groups
Develop a common understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges
Create actionable strategies that are innovative, accountable, and well-communicated
Together, we can ensure that every student in Somerville Public Schools receives an excellent education and is prepared for a bright future. I'm excited to begin this journey with you!
Warm regards,
Gary Lubisco, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
August 1, 2024
Dear Somerville Students, Faculty, Parents, and School Community,
Today, I am honored and thrilled to begin my journey as your new superintendent. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Somerville Board of Education and district leaders for their warm welcome. I am eager to meet and work with each of you as we embark on this exciting chapter together.
Joining such a special and highly regarded district is truly a privilege. Somerville's reputation as a diverse, vibrant, and tight-knit community is inspiring. The district’s academic excellence, athletic achievements, and rich extracurricular opportunities make it a standout in the region. I am particularly excited to be part of a community that welcomes students from Branchburg to its high school, further reflecting the district's commitment to serving a broad and engaged student body.
The history and accomplishments of this district speak volumes, and I am humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated families and talented individuals. Together, we will address the exciting challenge of guiding our students to become tomorrow's successful and engaged citizens, ready for college, careers, and beyond.
Since my appointment, I have been actively visiting the district and deeply appreciate the support and time provided by the Board of Education, interim Superintendent Dr. Ron Bolandi, Business Administrator Mr. Bryan Boyce, and many other district employees who have facilitated my transition.
In the coming weeks I will communicate an entry plan that outlines my desire to “hit the ground learning” in order to get to know the district. During this organized entry period, I look forward to meeting with members of the Board of Education, students, faculty, building administrators, parents, and community members. I am eager to hear your voices and work collaboratively to ensure we build a strong and inclusive path forward together.
I hope this process will help establish a clear direction for our district, strengthen relationships within our school community, and build a strong foundation of trust as we work together.
I am excited to start this journey and look forward to serving as your superintendent. Please feel free to reach out and introduce yourself at glubisco@somervilleschools.org.
Warm regards,
Gary Lubisco, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Somerville Public School