Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education members received a presentation on instructional shifts from elementary principal Molly Anderson, secondary principal Corey Markham and Director of Instruction Special Education Lauren Harper at their meeting last month.

Anderson, Markham and Harper told board members that they are taking a “deeper dive” into the available data and coming up with instructional modifications designed to remedy the highest needs. “The current focus is looking at trends to see where the highest priorities are,” Harper said.

Board members were also told that an embargo has been lifted and data/individual student scores will now be shared with families. Anderson noted that many children just give their parents monosyllabic answers when asked about their experiences at school. She said the district is trying to have better communication with families about children’s needs and accomplishments.

District Superintendent Michael Cipolla thanked the administration for their work with data and establishing goals regarding family engagement. “It’s an important process. It’s essential,” he said. “We are very proud of the work that our staff is doing.”

Cipolla went on to say how the data shared by Markham, Anderson and Harper shows where the district is doing well and also where greater effort is needed. “There are definitely some areas for us to celebrate,” he said. “But this data also shows that there are some areas to work harder on and to improve on.”

Board member Tom Tarpley said that in every organization, there are people who resist change, but that is not the case at WACS. “I think tonight’s presentation shows that they are willing to take on the challenges and make the changes that are necessary.”

Cipolla said taking a deeper dive into the data will help the district come up with strategies for improvement. “We don’t just want to provide academic opportunities,” he said. “We have to ensure learning.”

In a related matter, Cipolla commended the work Harper has been doing in the special education program to improve communication between teachers, families and students. “Communication has been on the forefront for us,” he said. “With Ms. Harper’s leadership, the communication has been optimal.”

Cipolla said since this is the first year of offering different services, it is crucial to assess and evaluate those services. “The next step is to make sure we’re keeping a pulse on how the students are doing,” he said. “The feedback has been wonderful from our teaching staff.”

In her presentation to the board, Anderson spoke about the elementary school’s reading program, entitled Readers of the Galaxy Unite, which she said has been going very well. “I can’t tell you how many kids come up to me and say ‘I read over 100 minutes this weekend,’ so they are very excited about it,” she said.

In another matter, the board voted to raise the hourly salary of substitute nurses, upon Cipolla’s recommendation. Effective immediately, the substitute rate for LPNs was raised to $15.70 and for RNs was raised to $21.

Cipolla told board members that the district has typically used minimum wage as a marker for substitute LPNs. “We need a more regionally competitive rate,” he said. “While we don’t use substitute nurses often, there may be a time when we need two nurses in the building.”

Tarpley asked if the district typically uses an RN or an LPN. Cipolla responded that it can go either way, but right now an RN is on the substitute list. Tarpley then made the motion that the salary should be raised. “Minimum wage is just not a good idea,” he said.

Board member Deanne Manzella said “it is a privilege to sit on this board.” She also thanked the administrators for their attention and dedication. Board President Wendy Dyment said “we are privileged to work on behalf of students, families and faculty.”