Sentinel & Enterprise Leominster to expand ‘small school’ approach By Kyle Alspach June 7, 2005 - LEOMINSTER - Leominster High School Principal William Hart said at the School Committee's Monday meeting that he believes the small schools program will succeed when fully implemented in the fall. "It's really something special that I've seen in the (pilot small schools program)," Hart said. "I can see that it will expand as we go to the other four schools." Twenty teachers and around 300 students from across the grade levels took part in the pilot program, which began in September. The rest of the students will be placed in a small school in the fall. There will be five total. Each school will meet in one of the five wings of the school, with each containing no more than 400 students, Hart said. School Committee member Suzanne Koehler asked for more proof the small school format has worked. "You made the comment that the pilot has had exceptional success," Koehler said. "Can you define what you're saying is exceptional success?" Hart responded that the small schools have made education more student-centered. "We get reports back that the classroom environment is changing," he said. He also pointed to the effect the small schools have had on participating faculty, saying the dialogue between teachers has "improved significantly." School Committee member Chris Oratoreo asked Hart what the biggest challenge is ahead. Hart said it will be getting the faculty "connected and working as a team between now and September." He noted that teachers will be spending time together over the summer in preparation for the small schools transition. In other business, the committee approved the district's strategic plan, which is composed of eight goals for school improvement.

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