Good morning.  The new school year is about to commence and I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you all. 

Earlier this year the School Committee conducted a survey, soliciting responses from all stakeholders, which included teachers and staff, and for those that participated – thank you.  I want you to know that we listened to your input and will be making changes in the coming year to improve our communication with you and to recognize your individual and collective accomplishments.  I speak for the entire School Committee when I say we are very proud to be volunteering in a school district whose entire personnel strive for greatness and who are passionate about the success of all students. 

The School Committee has been working collaboratively with the Superintendent and his administration to further improve our school district and we are proud to have the support of the citizens of Chelmsford.  Last Spring, our Town Meeting Representatives voted to support our schools by investing in significant enhancements and upgrades to technology, and in improvements to our facilities, including locker room and gymnasium renovations at Parker, McCarthy, and the High School, and new plumbing at South Row Elementary.  Some of this work has already taken place and it looks fantastic.  Additional technology requests will go to Fall Town Meeting to help ensure we are prepared for PARCC.  

Last but not least, you will see an improvement in the quality of the food in our cafeterias.  A partnership with Billerica School District will allow us to improve the quality of our food offerings, streamline the student payment process, and save our district money. 

Continuous improvement is the hallmark of this district, and thanks to our Superintendent, we have a Strategic Plan to serve as a comprehensive and strategic guide for future decisions.  The School Committee will continue to make decisions that will help ensure we have a financially secure and educationally sound future for the Chelmsford Public Schools. 

As we head into our new school year, I want to thank you, to encourage you, and to remind you how very important you are to our students and to the entire Chelmsford community.  We are here to support your efforts and we wish you a very successful year. 

Thank you.

Chelmsford School Committee Chairwoman Janet Askenburg