A New Era Begins...

Well, last Monday was an historic evening resulting in a positive vote for regionalization. Over fifty years of often heated and uncivil debate ended with a very respectful exercise in direct democracy. Perhaps during the three previous efforts the time just wasn't right. However, this time voters did see the gravity of our situation and supported the effort to move forward toward regionalizing with Harwich. So the debate and the arguments are over and now the real fun begins! Over the course of the next three and a half years we will be working with one goal in mind: to create the best regional school system possible by combining the strengths of both districts to expand educational opportunities for our students. It is as simple as that.

The regionalization process begins as early as tomorrow when I will be meeting with Harwich Principal Kevin Turner and our respective superintendents to examine ways our students can begin working and learning together now, far in advance of the opening of the new high school. We will look at the performing arts, athletics, advanced classes, and perhaps student governance to find ways to bring our students together. I am sure that this will be the first of many meetings over the coming months involving administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members as the merger evolves. This is the beginning of an exciting process! I know there are many who still have doubts and fears, and that there will be lots of transition issues, however if we all continue to focus on the goal and promise to make every decision based on what is in the best interest of our students, then I am convinced that we will be successful.

Once again, in the aftermath of what can only be described as an historic vote, I would like to commend the six member Regionalization Board and Superintendents Cragin and Lanzo for the incredible effort they exerted studying and making public every conceivable aspect of regionalization and then working tirelessly to support it and bring forth a positive outcome. They put in exceedingly long hours, attended countless meetings, and endured a withering attack on their credibility by a number of vocal critics, and yet they persevered. And the students of Chatham and Harwich will be the true beneficiaries of all of their dedication and hard work. To the 592 voters who saw the ultimate benefits of regionalization and rose above the provincialism and fear to vote in the affirmative, I thank you as well. I especially appreciate the trust you have placed in us as school leaders to make the right decisions for your children and for the community. To those who were opposed to regionalization, I respectfully ask you to set aside your objections and join the process. Let's all commit to work together to create a rich, positive, and productive educational future for all of our children. What a noble endeavor for us to pursue together!