Nelson School Board 2011 - 2012
The Nelson School Board consists of three highly motivated and dedicated community members. Board Chair Kelly French has been a member for several years and brings her vast knowledge to the Board. Allison Aldrich was elected to the Board in 2011, and our third member is Jessica Walker having won election in March 2012 at Town Meeting.
At the beginning of each new academic year, members of the Nelson School Board host a goal setting retreat which all Nelson teaching staff gladly attend. During this retreat, board members and teaching staff work together collaboratively to review progress made on the previous year's goals and to generate short and long-term goals for the upcoming year. What makes the retreat unique is that all voices are heard, respected, and given equal weight. Policies and curriculum are worked on jointly for the betterment of all students. Often the needs that are addressed and the goals identified impact professional development activities. The result is the collective wisdom of many through a variety of lenses.
In our quest to provide the most effective education to our students, we seek information from many sources. During the month of October, the School Board invites the former sixth grade students back to Nelson School. During this time a dialogue occurs in which students address the strengths and weaknesses of their education in preparation for middle school. This information is taken quite seriously and all student suggestions are explored and many are implemented to make the transition for the next class easier.
The Nelson School Board meets monthly during the school year at 4:00 pm at the school. The dates will be listed on the school calendar. Members of the community are always welcome to attend these meetings in order to gain a better understanding of the projects and goals of the School Board.
Each year in January a public hearing is held on the Nelson School Budget. Each item is gone through, line by line, with the members of the community and an explanation for each item is offered.
In March, the School Budget for the next year is presented and voted upon. As a whole, the community of Nelson has passed each new budget placed before them understanding that the education of our children is of the utmost importance.
