[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6611840,"mediaKeyId","2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a","parentId",2892858,"title","Danvers superintendent updates committee on school choice pros, cons and revenue scenarios; recommends no elementary seats if district opts in","audioSeconds",1442,"startMs",4546000,"endMs",5988000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a&start=4546&end=5988","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a/thumbnail_4546000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611840/Massachusetts/Danvers-superintendent-updates-committee-on-school-choice-pros-cons-and-revenue-scenarios-recommends-no-elementary-seats-if-district-opts-in","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611840-cbcc2d2666d94f7a325d3e68232a88b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097716&Signature=HZk~hEzDduLAwEm3PWjWvRMGTIkGEAj3nR8njzYnUdkZdTtyQU-2fne4uXJQSQmf2MeD23UK2VUFTsL0jOuiKL5zH-~d24lJ6yr0LlHKpieE3JGw1ZeErJwGfhSqdxAktXc88FUOYMXhN7FrSQ6UBwF6N-SOVC8oEx-Ee0~OITqxONULsPzQr-99B57wVAndua5GzIdCcpCWCJxNV8hnaOgfjRadLJLLBXzAoyRghbufNqGf9mMXN7d9oqbblXlhuxwBrxJlIo8mlCK25uHgrMtGptI6ZtvrwBB9Fuj4W8NjH6rZfaIoyGCjv44op8r2vROV-TNR1kqEfXOh1hUG-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Danvers, MA","date","2025-04-08T01:10:27.093Z","article","Superintendent Bauer presented an updated briefing on school choice during the April 7 Danvers School Committee meeting, reviewing legal constraints, typical local practice, enrollment patterns and a draft recommendation should the committee elect to participate.

Bauer reminded the committee that districts must hold an annual public hearing and vote before June 1 to opt out of accepting choice students; districts that participate may set per‑grade seat limits and must follow a blind, random lottery if applications exceed seats. Parents are typically responsible for transportation; sending districts pay statutory tuition to receiving districts. Bauer stated the statutory tuition amount used in his scenarios is $5,000 per student plus an administrative fee that the district applies ($75 per student).

He reviewed recent local figures: in the 2023–24 cycle Danvers had the equivalent of 57.4 students enrolled out of district (the transcript notes the fractional .4 represents a midyear entry), and Danvers paid about $441,870 in tuition out. As of the current school year, Bauer said 63 students from Danvers attend other public districts; the projected tuition out for the year is over $500,000. He noted that special education costs above standard tuition are billed separately to the sending district when a receiving district must contract additional services.

Bauer proposed the operational approach the administration would recommend if the committee elects to accept choice students this year: no elementary seats, and a modest number of seats at the middle and high school levels — a draft example was 30 seats spread across grades 6–10 so any incremental enrollments could be absorbed without substantially changing class sizes. Using the statutory tuition figure, he modeled roughly $150,000 of new revenue if 30 seats were filled in a single year and noted that the tuition receipts are district funds (kept by the school committee) and can be used for programming or to stabilize finances.

Bauer also explained the Chapter 70 accounting effect: receiving districts count choice students in enrollment for Chapter 70 calculations, but do not receive Chapter 70 aid for those students from the sending district. He urged the committee to weigh the educational and financial tradeoffs and noted that any decision to accept choice seats can be revisited annually; a student accepted through choice is entitled to remain in the receiving district until graduation.

Committee members asked practical questions about transportation patterns, special education billing and typical travel distances; the superintendent and other committee members shared experiences from nearby choice districts. Bauer said the administration will prepare a survey for families to better understand why students leave and will return with a recommendation before the June deadline.

Provenance (selected excerpts)

Topic intro excerpt: \"So, I actually upgraded this presentation that was back in March. Just informing the school committee... every year all districts have to have a public hearing and voting before June 1 to opt out of school choice\" (transcript time ~4546.22).

Topic finish excerpt: \"I appreciate all the positive commentary on this and the feedback from the community and, just looking forward to our next session where we can, you know, take our input and make our decision.\" (transcript time ~5868.81).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Danvers School Committee Meeting - 4/7/25","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Bauer told the Danvers School Committee the district must hold an annual hearing and vote by June 1 on participating in Massachusetts' school choice program and presented enrollment, cost and revenue scenarios for the committee's consideration.","taxTitle","Danvers Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71324,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6611844,"Danvers presents midyear assessment gains and classroom use of AI writing tool Class Companion",1520,3124000,4644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a&start=3124&end=4644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a/thumbnail_3124000.jpg","/articles/6611844/Massachusetts/Danvers-presents-midyear-assessment-gains-and-classroom-use-of-AI-writing-tool-Class-Companion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611844-8d2374a1e9b6af7786919dd61a8f36f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097716&Signature=j0BVcnDy0-qL~lvKLGPl-mNKacDU9vEhRu4PwCgT8cLaz3babGU~pe939Rqu~zGSBMMxzRZjtcfyhMB3p62NXYCb5nsI8cT0DNYlXVi76PSHnhs-UX8H2YmR6wvYeQugwLPXSPtaWM7gk1NJ-nkiKGn4MbEEqa3RASPI1mlKGR6wHAvJwS1BOjZzUBpxkpqMgGLsCwYYcZebLdqs9IZmfiNupBuEoJlidjVYfgPalC0WKQlWe96f2wHr~2Dz6ioNXdB6ooIp-rPXTnnMm9LVbR1bqqOL4uSsbxteasUJP9aWHEmBbS8fjYKEk7I-tHrO8h6dOfzYItY8iTHPHt8epg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff and teachers reported midyear assessment results showing gains in reading and math benchmarks and demonstrated a classroom AI tool used to provide students instant feedback on writing.

According to the presentation, Danvers Public Schools tracks multiple data sources: MCAS (annual), survey data, benchmark assessments (iReady, DIBELS/MClass), and teacher‑level formative measures. At the elementary level the district reported a year‑to‑midyear increase of roughly 15 percent in K–3 DIBELS scores in 2023–24 and about a 19 percent increase in 2024–25. Fourth‑ and fifth‑grade composite scores use a single subtest and showed an 11 percent increase from beginning to midyear in the current reporting window. At the middle school, iReady benchmark results showed a 15 percent increase in students scoring on grade‑level or above in ELA and a 32 percent increase in math across the midyear period.

At the high school curriculum teams analyzed midterm exam data in PLCs (professional learning communities). Staff reported the English department piloting an IXL literacy program, biology working on proficiency scales aligned to standards, and world history reporting a 40 percent increase tied to use of an AI tool.

Diane Mori, a high‑school social studies teacher, demonstrated Class Companion, an AI‑powered platform she has used for multiple years. Mori said Class Companion gives students immediate, rubric‑based feedback, provides a dispute/override workflow for student challenges, and produces class‑level and individual analytics (attempt counts, time-on‑task, score progress). She described benefits for co‑taught and special education settings: teachers can set the reading level of feedback, and co‑teachers can use the platform’s analytics for progress reporting. Mori said she has expanded use beyond AP students to other classes so students get more frequent practice writing and faster feedback than teacher grading alone would allow.

Committee members asked about accuracy and teacher oversight. Mori said the platform is “remarkably accurate” for the kinds of rubric checks she applies; teachers can review and override AI feedback and conference with students. The committee encouraged classroom visits and follow‑up data from teachers piloting the tool.

Provenance (selected excerpts)

Topic intro excerpt: \"A couple weeks ago, we had a good subcommittee meeting where we shared our mid year assessments.\" (transcript time ~3124.94).

Topic finish excerpt: \"If you have any questions, honest to god, come by my classroom.\" (transcript time ~4524.36).","At its April 7 meeting the Danvers curriculum assessment subcommittee reported midyear gains on reading and math benchmarks across elementary and middle grades, and high school teacher Diane Mori demonstrated the Class Companion AI platform that provides immediate, rubric‑based feedback on student writing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6611851,"Danvers DECA students head to international conference, launch fundraising to create Colleen Ritzer Memorial Library mural",1747,1029000,2776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a&start=1029&end=2776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a/thumbnail_1029000.jpg","/articles/6611851/Massachusetts/Danvers-DECA-students-head-to-international-conference-launch-fundraising-to-create-Colleen-Ritzer-Memorial-Library-mural","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611851-a6199b774a86cd4059ebd85225d7d8d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097716&Signature=TvdyZ53yho0EHxgR2UxmfGCq4b5o4raHGETQ5sxt32vCgKnUCDOIeg1eNOs~AyGEVAAS4YS7BeLhChjNn00Fj~g2WHtYHuDsJmynIC63jPQRACfA8VYsj~V1NG4DUjOWndnT~ojESb~rT1Svj8a9GriFQTzy9v89C6scJG6q9s1tdHc4cDUlh-34ZODZGZTyFbNy0H05LsIelYLDR2roK3QhIYA18IsIevEx-wYT-i5EgDu2oWN6UuhpWLs50~eJF5iNoeUKJ-DG4U5CgF0ylBdgpBOUQfA6GCows-6VLRS9qVhoKJxrqMAMRJTvrAqWHfjNePDtMvME99fevdl6ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Danvers High School's DECA chapter presented results from a busy competition season and outlined a student‑led fundraising campaign to create a memorial mural and rename the high school library for Colleen Ritzer.

DECA advisor Megan Buller told the committee the chapter is longstanding and large: 267 DHS students competed at the district level this year; 142 advanced to the Massachusetts State Career Development Conference and roughly 40 students qualified to represent Danvers at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando. Student teams and officers described projects ranging from financial literacy programs and school‑store entrepreneurship to a sales project that produced custom dog bandanas sold locally.

Students from DECA then presented a fundraising plan under the banner “Be Kind Legacy” to support renaming the high school library the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Library and installing a mural and plaque the students said would preserve Ritzer’s memory for future students. The student presenters said they had researched vendors and found a firm called White Light Visual and estimated the total project cost at about $30,000, which would include the mural and a plaque. The students described a multi‑stream fundraising plan: a calendar raffle during April/May (coinciding with Ritzer's birthday month), merchandise (hoodies, quarter‑zips) produced by students in the DECA school store with a newly acquired heat press, community solicitations of families and businesses across Danvers and the North Shore, and using an online fundraising platform (GiveButter) to centralize donations and event ticketing.

Students asked the committee for help with publicity and confirmed the district can host a GiveButter account under “Friends of DECA” to collect and track donations; district staff indicated that using the district‑approved platform would allow accountability and simplify reporting. Committee members and attendees praised the student presentations and their outreach to younger grades: DECA students described programs that worked with elementary and middle school students to build financial literacy and leadership pipelines.

Committee members asked about logistics: the students said White Light Visual had reviewed the site and provided a cost estimate; they planned a mural reveal at the start of the following school year to avoid in‑session disruption. District staff and the committee offered to promote the students’ fundraising pages and to provide administrative access to the Friends of DECA account so the team could track ticket purchases and donations.

Provenance (selected excerpts)

Topic intro excerpt: \"Thank you. You can put the first 1 on if you'd like. Thank you again for having us here. We've had another fabulous year at DECA\" (transcript time ~1029.70).

Topic finish excerpt: \"So please let us know how we can help advertise, get the word out. We're just so proud of you. Thank you.\" (transcript time ~2633.68).","Danvers High School's DECA chapter reported district and state competition results, described student projects and community partnerships, and introduced a student‑led campaign to raise about $30,000 for a mural and plaque to rename the high school library in memory of Colleen Ritzer.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6611856,"Danvers School Committee transfers student‑club funds to PRISM, approves transportation policy appendix for first reading and clears consent items",287,6438000,6725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a&start=6438&end=6725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a/thumbnail_6438000.jpg","/articles/6611856/Massachusetts/Danvers-School-Committee-transfers-studentclub-funds-to-PRISM-approves-transportation-policy-appendix-for-first-reading-and-clears-consent-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611856-4b2d2396ffce6517cdddc59de596ff97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097716&Signature=XSd11GAO47ITstih2EvqUnxY~n2khCYGkyu-wKOVDJpbTlRRiT5r88DRX9J-UMz-TfnZQslb9-7yGIj7uZSnOFETcU7U~e8F~M9hYo3mhWlgEGWE9ADH0lBEMieBa8AhLJ8~jdrruZx-CPusMOqoWluEXjgh8-CtBa8k-uG6ZHeyWAW-XkIM3W3oUxziGau0xMI4ZVEmrFDQwPxu2lT4fRNO5fs1VCEJBH-elUQXwZx6yuULTH7yHa05GOFp3zY9OnpXbyldrzPPhUG2tR~O9EjqrxcDFKgA2jNQSIyidiR~P3rCVnyF4oFfqUq~-BotGqdEff~pmLVdan5wQkxcMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danvers School Committee on April 7 approved a set of routine and procedural items, including a transfer of student activity funds, a first reading of a transportation policy appendix and the release and approval of meeting minutes.

The committee unanimously approved moving approximately $500 from an inactive Danvers High School anti‑discrimination club account to the DHS PRISM student activity account. The motion to transfer the assets was made by a school committee member identified in the meeting transcript as “Mr. Taylor” and was seconded; the chair called for the voice vote and recorded the motion as carried with all voting “Aye.” The committee record indicates the anti‑discrimination group no longer had an active advisor or students and that student interest had shifted to PRISM.

The committee also accepted, for first reading, an appendix to policy EEA (Student Transportation Services) that formalizes requirements for employees who drive district vans used for extracurricular and in‑district trips. The appendix spells out background checks, driving record review and an annual driver endorsement training; it also disqualifies employees with serious driving violations (DUI or multiple moving violations) from being endorsed. A motion to accept the appendix for first reading passed on a voice vote.

Separately the committee approved routine consent items including fundraising and stipend items and approved and released regular meeting minutes from March 10 and approved but did not release minutes from the March 13 executive session. All motions on the consent agenda and minutes were adopted by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Transfer of DHS anti‑discrimination club assets to DHS PRISM (approx. $500): motion by Mr. Taylor; second recorded; outcome: approved (voice vote). Note: committee discussion identified lack of student interest and no active advisor as the reason for dissolution.

- Appendix to policy EEA (Student Transportation Services): motion to accept for first reading; outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Consent agenda (fundraising, HRMS ski club, assistant track coach stipend, other items): approved (voice vote).

- Minutes: regular minutes 03/10/2025 approved and released; executive session minutes 03/13/2025 approved but not released.

What the actions do and what to watch for

The transfer of student activity funds consolidates resources for active clubs; the PRISM account will steward the funds to support LGBTQ+ student activities at DHS. The EEA appendix is a first reading — standard policy practice in Danvers — so it becomes effective only after a second reading and final vote at a subsequent meeting. The consent‑agenda approvals and minute releases are procedural and routine.

Provenance (selected excerpts from the meeting transcript)

Topic intro excerpt: \"I would make that motion, mister Taylor, that the the assets of the, DHS anti discrimination club, which amount to approximately $500, be transferred to an account for DHS Prism\" (transcript time ~6438.63).

Topic finish excerpt: \"I motion we, accept the appendix to policy EEA for first reading.\" (transcript time ~6641.39).","At its April 7 meeting the Danvers School Committee approved the transfer of roughly $500 from an inactive DHS anti‑discrimination club to the PRISM student group, voted to accept for first reading an appendix to policy EEA governing staff driving of school vans, and approved several routine consent and minutes items.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6611836,"Danvers High School introduces incoming principal Alan Strauss",476,2668000,3144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a&start=2668&end=3144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892858-e33f6cbf4adef0ebc758725b6935244a/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","/articles/6611836/Massachusetts/Danvers-High-School-introduces-incoming-principal-Alan-Strauss","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611836-a24922981c174c3839228228f3026963/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097716&Signature=QS8nvMWcv~fNfXkrIE7wYDQqmb5MikQZZ8D4Unm84CvpKUBjHHK1NdzjS~amM9xz3T0FSlFxT~ze2tuSjUKYnWab~wAEMrvufNpnz9hshIoMJaxt-P29j9LL2T3l~7ZI4tOer7~tLzhLKvuA9uLNnBQFGSgAqLHDEyeo-CNQmA~06ZGV-I-nsuiY~G8iyiTJStpPGW5tOgSnZry7CpCBgFpGTy5xjF8hvC1BbDyZQg9MY2cQWEho725gI9KnjLN-W0cFWae57Ccp5pcLjuxP3cT3c4zDk-JYjkL~RpIoZ8b~TemKhMCDy9a0o3qsXxbmHo6IYnVBJ2wYXR9O3bMrxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danvers School Committee on April 7 introduced incoming Danvers High School principal Alan Strauss and heard his remarks about priorities for the high school.

Strauss told the committee he is “very, very excited” to join Danvers and said he plans to focus on listening to students and staff, maintaining continuity and expanding opportunities. He described his personal connection as a parent of two and a family experience with special education services and said that perspective informs his aim to make the school a place where “everyone is heard, everyone is seen and everyone feels important.”

Strauss said he has a background as a teacher, administrator and coach, and participants at the meeting noted his prior recognitions including district teacher awards and principal finalist honors. He said he will spend time meeting students and staff before the school year ends, attend CPAC meetings and intends to maintain stability for juniors who will graduate under his leadership.

Committee members welcomed Strauss and encouraged building on the current administrative team’s work during the transition period. Strauss said he will be visible in the building, hold meetings with faculty and students, and emphasized inclusive programming across academic and extracurricular tracks.

Provenance (selected excerpts)

Topic intro excerpt: \"Next up is we'd like to introduce our incoming high school principal, Mr. Allen Strauss...\" (transcript time ~2668.53).

Topic finish excerpt: \"Well, welcome aboard, and I I look forward to walking the halls with you in the very near future.\" (transcript time ~3024.88).","The committee introduced incoming Danvers High School principal Alan Strauss, who outlined priorities of visibility, continuity and inclusive leadership and said he plans to meet with staff, students and families ahead of the transition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Danvers superintendent updates committee on school choice pros, cons and revenue scenarios; recommends no elementary seats if district opts in

Danvers presents midyear assessment gains and classroom use of AI writing tool Class Companion

Danvers DECA students head to international conference, launch fundraising to create Colleen Ritzer Memorial Library mural

Danvers School Committee transfers student‑club funds to PRISM, approves transportation policy appendix for first reading and clears consent items

Danvers High School introduces incoming principal Alan Strauss