by Frank Schroth

At the last School Committee meeting Dr. Arangio, principal of Milton High School, announced that Milton High had been accredited by NEASC. The committee had requested that Mr. Arangio appear to give an update. He was present along with members of the high school administration including Assistant Principal Alan Cron, Assistant Principal Yolanda Beech, and World Language Director Martine Fisher. The team has been working on developing plans and responses to some of the recommendations that had been received to date.

Arangio kicked off the update by informing the committee that accreditation for the next 10 years had been received. He noted that the letter informing him of the good news also listed 26 points of commendation, a remarkably high number. The letter also listed  5 recommendations of areas that should be addressed by February 1, 2013 and 8 recommendations of issues to address in a two-year progress report. Many of the “recommendations” have to do with 21st Century learning expectations. For example, “implement an inclusive system through which the school’s core values, beliefs, about learning and 21st Century learning expectations are regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that they are based on research, multiple data sources, as well as district and community priorities.”

Member Walker had questions for Mr. Arangio on some of the findings. Arangio stated that in many cases the recommendations were being followed but it was a question of degree. Arangio explained that the they are not being done universally or consistently. Arangio also stated, “I do not want to get into whether I agree” with the recommendations but that “We are going to do our darndest to [address issues] in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Receiving NEASC accreditation is an achievement for Arangio and his team and was the result of hard work over a period of months.

Other business included but was not limited to:

• Bill Ritchie, Director of Consolidated Facilities, introduced Robert Mayhew, newly hired Operations manager for the department who will be the point person for school facilities. Also related to facilities, Milton High School received an Energy Star award. Ritchie noted that the schools have realized savings of ~$2million over the last 5 years “due to combined efforts of everyone.”
• Two students were acknowledged: Emily Possi, a 7th grader from  pierce, placed 6th in the regional final of the Scripps Spelling Bee and Al Lenz, a 6th grader from Pierce, went to the regional Final of the national Geographic Spelling Bee.