To the Editor:
The school uses committee meeting on May 31 considering consolidation options was very informative, and the committee seemed to agree that the status quo must go!
As a Hull High graduate, one of the first students to attend Jacobs Elementary School, and a member of the School Building Committee who supported the expansive Jacobs project, I appreciate the committee’s consideration toward moving the Hull school system forward into a great educational model of pre-K to seventh grade at the Jacobs School and eighth to 12th grade at the high school.
Superintendent Kuehn and School Committee member Ernest Minelli IV made clear and forceful arguments and factual presentations explaining to the committee why the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Consulting Group’s “Best Educational Use of School Facilities” report recommendation is in the students’ best interests.
Many committee members described their walk-through at the Memorial School as eye-opening, and the quiet atmosphere due to empty classrooms used for storage as a factor in their considerations. Also, Ernie was a teacher in a K-to-seventh-grade California school, and he mentioned that it was a great experience for students and teachers. A thriving and active school district with pre-K to seventh grade at Jacobs will help Hull attract and retain good teachers.
The Jacobs School is Hull’s biggest, best, and most expensive school facility, with a capacity of 785 students, but only educates approximately 400 Hull kids today. Hull kids deserve the best education in our best school. According to the MARS report, Hull schools’ 50% capacities and declining enrollments do not justify operating three facilities.
Let’s all support our students and teachers and school committee and Superintendent Kuehn’s goals and consolidate Hull schools in everybody’s best interests!
Best regards,
Pat Finn
