Pentucket Regional School Committee Launches Project L.E.A.P.

For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 27, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: john@jgpr.net

Pentucket Regional School Committee LaunchesProject L.E.A.P.

Leveraging Educational Assets in Pentucket

The Pentucket Regional School Committee expresses interest in either renovating or building a new high school as a way of leveraging education as a greater asset to the member communities of the Pentucket Regional School District.

West Newbury, Mass. — The completion of Pentucket’s $2.6 million sports complex raises questions about next steps for the district to leverage education as a community asset to the member communities of Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury.

“We are at a critical junction,” said Christopher Wile, chairman of the Pentucket Regional School Committee.  “Our communities need a new high school that is capable of supporting the needs of our students, families, and communities into the future,” said Wile.

“Project L.E.A.P. is about ensuring Pentucket Regional High School expands its capability as a community asset,” said Superintendent Jeff Mulqueen.

The limitations of the high school building have become evident.  Its limitations impede the delivery of intended program results.  Earlier this year, Pentucket expanded and initiated several innovative educational programs that align with its ambitious vision of becoming the educational opportunity of choice for students, the career opportunity of choice for talented educators, and the investment opportunity of choice for the community.  Accelerated courses for middle and high school students have been implemented to offer early-high school and early-college credit.  Innovation schools in the areas of Visual Arts, Safety & Public Service, and Movement Science & Athletics began implementation in September 2014.  Other innovation schools on the horizon may bring Finance & Entrepreneurship and Design & Engineering to the middle and high school.

“Contemporary high schools provide meaningful benefits beyond the usual student population,” said Jonathan Seymour, principal of Pentucket Regional High School.

The Pentucket Regional School Committee tasked Superintendent Jeff Mulqueen with identifying the wide variety of ways the community might need support from the high school.

“Our first step is to convene teams of students, parents, educators, and community members to identify the possibilities for Pentucket Regional High School to become a greater asset to everyone,” said Mulqueen.  “A renovated or new high school could incorporate features that would benefit the Pentucket community in ways that are not currently possible.”

A schedule of seven public meetings is set to bring the Pentucket community together in discussions to consider possibilities for Pentucket Regional High School.  Afternoon and evening meetings are scheduled for the following dates at the high school in Room 7:

2:30 – 4 p.m.

November 13, & 20

December 4 & 18

January 8 & 15

6-7 p.m.

November 12 & 19

December 3 & 10

January 7 & 14

Those who would like to volunteer to participate as a member of the planning committee for a new or renovated high school  are encouraged to contact Superintendent Mulqueen (jmulqueen@prsd.org / 978-363-2280 / 22 Main Street, West Newbury 01985).  Volunteers are needed from all aspects of the community, community leaders, district and school partners, parents and students.

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