On February 24th, parents of Amesbury Innovation High School (AIHS) students were notified that there would be a school committee meeting that very evening at 7 p.m., regarding the announcement that the AIHS would be closed, and the students moved to the main Amesbury High School building. We were invited for public comment. It was late notice, meaning limited attendance could expected. Concurrently, the superintendent, Mrs. McAndrews, presented in person to the students that they were going to be moving. Multiple students reported that McAndrews said the decision was 100% final.The principal of the Innovation School was not present for the meeting.
For those who may be unaware, the Amesbury Innovation High School (AIHS) is a small, alternative high school located in downtown Amesbury, and accepts Out of District students on a tuition basis. It is a fully accredited high school holding up to 55 students between grades 9 and 12. AIHS students meet local, state, and federal standards through a Common Core Standardized Curriculum. The school was founded in 2001 by a group of teachers and administrators who felt there was a need to provide an alternative to students who were not succeeding in a traditional high school setting, which is why Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices are integrated into the curriculum.
To date, the school has over 200 graduates who self-proclaim they would not have graduated if not for the school’s holistic approach to learning. When students graduate from AIHS, they have a plan for their future, as well as a reliable resource to return to for support. Students, graduates, and families of AIHS continually express their sincere appreciation for the opportunities and support the school has provided.
After the announcement of the school’s surprise closure, the students were distraught. The academic day was severely impacted. As always, the trusted staff gave in-the-moment support and took multiple breaks to take care of the students as best they could. These are kids who have been through massive trauma, whether it be physical, emotional, or social. Every child is at the AIHS for a reason. For some, the school is a lifeline, for others it’s a form of support, and for many, it’s the difference between graduating and dropping out. Students come together with understanding. They all help each other, all of the students and staff bring something valuable to the table. It is truly a thriving ecosystem.
I got involved as soon as I received the email about the closure, and used my lunch break to quickly write a public comment, knowing I would not be able to get to the meeting in person. Knowing the history of the school and the value that the community sees in the school, I took to social media (the group Amesbury Talks) to bring public attention to the situation.
Parents and students past and present are very upset. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of positive support from the community members as a whole. Even members of the community that have no direct connection with the school see its value and are passionate about saving it. The response was overwhelming; the messages, the calls, and the texts have been nonstop. When I realized the impact and learned more about the process leading up to the decision, it gave me a little fire in my belly.
I created an online petition to gauge community support to save the school, and the overwhelming show of support solidified in no uncertain terms how the community feels. A subgroup created our own group to brainstorm solutions. It led me to request an informational meeting with the superintendent. What I obtained from our meeting was that no grants or even grant proposals have been considered. Four properties owned by the town were studied at a large cost, and none were suitable. The superintendent decided that moving the kids to the existing high school was the only option. When presented with potential costs to the district: students not being able to access their educational needs in the mainstream high school, what to do with out-of-district placements, or the potential for more dropouts…she didn’t seem to express much concern for these possibilities.
The superintendent is certainly not in a favorable position facing this year’s budget. I could feel her discomfort. Many families have said they will seek out-of-district placement if the move happens. Just seeking out-of-district placement costs the district in legal fees and hours of staff time. Let’s not forget these are intelligent children — they realize their potential because of this school, and are genuinely worried about what their future will look like without it.
There are some rules and guidelines written in Massachusetts state laws pertaining specifically to Innovation Schools. We wonder if some of these rules are being ignored or violated by forcing the move. The students are advocating for themselves. Many have written to the superintendent, mayor, and state officials. They are learning a valuable lesson, though I wish they didn’t have to learn it this way.
If you’d like to get involved, I can be reached at lindsaympappas@yahoo.com. These are the areas of focus we see the most value in:
1.) Plan to write and obtain grants
2.) Encourage the Mayor to use free cash and or approve a level services budget allowing for the school to stay put through next year.
3.) During the next year, do more research and grant writing, re-form a non-profit fund and raise funds for the Innovation School within the scope of Massachusetts state Laws.
4.) work diligently on creating revenue- via taking some out of district placements and a long term sustainability plan
Lindsay Pappas
Amesbury resident
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