The New England Association of Schools and Colleges approved re-accreditation for Lake Region High School at their October meeting.

The school began the accreditation process with a two-year self study that culminated in the preparation of detailed reports that were presented to a visiting committee of 15 educators from throughout New England.

During March of 2006, the visiting team spent four days at the high school examining hundreds of pieces of evidence, visiting classes, meeting with students and parents, interviewing teachers and reviewing the school’s reports.

A report of the findings of the visiting committee was submitted to the district in July and made available to the public as required. Copies were provided to local libraries, school board members and available on the district Web site.

The report was generally very positive and showed that significant improvement had taken place since the last report issued in October of 1996.

The community has much to be proud of and needs to celebrate the commendations outlined in the report. In their letter of October 19, 2006, the Commission on Public Secondary Schools highlighted the following commendations:

• the use of the mission and expectations to influence decision-making as evidenced by the addition of the fourth lunch period and freshman breakfast

• the existing K-12 curriculum collaboration that allows teachers from different levels to coordinate curriculum and exchange ideas

• the dedication of teachers to the development of common assessments to measure the success of students in mastering the curriculum

• a strong collegial and professional culture that is evident among the faculty

• the commitment of faculty through time, energy and persistent focus to develop a wide variety of assessment tools

• the instructional leadership of the principal and his efforts to involve faculty and staff in the school improvement process

• the leadership assumed by the faculty and staff and their willingness to work as a group to benefit students

• the regular review and revision of the mission and expectations through the school improvement committee structure and student advisory program

• the multiple opportunities for students to receive additional support in meeting the academic standards

• the support for instructional technology provided by the technology integrator

• the participation of teachers in the teacher collaborative to enhance instruction

• the provision of release time for teachers to observe other classes and instructional approaches

• the variety of assessments used by the individual classroom teachers that provides students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the Maine Learning Results

• the value the school community places on safety, respect, and citizenship as part of the school’s culture

• the involvement of the faculty in the development of the block schedule

• the support provided to students by guidance, special education and library/media staff to assist them in meeting the academic, civic and social expectations

• the expansion and modification of programs for at-risk students to support their needs

• the improvements made to the counseling services based on data from the senior survey

• the accessibility and expertise of the library/media staff to support teachers and students

• the creative fiscal management strategies developed by administration, faculty, and staff

• the excellent level of support the maintenance and technology staff provide for students

• the provision of laptop computers to all teachers and access to LCD projectors to support instruction

• the efforts of the maintenance staff to ensure appropriate maintenance and cleanliness in the school, despite reductions in budget

The report itself lists more specific commendations in each of the areas reviewed – mission and expectations, curriculum, instruction, assessment of student learning, leadership and organization, school resources and community resources.

The major areas of concern are with school facilities and budget. The school has been asked to submit a special report in July of 2007 addressing the following items:

• immediately develop, fund, and implement a plan to increase the size and viability of the library/media center in order to meet student needs

• increase funding for print and non-print resources in the library/media center

• ensure the library is open both before and after school and throughout the school day in order to meet student needs

• develop a short-term and long-term plan to address space needs in the facility, including but not limited to teacher work space, guidance suite needs, the library-media center, availability of technology to all teachers and students, handicapped accessibility issues in the library and bathrooms, the elevator, the eventual removal of temporary portables, the impact of the bus garage in the building, the use of the cafeteria as a wrestling space, which impacts an already depleted custodial staff, and a scheduled maintenance plan for the newly-installed track

• provide adequate space for group meetings in the guidance area, address unhealthy air due to the lack of air ventilation for the bus and automotive areas which cause fumes to leak into the classrooms

• report the adequacy of the 2007-07 budget to provide and maintain appropriate school programs, personnel, services, facilities, equipment, technological support, materials, and supplies for student learning

Budget cuts have had a negative effect on the school by limiting resources and by program elimination. The Commission is concerned that this trend may continue. Of these items, the concern about air quality in the bus/automotive area is most critical. It is likely that if not addressed immediately, this concern will impact the school’s continued accreditation.

There are also a number of recommendations listed in the seven areas listed previously. School improvement committees have been meeting and are responding to these needs.

The visiting committee was impressed with the school’s students, staff and programs. Although they recognized efforts to maintain a clean and orderly building, the facility concerns are a major challenge for the community and will require a significant investment if we are to provide students with adequate space and resources for learning and maintain our accreditation.

Parents or community members who would like to work on school improvement committees are encouraged to contact Principal Roger Lowell at 693-6221.