all at once,” Connolly says. “It’s one of the best examples of how schools and communities can work together.” The same spirit drives collaborations with local employers. Haverhill’s partnerships with businesses along the Merrimack Valley provide high school students with sustainable jobs—many offering wages above minimum and accessible by public transit.“We want our graduates earning a living wage,” Marotta says. “We want them to see opportunity right here in Haverhill.” INVESTING IN CLASSROOMS FIRST When it comes to spending, Marotta’s leadership philosophy is clear: keep overhead lean and put resources where they matter most. “We try to put our money where the students are,” she says.“We run a small central office because we want our impact felt in the classrooms.” That focus has guided investments in new curriculum, especially in literacy and math, where recent updates have already begun to show improvement in MCAS and ACCESS scores across K–8 schools.“Teachers are tired—it’s hard work—but they can see the results,” Marotta says. Maintaining smaller class sizes, typically between 21 and 23 students, has also been a priority, along with targeted small-group instruction and coaching.“Our teachers have the support to differentiate learning,” she adds.“We want to meet kids where they are, not where we wish they were.” LOOKING AHEAD: RAISING ACHIEVEMENT AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY The next two years will bring continued focus on raising high school performance, expanding equity and inclusion, and strengthening special education and multilingual learning supports. “We’re seeing real growth in K–8,” says Marotta.“Now we need that same turnaround at the high school level.” A renewed curriculum rollout aims to create consistency and rigor while maintaining high expectations for all students. “Our challenge is always to keep expectations high, keep supports high, and let the kids do the work,” Marotta says. Academies, held each February and April in partnership with the YMCA, YWCA, and Boys and Girls Club.Teachers lead morning academic lessons, followed by recreational programming provided by the community partners. The program is completely free for families and includes breakfast and lunch. Last year, more than 360 students participated. “It provides learning, social development, and childcare 266 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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