Dr. Jess Geier began the ED report with a summary of the recent State Visit, including the Board focus group held on October 8th and the on-site visit conducted on October 14th at the 1690 Main Street school building. Dr. Geier reported that the visit proceeded smoothly; all staff and Board members presented themselves professionally, responded appropriately to questions, and ensured the visit reflected an ordinary instructional day at New Heights. She expressed appreciation for the community’s preparation and collaboration.

Classroom Visitations

Dr. Geier reported that DESE visited 30 classrooms. The preliminary report is expected on January 6, 2026, followed by a three-week response window. She noted that the school has historically been successful in addressing findings. The final report will be released in February.

OW affirmed Dr. Geier’s remarks and commended the Board for their participation and fidelity during the focus group. Dr. Jones and her school-based team were also recognized for the quality of their preparation. State representatives commented that they “saw what they expected to see.”

Judge Greg Phillips commended OW and Dr. Geier for preparing the Board effectively.

OW reported on a recent concern involving ICE Agents observed near the school. A video shared on social media depicted an interaction between two students and ICE Agents; however, it was later confirmed that the video was not recorded on the alleged date. The actual date remains undetermined.

OW spoke with the Attorney General’s Office, which offered support if needed. Should ICE be off school grounds, the school would notify families and allow students to remain on campus if they feel unsafe. The matter is considered resolved, though it raises considerations for formalizing safety procedures.

Maria Fernandes presented updates on new and developing partnerships.

UMass Boston Agreement

Key points include:

• Guaranteed acceptance for NHCSB students with a 3.0 high school GPA and 3.0 GPA in college-level coursework.
• Scholarship opportunities based on GPA and number of earned credits.
• Transfer of up to 60 college credits earned while enrolled at NHCSB.

Boston Medical South Partnership

Although the MOU is not yet executed, opportunities include:

• Work-Based Learning experiences
• Community healthcare engagement

Steve Bernard inquired about the school’s readiness to support work-study. Fernandes noted discussions about on-site panels and day-long job shadowing opportunities.

Dr. Delroy Dennis  and Michael Gilbert reported that the vans have been received.

• The purchase order for the 15-passenger van is complete.
• The 12-passenger van requires a seat replacement before final acquisition.
• Inspections are the next step.

Mr. Gilbert noted that one van is already in use and that DOT inspection will occur in the coming days. Both vans are expected to be fully operational in the first week of November.

Dr. Delroy Dennis reported that the school has retained legal counsel for visa filings. All applicants have been contacted for required documentation. Teachers benefit from tax-exempt status for visa costs.

Chair Phillips  asked for the law firm recommendation.
Response: Pabian Law, recommended by Mike Sullivan.

Steve Bernard inquired about the impact of a government shutdown; Dr. Dennis confirmed there is no impact on filing.

Suzane Graham speaks on the findings from Finance Committee Meeting:

Finance from September are on track along with our spending.

Questions:

OW presented an overview of the Tuition Assistance Program previously discussed in Finance Committee. The proposal would provide up to $5,000 per staff member, available to approximately 10 staff, with the potential to serve 13–15 staff depending on actual award amounts required.

Judge Phillips requested a summary of the proposal’s purpose.
OW explained:

• Dr. Jones surveyed staff interested in furthering their education.
• Eligibility requires that coursework advance the staff member’s current or future leadership role.
• Participants must commit to three years of continued employment.

Dr. Hyde asked how many staff are currently pursuing degrees. While exact numbers were unavailable, OW shared Nick’s recommendation to pilot the program at $2,500 per participant for retention purposes.

Steve Bernard asked whether this program would be a standing policy or annual decision.
OW responded that all budgeted items are evaluated year-to-year and the program also strengthens recruitment and marketing.

Marybeth Mollo asked how many staff already hold degrees beyond their job requirements. 

Dr. Jones noted that several paraprofessionals and substitutes hold degrees; some roles require ongoing graduate coursework to maintain licensure. Support for doctoral candidates was also discussed.

Graham Bengen asked for clarification on the funding request and approval process.

Steve Bernard confirmed that this proposal is intended as a one-time initiative.

Steve Bernard presents on the report from last week's Academic Excellence Committee:

Enrollment Update:

Lourdes Pires reported the school is fully enrolled:

• Grade 6: 115
• Grade 7: 114
• Grade 8: 114
• Grade 9: 116
• Grade 10: 104
• Grade 11: 86
• Grade 12: 90

• Female: 362
• Male: 377

Early College Update

Mimi Tsiane, Associate Principal of Early College, reported 167 students (juniors and seniors) are enrolled in college courses at Massasoit' Brockton and Canton Campus.

BSU Pathway Update

OW noted that program changes at BSU mean that students taking courses there can accrue credits but cannot earn a two-year degree, unlike the MCC pathway. Families will need clear communication regarding this shift.

Dr. Hyde asked about reverse transfer eligibility.
Response: 75% of the first cohort successfully transferred credits from BSU and earned an MCC degree.

The committee discussed benefits of the dual-pathway model and potential for piloting a mirrored structure at MCC, though not as a full program shift given MCC’s historical success.

Accountability Report

Kaitlin Kendrick summarized the state’s accountability data.

• Last year’s growth rate: 54%.

SB asked about longitudinal data. Kaitlin noted that while data exist across multiple years, they were not included in this presentation. Despite appearances, NHCSB’s progress relative to comparison schools has improved.

School Snapshot:

Progress toward improvement targets - 46% (moderate)

Accountability Percentile - 43

Criterion-referenced target - 39%

Sending High School Snapshots:

Sending HS 1
Progress toward improvement targets - 29%
Accountability Percentile - 9
Criterion-referenced target - 17% 

Sending HS 2
Progress toward improvement targets - 32%
Accountability Percentile - 24
Criterion-referenced target - 24%

Sending HS 3
Progress toward improvement targets - 23%
Accountability Percentile - 16
Criterion-referenced target - 27%

NHCSB ELL + FEL (non-high school only)

Progress toward improvement targets - 43% (moderate)

Student Group Percentile - 68

Criterion-referenced target - 33%

Sending District Snapshot: ELL + FEL

Sending District 1
Progress toward improvement targets - 25%
Accountability Percentile - 
Criterion-referenced target - 25%

Sending District 2
Progress toward improvement targets - 31%
Accountability Percentile -
Criterion-referenced target - 35%

Sending District 3
Progress toward improvement targets - 25%
Accountability Percentile - 
Criterion-referenced target - 28%

NHCSB SPED Snapshot (non-high school only)

Progress toward improvement targets - 25% (moderate)

Student Group Percentile - 25

Criterion-referenced target - 17%

Sending District Snapshot: SPED

Sending District 1
Progress toward improvement targets - 38%
Accountability Percentile - 
Criterion-referenced target - 39%

Sending District 2
Progress toward improvement targets - 32%
Accountability Percentile -
Criterion-referenced target - 38%

Sending District 3
Progress toward improvement targets - 34%
Accountability Percentile - 
Criterion-referenced target - 45%

Findings:
 NHCSB continues to meet state targets at a higher rate than the listed comparison schools.

Chair Phillips announced Jason’s acceptance of a three-year term on the Board.

Omari presents the first half of the documentary detailing the Service Learning Project in the Dominican Republic this past summer to the BOT.