Swampscott Schools Post Strong MCAS Scores But Two Buildings Remain Level 2

SWAMPSCOTT -- November 3, 2014, Swampscott schools outperform state MCAS averages across all grade levels but two buildings remain Level 2. The School Committee heard presentations from Elementary Principal Daniel Hunt, Middle School Principal John Murphy, and High School Principal Edward Rosemary on November 3, showing Grade 3 math districtwide at 91 percent advanced or proficient versus a state average of 69 percent, and high school ELA at 93 percent versus the state's 69 percent. Swampscott High School's Level 2 designation hinged entirely on two students in the 36-member low-income subgroup missing the ELA MCAS, pushing participation to roughly 94 percent, just under the 95 percent threshold. Superintendent Pamela Angelakis introduced new Hadley School Principal Stacey Phelan and pressed the committee to approve posting a licensed Business and Operations Manager, a position vacant for much of the current school year, with Town Accountant Dave Kaczynski filling in at roughly 25 percent of his time dedicated to school-side duties pending a broader consolidation vote at town meeting in spring 2015.