POLL: How Should Hopkinton Make Up Their Sixth Snow Day

While planning the school calendar the School Committee allows for five missed days of classes.

For those of you keeping track, Hopkinton students had their sixth inclement weather day on Tuesday. That means the amount of days for the year has been reduced below the required 180-day school year. To make amends for this, the School Committee will be discussion options to make up the one day at their meeting tonight in the Middle School. "In 17 years of calling off school in New England this is a first for me," Superintendent Stephen Hiersche said in an email to parents. Ideas in the table include school in July, school on Good Friday and more. 

• Photos (1)

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Superintendent's Resignation Leaves Questions

With a brief letter to the community about the departure of Superintendent Jonathan Landman, parents and community members are left with many unanswered questions.

Submitted by Joe Markey Dear members of the Hopkinton School Committee,  The resignation of the new Superintendent came without warning to many in our community including myself.   The letter announcing it seemed carefully crafted, but provided very little meaningful context for the community.  The timing of the announcement was inconvenient for the public to gather any context.   As with every initiative our town undertakes, critical decisions open up windows of opportunity for communication.  How we choose to manage communication at these critical decision points can either enhance or destroy credibility and public trust, with long term impacts.  In that spirit, and understanding that some level of prudence in communication may be …

• Photos (1)

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Graziano's Financial Background is Good for the Schools

As Troy Mick's tenure on the School Committee comes to an end, he said he believes Jon Graziano has the right skill set to be an integral part of the School Committee.

Submitted by Troy Mick My name is Troy Mick and I am writing in support of Jon Graziano for School Committee.  I have had the pleasure of working with Jon through his role on the Appropriations Committee and specifically as liaison to the School Committee and am always impressed by his well researched and thoughtful comments and answers as we worked though the school budgets. Jon’s education and business background in financial planning and process improvement will be an asset as the School Committee looks at solving many of the issues that exist in our schools today.  Jon will have the ability to bring new ideas to the table and balancing the desire to improve our school system without unnecessarily increasing the tax burden on our entire…

• Photos (1)

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: D'Urso Brings a Fresh Perspective

Andre Griben has worked with School Committee candidate Frank D'Urso on various committee and asks others to join him in voting for D'Urso.

Submitted by Andre Griben I have had the pleasure to know and work with Frank for the past few years thru various community functions.  Con Com, Green Committee, Trails Club, Scouting and Town Sports. Frank brings a fresh perspective to Town politics, always willing to look at the big picture, his manner is non partisan and looks for ways to re-purpose Town assets rather than replace and rebuild. I also commend him for stepping and seeking election for this position. I ask you vote on Monday for Frank D'Urso for School Committee.

• Photos (1)

School Committee Candidates Respond to Center School Problems

More than a year has passed since the town voted against a plan for districted schools, including a new building on Fruit Street. Today we asked candidates what they look for in a solution to the town's elementary school woes.

This week on Patch we wanted to help Hopkinton voters get to know what makes the School Committee candidates tick and where they stand on various issues. To do this we asked each candidate to respond to four questions from Tuesday, May 15 through Friday, May 18 we will feature all of the candidates' responses to one question. All four candidates are running for two open positions in the election. The first question we asked the candidates focused on the basic reasons for why they would be a good selection to be on the committee. The second question focused on what they see as a solution to the problems at the Center School that have been plaguing the town for years. 2.) Last year Hopkinton voters turned down a proposed solution to the …

• Photos (1)

Candidates for School Committee Explain Election Qualifications

With the town election less than a week away, we asked the four School Committee candidates what makes them qualified for the position.

This week on Patch we wanted to help Hopkinton voters get to know what makes the School Committee candidates tick and where they stand on various issues. To do this we asked each candidate to respond to four questions from Tuesday, May 15 through Friday, May 18 we will feature all of the candidates' responses to one question. All four candidates are running for two open positions in the election. The first question we asked the candidates focused on the basic reasons for why they would be a good selection to be on the committee. Q1) What experience or knowledge do you have that makes you feel you could serve the town’s best interest by being on the School Committee? Jean Bertschmann: I am informed, experienced, pro-active, and responsive. …

• Photos (1)

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Graziano's Coaching Skills Translate to School Leadership

With a background in business and innovation, as well as experience coaching young soccer players, Hopkinton resident Mary Blair believes Jon Graziano is the right candidate for School Committee.

Submitted by Mary Blair To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter in support of Jon Graziano for School Committee. My name is Mary Blair and I am the Director of Coaching and Player Development for Hopkinton Youth Soccer. I have known Jon for two years. Jon has been the Age Group Coordinator for HYS girls U-6 and U-7 programs. Jon also volunteers to assistant coach a team as well.  Jon and I have coached together this year. I have found Jon to be organized and responsible. He is caring and supportive coach to the first graders in our charge. I can count on Jon to make sure everyone has had equal time playing as I can be caught up in the competition and the flow of play. He is there reminding me that we sub on the clock at this level…

• Photos (1)

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Re-elect Jean Bertschmann to keep school district on upward track

One Hopkinton Patch reader supports Jean Bertschmann for School Committee because if recognitions received with Bertschmann on the board.

Submitted by Joy Donohue As we all well know, Hopkinton schools have been on an upward trajectory for several years now in its pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement in all areas.  It is no coincidence, for instance, that Hopkinton High School was recently ranked by Newsweek magazine as 95th in the country and second in the state behind Boston Latin Academy.  And this just in – even more exciting news:  The high school was named number three in the state and awarded a gold medal for outstanding accomplishments by U.S. News and World Report.   In our community, we are so fortunate to have a large cadre of smart, dedicated and caring principals, teachers, administrators and parent-volunteers – working together at all levels in the …

• Photos (1)