Kai Smith, a 2011 graduate, said metal shop gave her a new dream when she realized she wasn’t able to become a doctor or scientist.
View full sizeEasthampton Superintendent of Schools Nancy Follansbee in a 2010 file photo.EASTHAMPTON – At a standing-room-only School Committee meeting on Tuesday, more than 75 people showed up and about 20 voiced strong opposition to a move they said would deprive students of important career skills and learning opportunities. Several brought petitions and letters bearing pages of signatures.
Nevertheless, the committee approved a fiscal year 2012 budget that cuts high school metal shop classes in half by reducing teacher Paul Atkinson’s hours. The vote was 4 to 2 with one member absent.
Superintendent Nancy Follansbee said reducing the classes from six to three was a painful choice, but that they would be restored next year if possible. It is part of a larger plan to close a $2.6 million gap between spending needs and allocations from the city. It is expected to save $27,500.
Other industrial arts classes, like wood shop and multimedia, were unaffected.
But those who spoke out said metal shop has the highest enrollment of all classes, teaches students to compete in a growing field and motivates them to learn when some can’t apply themselves as well academically.
One such student was Kai Smith, a 2011 graduate, who said metal shop gave her a new dream when she realized she wasn’t able to become a doctor or scientist. She now works as a blacksmith.
“I cannot emphasize enough that what I gained from metal shop was gained by every student who has walked into (Atkinson’s) shop,” said Smith. “In his classroom, we have learned independence, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as the essential ability to educate ourselves.”
“Metal shop has empowered me to take on arduous challenges and helped me think effectively and efficiently on my own,” she said.
Multimedia teacher Eileen Claveloux said 31 students have signed up for welding while 46 have chosen it as an alternate. She said cutting the classes could cause an exodus of students to other schools, sucking School Choice money out of the system and leading to a greater budget deficit next year.
“The cost for an Easthampton student to attend (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton) is $14,100 per year,” she said. “In 2010 and 2011, there were 38 students from Easthampton attending Smith Voke at a cost to the district of $535,800.”
Claveloux also said special needs students excel in hands-on, project-based learning environments and gain marketable skills. She presented a letter signed by “almost all” the faculty of the high school asking the committee to find another way to save money.
Follansbee said cuts and reductions have been spread throughout the district. No teachers were laid off, but programs and some workers’ hours have been slashed while one guidance counselor has been let go. She said it was the worst budget situation many on the committee had ever seen.
On a suggestion by Mayor Michael A. Tautznik, the committee agreed to make a list of priorities for restoring some of the cut items if money becomes available. Tautznik tried to solidify the promise in the form of a motion, but said he had trouble articulating it. He voted against the budget.
“I couldn’t agree more with everything everyone said here tonight,” said Follansbee before voting yes. “We have to make some very serious cuts this year.”