OSSU School Bds. Ask:

‘What’s Education For?’

The residents of Randolph, Brookfield and Braintree will be invited to attend special "Community Conversations" during the next year to help identify what they think the benefits of education should be.

"We will be asking you to identify and articulate what benefits you want for the children and youth of Braintree, Brookfield and Randolph," said Laura Soares, chair of the Orange Southwest Supervisory Union Board. "The answers you provide will help us determine specific ‘ends’ for our school districts."

She explained that school boards for the three towns, including the RUHS board, after six months of examining the proper role of the school board, has decided that its primary role should be "to work with community members, experts, and staff to define and agree upon school outcomes."

She said the board hopes for wide participation in the "Conversations" and suggested that residents begin to think now about educational priorities.

"What is most important for the future success of our children and youth? What kind of young people will they need to be to thrive in the 21^st century? What skills and knowledge will they need to possess in order to attend college, move into a career, care for a family, lead our nation, and interact with the global community?

"If you could make a promise to every student who attends school in Braintree, Brookfield and Randolph, what would that promise be?

"Please take seriously your collective role as owners," she added. Your input is necessary for this process to be successful—and ultimately for our schools and students to be successful."

Times and places of the meetings will be announced later.