Achievements of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District (2024-2025): A Year of Progress and Excellence!
Good Afternoon,
As we wrap up the 2024-2025 school year and prepare for 2025-2026, I want to take a moment to celebrate how much we have been able to accomplish in “the year that was” and share my excitement for our year ahead. As always, we reflect on our past and those who have been a part of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District journey. Today, while acknowledging the many challenges our Commonwealth faces, let’s take time to recognize ChooseSEBRSD’s progress and current reality of which the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District Community has been a part…
Six years ago, when we drafted the Strategy for District Improvement, we were deliberate with our goals and initiatives to position the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District for a strong future... Since the plan’s beginning, I have been committed to providing updates on our progress, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so again today to ensure we are all aware of our district's achievements and the path forward. With a thoughtful approach combined with the work of our faculty and staff, I’m proud to share that we are operating from a position of strength. In the last 12 months, our achievements have been many:
• Enrollment has stabilized and is on a positive trajectory. We currently enroll 1,433 students in grades PreK-12. As a matter of fact, the culminating event of the academic year was the Class of 2025 graduating 65 students on May 29th, 2025 at Polar Park in Worcester, MA. An absolutely fantastic evening recognizing and celebrating our David Prouty HS graduates!!
• Retention has improved. We strive to make ChooseSEBRSD a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive. That ranges from mentoring, tutoring, and academic and mental health counseling; to sports and special interest offerings; to our academics aimed at excellence in Advanced Placement, Early College and STEAM; coupled with our robust career technical education environment; and exciting kinesthetic, problem-based learning opportunities. In all grades (PreK-12), we are focused on keeping students engaged.
As a matter of fact, over the past twelve months, the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District has experienced a period of notable progress and accomplishment. Through the dedication of students, educators, staff, and the wider community, the district has continued to foster academic success, innovative programming, and a vibrant school culture. Evidence of significant growth and achievement can be found in several areas.
Academic Excellence
The 2024-2025 academic year was marked by strong student performance across grade levels. Standardized test scores reflected steady improvement, with notable gains in mathematics and reading proficiency. The district’s commitment to differentiated instruction and early interventions contributed to closing achievement gaps and supporting learners at all levels.
Innovative Programs and Curriculum
Several new initiatives were launched, including a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) enrichment program that gave students hands-on experiences in robotics, coding, and creative arts. The district also expanded Advanced Placement and Early College/dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation.
As a matter of fact, the Early College Joint Committee (ECJC) voted on June 18th, 2025 to award the Early College Designation to David Prouty High School and Worcester State University as a result of their due diligence and collaboration - to redesign the high school experience for our students by expanding educational equity in Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts.
Southern Worcester County and Central Massachusetts have long sought innovative solutions to bridge opportunity gaps for students from underserved communities. Early College programs align perfectly with our district's mission to ensure every student is prepared for the college and career challenges of the future. For David Prouty High School families, this means students will gain confidence, college experience, and academic tools without the financial strain often associated with higher education.
Building a Pathway to Success
Through Early College, our students are not only earning credits but are also exploring college majors and career pathways early. This head start provides clarity on their aspirations and saves both time and money as they progress toward their degrees. These programs are particularly impactful for low-income students, significantly increasing their likelihood of persisting through college and successfully graduating.
Strengthening Our Communities
The expansion of Early College also has broader implications for the Southern Worcester County region. By accelerating the time to degree and enhancing college affordability, this initiative benefits not only students but also families, local communities, and the state economy. As Superintendent, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these programs. They equip our students with the tools, confidence, and experience they need to thrive in higher education and the workforce, ensuring a brighter future for all.
A New Literacy Initiative
Additionally, a new literacy initiative was introduced at the elementary level beginning in PreK, leading to increased reading engagement and higher literacy rates among younger students.
The literacy initiative introduced at the elementary level aimed to enhance reading engagement and improve literacy rates among younger students. This initiative was part of the district's broader efforts to foster academic excellence and support learners at all levels.
The initiative included several key components:
Enhanced Reading Programs: The district implemented new reading programs that focused on interactive and engaging methods to encourage students to read more frequently and with greater enthusiasm.
Teacher Training: Educators received specialized training to effectively deliver the new literacy programs and to identify and support students who needed additional help.
Parental Involvement: The initiative also emphasized the importance of parental involvement in children's reading habits, encouraging parents to participate in reading activities and support their children's literacy development at home.
Overall, the literacy initiative led to increased reading engagement and higher literacy rates among younger students, contributing to the district's overall academic success. And we plan to expand this initiative into the secondary level in the year ahead to build upon our efforts, to date.
Student and Staff Recognition
Students excelled in regional, state, and out of state competitions, with Knox Trail Middle School and David Prouty High School earning multiple top honors - with students advancing to state finals in music and athletics... From Telegram and Gazette’s “Student of the Week” honors to Project 351 accolades to MIAA Student Ambassadors earning recognition at Gillette Stadium this year, our student body excelled in the classroom and on the athletic fields of play.
And our educators were also recognized for excellence in teaching, including one middle school teacher earning a statewide award for innovation in classroom instruction.
Community Engagement and Well-being
As a district priority, we worked diligently throughout the year to educate the “whole child.” The district prioritized social-emotional learning through comprehensive wellness programs and partnerships with local organizations. Parent and community involvement reached new heights with well-attended family engagement nights, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative decision-making on key policies. Efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity were strengthened, ensuring all students felt supported, valued, and seen within their school community.
As a result of our efforts to engage the community effectively and promote health and well-being throughout our district and the communities we serve, the Worcester County Action Council selected the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District for the Stephen A. Desmarais “Champion for Kids” 2025 Resiliency Award. The 2025 Resiliency Awards ceremony is a morning in the spring designed to honor the unsung heroes of Central Massachusetts and celebrate the powerful impact of community solidarity. This special event was hosted by the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), an organization dedicated to helping people move toward economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy; and our regional school district was honored to receive this honor in memory of Stephen A. Desmarias.
Additionally, our district’s elementary schools earned the Purple Star Award Designation from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “The Annual Purple Star Award Designation is given to Massachusetts public schools who show a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.” As a district, we are honored and humbled to receive these honors and accolades in service to our military servicemen and women and families.
Facilities and Technology Upgrades
Significant investments were made in school infrastructure, including updated science labs, newly renovated athletic facilities, and improved classroom technology. The district continued to provide a1:1 device initiative, providing every student with access to a personal laptop or tablet, and expanded Wi-Fi access to better support digital learning.
As a result of our upgrades to our facilities and technology infrastructure district-wide, the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District was selected to be the lone Massachusetts district nominee to The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition program, which honors exemplary schools and districts that reduce environmental impact and costs, improve health and wellness, and deliver effective environmental and sustainability education that incorporates STEM, civics, and green career pathways.
Each year, Massachusetts selects one or more schools or districts to honor at the state level; those honorees are then elevated to the U.S. Department of Education where they will have the opportunity to be honored as a national Green Ribbon School/District. “Note: The Department identified Cohasset and Spencer-East Brookfield in anticipation of submitting them for the U.S. Education Department's Green Ribbon Schools 2025 program, but that program is not accepting submissions this year.
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District, District Nominee
As the only district nominee for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District (SEBRSD).... made a strong, concerted effort to reduce its environmental impact and reduce costs. This has been achieved through the launch of a Master Energy Plan aimed at enhancing resource efficiency in key areas such as lighting, controls, building envelope(s), and energy management systems. SEBRSD promotes and supports environmental education through STEAM initiatives for students in Grades 2–8, as well as through community events, and local partnerships within their Environmental Sciences and Technology Career Technical Education (CTE) program for Grades 9–12.”
The district demonstrated their achievements in three essential areas of school sustainability, known as the three Pillars of ED-GRS: 1) reduced environmental impact and costs; 2) improved health and wellness; and 3) effective environmental and sustainability education.
Arts, Athletics, and Extracurricular Success
Extracurricular participation thrived, with increased enrollment in music, chorus, and visual arts programs. The district’s athletic teams enjoyed successful seasons, with multiple teams advancing to post-season play and several individual athletes receiving regional accolades.
These achievements of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District over the past year provide a comprehensive overview of the district's progress and accomplishments, but we are just getting started...
Looking Ahead
Building on this year’s achievements, the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District remains committed to continuous improvement, innovative teaching, and meaningful partnerships. The successes of the past twelve months stand as a testament to the district’s unwavering dedication to nurturing well-rounded, high-achieving students prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Next year, we will celebrate sixty-four years since our founding as a regional school district. I am proud to say that the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District is a strong and viable fixture within Southern Worcester County poised for success because of you. As I wrote last year, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the vast number of strategic initiatives and programs we are undertaking to continue to meet student needs that make ChooseSEBRSD exceptional. Thank you for helping to make ChooseSEBRSD what we are today. We would not be the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District that we are today without your continued partnership and support of our learning community.
Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District