10252006 NH Lawhighgetspoor

10/25/2006

Law High building gets poor grades

Brian McCready , Milford Bureau Chief

-MILFORD — Jonathan Law High School has a good curriculum, but the building is in such bad shape that it impedes student learning, according to a 54-page New England Association of Schools and Colleges report.

The report calls on the school system to "rapidly and aggressively" address the facility’s shortcomings.

"The condition of the building impedes the delivery of educational services and limits every aspect of the educational program," the report says.

The report concludes that Law is "generally a safe, stable, and supportive learning environment." The report adds that students have pride in their school and a small percentage of students are responsible for a majority of the discipline problems.

Members of the NEASC committee said they found standing water in the boiler room, unacceptable kitchen sanitary practices and a lack of privacy in the student restrooms.

Air quality concerns centering on mold growth and poor ventilation were encountered, and the room temperature varies too much, especially in the summer.

Another area of concern was that many officials, parents, teachers and students could not detail the basic mission statement of the school, and had no idea what it meant.

The report states that the school is overcrowded, teachers do not have their own classrooms and the school fails to meet all fire, building and safety codes.

Deputy Superintendent of Operations Philip G. Russell said Law meets about 90 percent of all code requirements. He also said an upcoming renovation will address many of the criticisms. The city plans to spend about $22 million to renovate Law and Joseph A. Foran High School over the next four years.

In the area of curriculum, Law was credited with providing education opportunities to students to extend learning beyond normal course offerings, but many students are not aware of the opportunities.

Law is also encouraged to add more programs that will illustrate students’ interdisciplinary skills, and was advised to offer more professional development opportunities for its staff.

Special Education PTA President Susan St. Pierre, who has children at Law, said the report was written in a way that anyone can read whatever they want into it. St. Pierre said the report is contradictory concerning special education.

In one section, it says there is no evidence that more special education teachers need to be hired, but later on it advocates hiring additional instructional support to ensure Law is compliant with federal and state guidelines.

Law parent Robert White said that overall Law is an "excellent school" whose staff is committed to the children. However, he is concerned about fire and safety codes.

"I don’t understand how they get away with that," White said. "All schools should meet code. These are our kids."

Principal Janet Garagliano said, "Law is on the move and will continue to be on the move. We are moving forward."