Welcome back, Springfield Public Schools families! As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I am filled with excitement about the opportunities ahead and gratitude for the students, families, educators, staff, and community partners who make Springfield Public Schools the best school district in Massachusetts.
We continue to move forward. This fall marks the launch of Massachusetts’ first Innovation School Zone, bringing eight Innovation Schools together under district leadership. Springfield Public Schools is proud to pioneer this way forward. We are also proud to open the Exceptional Learner Academy, the state’s first public day program designed specifically to serve students with moderate autism.
These bold initiatives reflect the mission of Springfield Public Schools: educating to empower all students to thrive academically, personally, and globally. As I begin my third year as Superintendent, I remain deeply committed to that mission, and my belief in our students and in all that we can accomplish together continues to grow stronger.
That progress also continues through the four priorities that guide our work: early literacy, middle school transformation, college and career readiness, and post-secondary success. Though there is more progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction:
● The percentage of students in kindergarten through Grade 3 who ended the school year reading at or above the expected level increased from 49% in June 2025 to 56% in June 2026.
● From 2024 to 2026, the percentage of middle school students meeting or exceeding expectations in English Language Arts increased by seven percentage points in Grade 6, nine points in Grade 7, and three points in Grade 8.
● The percentage of students in Grades 6 through 12 completing a personalized plan for their academic goals, future career and life after high school increased from 53% in 2025 to 58% in 2026.
● The percentage of graduating seniors completing the FAFSA, an important step toward accessing financial aid for college, increased from 63% in 2025 to 72% in 2026.
As we begin this new school year, I encourage our entire community to take stock of the progress we are making and renew our collective belief in what is possible. The gains we have made give us every reason to Believe in our students, our educators, our families, and the future the Fabulous 413 is building together. ■