2016
ANNUAL REPORT
EMPOWER
collaborate
Transition
foster independence
Cultural Competence
SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIP
STUDENT-CENTERED
success Oppor tunity student engagement IMPACT Strengths-Based
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Message from Executive Director, Mission and Vision
3
Highlighted Themes
4
Board of Directors, Member Districts, & Leadership Team
5
Advisory Committees
6
History of AVC
7
Benefits of Membership
8
Progress in Achieving Purpose
9
Performance Report Update
11
Collaborative Offerings
12-15
School Programs
12
Assabet Valley Collaborative Alternative School
13
SOAR - 45 Day Assessment Program
Melissa at her internship
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Melissa from Evolution’s Cluster 1, participated in an eight-week paid summer internship through the Center for Living and Working (CLW). She continued her internship at Beaumont Skilled Nursing Home in Westborough, where she served drinks to the residents during lunch and assisted staff cleaning and clearing the dining tables.
Melissa was extremely successful and demonstrated responsibility, maturity, and flexibility throughout, 15 Evolution even when faced with a challenge. Melissa learned to successfully navigate transportation on more than 16-18 Consultation Services one occasion proving that she could utilize the skills 16 In-district Inclusion Support she learned at Evolution. When transportation was an issue, Melissa called her boss in a timely manner 17 Transition to let him know that transportation was delayed and 18 Family Success Partnership (FSP) that she would be late. Melissa utilized skills learned 19-24 Collaboration and Partnership during Travel Training to independently take the WRTA downtown to weekly workshops held at the 19-20 Professional Development CLW offices. 21 Job-Alikes At the end of Melissa’s eight-week internship, her 22 Transportation on-site supervisor reported he was very happy with 23-24 Cooperative Purchasing her work, and she was one of their best employees. 14 REACH
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MISSION
Dear Assabet Valley Collaborative Community Members, I am pleased to present our 2015-2016 Annual Report.
Offering the following programs: AVCAS Consultation Services Evolution Family Success Partnership Professional Development REACH SOAR Transportation Services
2015-2016 was a pivotal year as we enter our next 40 years in service to our member districts and to the field. We built on previous priorities and accomplishments and focused our combined efforts in three inter-related themes: 1) Working Together, 2) Culturally Proficient Inclusive Beliefs and Practices, and 3) Building Capacity through Deepening Relevance. Please see highlights on the following pages for evidence of these themes throughout the year in our programs, professional development and district initiatives. Highlights and achievements of our programs and services will be described more fully throughout the rest of this report. Each program and service will be described in each section, including a discussion of accomplishments, value, and cost effectiveness each program or service brings to member districts. It is important to note that while there are many elements of membership at AVC that result in clear cost savings and efficiencies, there are many aspects of membership that are related to supporting core values, inclusion, innovation, collaboration with peers, and deep collective inquiry. This document will strive to highlight both the tangible cost efficiencies available to members as well as the intangible value-added benefits that come with being an active member of the AVC community of learners.
VISION AVC is deeply committed to bringing communities together to maximize diverse resources to provide the best services to children, families and our region. Through collaboration and partnership we strive to map resources, identify needs and develop and support services that will effectively and efficiently address evolving needs in our member school district communities.
Thank you for your contributions to our work at AVC. We rely on active and engaged districts, parents, students, staff and community members – because we can do so much when we do it together. With gratitude,
Cathy Cummins Executive Director
“
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
“
Providing joint programs and services for school districts of: Assabet Valley Regional Berlin/Boylston Region Berlin Boylston Grafton Hudson Marlborough Maynard Millbury Nashoba Region Northborough Northborough/ Southborough Region Southborough Shrewsbury Westborough
On February 26, 2016, students, families, staff, districts and friends of AVC gathered to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Students performed a song together – with the repeating refrain “We are here. We are here for all of us.” Students greeted visitors, videotaped testimonials provided by attendees, paused to take pictures with staff and families at the “selfie station,” and enjoyed an abundance of food donated by AVC staff. The gymnasium was decorated with artwork and centerpieces created by our students. It was an amazing day that captured and amplified the joyfulness our team has in our work and the strength, beauty, and resilience of our amazing students and families.
Assabet Valley Collaborative partners with students, families and member school districts to deliver highly-specialized expertise and resources to foster empowerment of all learners.
- Margaret Mead
2
Educating and Empowering all Learners through Partnership and Collaboration
HIGHLIGHTED THEMES
WORKING TOGETHER “Working together” was the theme for our all-staff Opening Day event on August 27, 2015. Keynote speaker John D’Auria presented Difficult Conversations: Transforming Conflict into Insight & Learning. AVC staff enjoyed team building games in our first ever AVC Minute to Win it Competitions. This theme permeated our work in meetings, programs, and departments. We adopted AVC-wide norms for collaboration and committed to maximizing our effort through more effective and productive meetings focused on learning objectives – using a meeting template designed after reading Meeting Wise. The new template transformed meetings within AVC and member districts. We developed cross-program projects and initiatives, bringing our students together across service areas more often – the culminating product being the 40th Anniversary song performed by students from all the AVC programs together.
CULTURALLY PROFICIENT INCLUSIVE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
in opportunities, equity, and empowerment. Statements of High Expectations resonated deeply with our team and became foundational statements built into our beliefs and norms - “This is important; I believe in you; I will not give up on you.” These statements apply to how we want our educators to view our students, how we want our faculty to view our families, and how we want our leaders to view our adult learners.
DEEPENING RELEVANCE AND BUILDING CAPACITY • BCBA, School Psychologist & PBIS • Leadership course: Analyzing Teaching for Student Results • Personalized Learning Summit • Google Bootcamp • Grant to support Safe & Supportive Schools Consultant Commission & Peer Review • Successful Inclusive Practice Grant application • Safe & Supportive Schools & Peer Review
• Unpacking Cultural Proficiency: Building Diverse, Inclusive Learning Environments: 47 participants (12 from AVC) • Cultural Proficiency Deep Dive - Advanced Content for Change Agents: 20 participants (8 from AVC) Statements of High • Leadership for Inclusive Practices Conference: 140 participants Expectations resonated (8 from AVC) deeply with our team • High Expectations: “This is important. I believe in you. I will not give up on you.” and became foundational
During 2015-2016, AVC continued to build expertise in new areas to respond to emerging needs within and outside of AVC. We prioritized capacity building that would increase the quality of AVC programs and services that could also impact member districts’ future needs. Adding School Psychologist and BCBA positions brought PBIS to our programs and by the end of the school year, we provided PBIS training and coaching to statements built into our member districts as well. AVC hosted a personalized learning Since 2012, AVC has enrolled over 120 participants in a threesummit, through which our staff learned strategies to personalize beliefs and norms. day course entitled Unpacking Cultural Proficiency: Building learning in their daily work. Additionally, our technology leaders Diverse, Inclusive Learning Environments, instructed by Patti developed skills for delivering content in this domain and offered DeRosa. In the spring of 2016, AVC offered its first “Deep out to districts. A grant from C.F. Adams Trust supported the Dive” advanced course designed for change agents to develop content and skills to hiring of a Safe & Supportive Schools consultant to assist districts with Program foster the advancement of equity and social justice in schools, programs, districts, Evaluations through Peer Review and to represent AVC at the Safe & Supportive and the field. AVC also sponsored a first annual 3-day Leadership for Inclusive Schools Commission meetings. At the conclusion of the grant, AVC will have Practices Conference designed innovatively to advance equity and inclusiveness while capacity to continue and draw revenue from the service. Lastly, AVC administrators leveraging new models for adult learning and connecting to what is being done at enrolled in a 6-day course through Research for Better Teaching (RBT) entitled the regulatory level. Each day included high quality content: High Expectations, “Analyzing Teaching for Student Results,” taught by Deb Reed. This course advanced Difficult Conversations, Cultural Proficiency, followed by connections to the MA the quality of instructional leadership taking place throughout AVC. The partnership DESE initiatives (presented by staff from DESE), concluding with “unconference” with RBT has promised to lead to the development of instructors to continue to activities in mini-Ed Camps throughout the building. High Expectations content teach this course for our member districts. helped our participants grapple with the role that having high expectations plays
3
“
“
We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.
2015-2016
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Fred Rogers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ernie Houle
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School
Jay Cummings
Grafton Public Schools
Nadine Ekstrom Jodi Fortuna
Richard Langlois
Robert Gerardi, Vice-Chair Gregory Myers
Michael Wood/Curtis Bates, Interim Christine Johnson
Joseph Sawyer, Chair Amber Bock
Public Schools of Berlin and Boylston Hudson Public Schools
Marlborough Public Schools
Cathy Cummins Executive Director
Anne Mahan Assistant Executive Director of Finance and Operations
Nancy Ahrabi-Nejad Director of Consultation Services
Karen Laskey Director of Satellite Programs
Susan Donofrio Co-Director of Therapeutic Programs
Shannon VanderSwaagh Co-Director of Therapeutic Programs
Maynard Public Schools Millbury Public Schools
Nashoba Regional School District
Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough Shrewsbury Public Schools
Westborough Public Schools
AVC MEMBER DISTRICTS Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (1976)
Berlin, Boylston & Berlin-Boylston Public Schools (1976) Grafton Public Schools (voting member 2015) Hudson Public Schools (1976)
Marlborough Public Schools (1976) Maynard Public Schools (1976) Millbury Public Schools (2011)
Nashoba Regional School District (1976)
Northborough, Southborough & Northborough/Southborough Public Schools (1976) Shrewsbury Public Schools (1976)
Westborough Public Schools (1976)
4 4
2015-2016
ADVISORY COMMITTEES The Collaborative’s Advisory Committees meet monthly to collaborate, share expertise and make recommendations to our Board of Directors to identify areas of growth and need. The members of these committees are listed below.
OPERATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
COOPERATIVE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jill Greene Chair, Maynard Public Schools, Director of Student Services
Rick Bedard Chair, Millbury Public Schools, Business Manager
Charla Boles Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Special Education Coordinator
Kristopher Luoto Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Director of Business Operations
Karen Molnar Berlin-Boylston Public Schools, Director of Pupil Personnel
Julie Surprenant Berlin-Boylston Public Schools, Business Manager
Arnold Lundwall Grafton Public Schools, Special Education Administrator
Daniel Gale Grafton Public Schools, Director of Finance
Catherine Kilcoyne Hudson Public Schools, Director of Pupil Services
Patricia Lange Hudson Public Schools, Director of Finance
Heather Geary Marlborough Public Schools, Director of Special Education
Michael Bergeron Marlborough Public Schools, Business Manager
Kate Ryan Millbury Public Schools, Director of Pupil Personnel
Peter DiCicco Maynard Public Schools, Business Manager
Tracy Conte Nashoba Regional School District, Director of Special Education
George King Nashoba Regional School District, Assistant Superintendent
Marie Alan Northborough/Southborough Public Schools, Director of Student Support Services
Cheryl Levesque Northborough/Southborough Public Schools, Director of Business
Melissa Maguire Shrewsbury Public Schools, Director of Pupil Personnel
Patrick Collins Shrewsbury Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Finance Administration
Sherrie Stevens Westborough Public Schools, Director of Pupil Personnel
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
“
Meghan Bartlett Shrewsbury Public Schools, Out-of-District Coordinator
“
- Helen Keller
Irene Oliver Westborough Public Schools, Director of Finance and Administration
5
HISTORY Assabet Valley Collaborative The Assabet Valley Collaborative (AVC), an educational service agency located in Central Massachusetts, was established in 1976. An educational service agency is a regional public multiservice agency (not a private organization), authorized by state law to develop, manage and provide services or programs to local education agencies, such as public school districts. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Education Collaboratives were formed by local school committees and charter boards under Chapter 40, Section 4E (1974). On 2 March 2012, Governor Deval Patrick signed into Session Law, Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2012: An Act Relative to Improving Accountability and Oversight of Education Collaboratives. The purpose of an educational collaborative is to supplement and strengthen the programs and services of member school committees and charter boards. The purpose of our Collaborative is to provide: • Specialized education programs and services for students ages 3 to 22 • Special education transportation services • Professional development, training and resource sharing • An array of consultative services • Cooperative purchasing/procurement services • Cost-effective responses to needs articulated by member districts 6
The focus of our collaborative is the development and delivery of high-quality programs and/or services to member districts that shall complement and strengthen those provided by member school committees.
Student art work
Legal Autonomy and Fiscal Independence
Student art work
The overall objectives include: • The creation and/or delivery of cost-effective responses to needs articulated by member districts • The delivery of high-quality, specialized education programs and services for students ages 3 to 22 • The delivery of cost effective and efficient special education transportation services • The development and delivery of high-quality and cost-effective consultative services • The development and delivery of high-quality and cost-effective professional development, training and resource sharing • The provision of effective and efficient cooperative purchasing/procurement services
AVC was established and governed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 4E of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Session Law, Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2012: An Act Relative to Improving Accountability and Oversight of Education Collaboratives. AVC’s operations are funded by membership fees, tuitions and rates for educational and contractual services provided. Rates are calculated as part of the annual budgeting process for each program based on enrollment and projected participation. Our Board Members are responsible for ensuring that any borrowing, loans or mortgages are cost effective and necessary to carry out the purposes for which the collaborative is established. They approve all expenditures, including, but not limited to contracts, borrowing and the purchase and sale of fixed assets.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Assabet Valley Collaborative allows members to:
member discounts 1 Receive All AVC programs and services are provided to members at membership rates. Non-member districts may access AVC programs and services at a 12-15% surcharge. Membership pricing is generally competitive with similar, private vendors resulting in cost efficiencies. Services and programs are also designed using quality indicators that are based on member feedback and guidance; members rely on AVC to provide high-quality services that maximize local resources working with neighboring districts.
and guide 2 Influence decision making Member districts influence and guide decision-making regarding existing and new programming, improving the quality of services and pooling resources with neighboring districts. AVC has started several new programs since 2008 based on needs of member districts, including a middle school program for students with emotional/behavioral needs, a 45-day assessment program, vocational program for students ages 18-22, wraparound services, transition programming and child psychiatry.
cooperative/volume 3 Obtain purchasing advantages Members have access to Cooperative/Volume Purchasing through collective procurement activities. AVC procures goods and services on behalf of member communities, resulting in more competitive pricing for goods districts need to purchase. In FY16 AVC contracts included bread and rolls, office supplies, copy paper, school supplies, technology and transportation services.
access to grant4 Gain funded initiatives Members have access to grant-funded initiatives through collective, collaborative stakeholder groups. AVC seeks to identify areas of need and determine grant funding or other sources of revenue to support the launch of new initiatives. AVC’s innovative Family Success Partnership was launched in this way, providing community-based wraparound services for area families at no cost to districts in years 2007-2012. In 2015-2016, AVC was awarded funding by the C.F. Adams Charitable Trust to support our Peer Review Initiative with the Behavioral Assessment Tool and Safe and Supportive Schools Commission.
Job-Alikes and 5 Discover join initiatives opportunities Members have access to Job-Alikes and joint initiatives for district faculty. Through joint initiatives, member districts share expertise, pool resources to increase capacity, collaborate on new regulations and mandates, and launch innovations and projects to improve public education in our region. See the summary of Peer Review initiative for one robust, valueadded way that the Job-Alike for special education administrators has added value to member districts.
in neighboring district 6 Enroll specialized programs Enrollment in neighboring districts specialized programs is possible due to the collective and collaborative partnerships fostered through membership at AVC. Districts can expand each other’s capacity to provide public school specialized programs through tuition agreements between districts for special education programs in the least restrictive environment.
7
Progress in Achieving
PURPOSE
The following table highlights AVC’s progress in 2015-2016 in achieving the purposes articulated in the existing Collaborative Agreement.
Programs/Services which “shall complement and strengthen member school committees and increase educational opportunities for children ages 3-22.”
8
Progress towards Purpose in FY16
Specialized education programs for students ages 3-22
AVC continued to provide specialized programs as noted in the sections of this report describing programs. Student enrollment in programs in 2015-2016 117 student FTE (pages 11-18).
Services provided to students aged 3-22 (transportation, therapy, counseling, supports)
AVC provided consultation therapy services to over 150 students from 10 member districts and 1 non-member district (page 16-18). AVC transported 364 students in 2015-2016 from 29 districts (page 22).
Joint/cooperative or volume purchasing according to Chapter 30B as well as joint/ cooperative purchasing through intergovernmental agreements
AVC joint purchasing for office supplies, copy paper, and school supplies resulting in an estimated $226,411 in cost savings to districts. Additional cooperative purchasing contract awards included technology services and bread and rolls (page 23-24).
Services delivered to member school community staff - including training, professional development, consultation, or other service
AVC provided over 240 contact hours of training to over 550 participants through targeted professional development activities. AVC’s Family Success Partnership (FSP) delivered wraparound services to 8 districts servicing over 130 families (page 18-20).
Development of partnerships with community and state agencies to enhance support to member districts
AVC convenes community and state agencies, and continues to be a leader in systems of care meetings and task forces related to mental health, transition services, and inclusion (page 18 FSP wraparound).
Joint initiatives including inter-district projects, research, task forces, etc.
AVC convened over 50 Job-Alike meetings for district administrators including Superintendents, Special Education Administrators, Business Administrators, Curriculum Leaders, Instructional Technology Specialists and Technology Leaders. Job-Alike meetings resulted in resource sharing, joint initiatives, projects, and collaboration (page 21).
Joint hiring or job sharing for low incidence personnel
AVC shared position of Educational Technology Specialist – shared between AVC and a member district for FY16.
Application for grants or other sources of funding to operate programs for individuals that complement the mission and vision of the Collaborative
AVC secured competitive and state grant funding to support AVCAS’s expressive therapies programming and Robotics (page 12).
Application for grants or other sources of funding for programs that may include state agencies, community-based partners, etc.
AVC continued to seek grant-funding and partnerships with community agencies. As a result, AVC received funding from CF Adams Charitable Trust to support our Peer Review Initiative. (page 18).
Consultation Services Transportation
$464,574 $5,886,996
3.9% 49.7%
$63,866
0.5%
AVCAS
28
28
34
36
SOAR
0
0
19
Evolution
0
0
10
52
53
85
PERFORMANCE REPORT UPDATE Membership, Grants, Gifts, and Building Use
Total All Programs
$11,852,382
AVC continued to grow in FY16, by expanding services in its alternative program, transition services, wraparound services and professional development. The following charts provide a graphic representation of AVC’s enrollment trends and Gift Accounts $1,000 revenue sources for FY16. Bldng Use Revolving Grants Membership
37.6
44.62
40.52
12
15
26.62
17.91
15
18.5
31.46
32.
87
95.1
117.7
103.26
Transition
$5,791 $33,550 $57,750
FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 Figure 1 displays revenue sources for the past24fiscal year. Direct15Support REACH 25 22 24 12.73 10.93 11.1 Services to our member districts students, families and educators AVCAS 28 34 36 37.6district 44.62 40.52 42.85 46.53 Transition 0 0 0 0 0 2.02 3 account for over 99% of our revenues. These120services 15 include special education SOAR 0 19 26.62 17.91 21.11 38.29 programming, consultation0 and therapeutic services,18.5 wraparound Evolution 10 15 31.46 services, 32.1 30.2 18.06 Total All Programs 53 85 87 95.1 117.7 103.26 107.11 116.98
transportation and professional development. Figure 2 reflects more recent (2009-2016) full-time equivalent (fte) student enrollment trends by program.
$98,091
Figure 1
Figure 2
FY16 Revenue Sources
Student Enrollment by Program Student Enrollment by Program FY09-FY16 FY09-FY16
FY16 Revenue Sources
Membership, Grants, Gifts, and Building Use $63,866 (.5%)
140 120 100
Transportation $5,886,996 (49.7%)
REACH AVCAS
Program Tuition $5,436,946
(45.9%)
80
TransiFon SOAR
60
EvoluFon Total All Programs
40
Consultation Services $464,574 (3.9%)
REVENUE SOURCES Program Tuition Consultation Services Transportation Membership, Grants, Gifts, and Building Use
FY16 REVENUE $5,436,946
45.87%
$464,574
3.92%
$5,886,996
49.67%
$63,866
.54%
TOTAL $11,852,382
20 0
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
Reach
25
22
24
24
15
12.73
10.93
11.1
AVCAS
28
34
36
37.6
44.62
40.52
42.92
46.53
0
2.02
3
Transition SOAR
0
19
12
15
26.62
17.91
21.36
38.29
Evolution
0
10
15
18.5
31.46
32.1
30.02
18.06
Total All Programs
53
85
87
95.1
117.7
103.26
107.43 116.98 9
“We are really centered on the students and their individual needs.” - Staff
“My sister loves her school. She is participating in everything. She’s more verbal and a lot more social.” - Student sibling
“The students come through our doors with struggles and when they leave every day, they’re smiling because they’ve made progress.” - Staff
COLLABORATIVE OFFERINGS Therapeutic Programs
Assabet Valley Collaborative (AVC) provides unique, high-quality services to empower students, families and districts to overcome obstacles and achieve their
School Programs
goals. Our licensed and experienced educators and related staff are ready to support students with social/emotional,
to promoting student success, family support and community integration. Through partnership and collaboration, we
Consultation Services
share resources, identify needs and create programs to effectively and efficiently
REACH
Transition to Adulthood
Evolution Programs in Shrewsbury & Marlborough
In-district Inclusion Support
OT, PT & Other Therapies, Child Psychiatrist Consultation
Transition
Assessment, Job Development & Coaching, Program Development
Wraparound Services
Family Success Partnership
Professional Development
Job-Alikes, Workshops, Courses, Study Groups
Cooperative Purchasing
Technology Services & Office Supplies
Transportation
In & Out of District & McKinney-Vento
support and address the evolving needs of our students, their families and our districts. Our services are in the categories of school programs, consultation services and district collaboration.
Collaboration & Partnership with Member Districts
SOAR Assessment Program
Multiple Disabilities & Complex Health Needs
intellectual and/or physical needs. AVC takes a multi-dimensional approach
AVCAS Middle/High School
11
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Assabet Valley Collaborative Alternative School (AVCAS) PURPOSE Our therapeutic day school offers academic rigor and clinical services to students in grades six through twelve who are experiencing emotional, learning and behavioral difficulties. Programming includes a strong emphasis on academics, clinical services, expressive arts, vocational supports and high-interest electives. AVCAS supports students in overcoming challenges related to mental and behavioral health to achieve individualized goals. AVCAS staff collaborate with students, families, sending school districts, state agencies and community mental health providers to ensure that students are supported during the school day as well as beyond the scope of the school day when indicated. Programming includes:
ACHIEVEMENTS • AVC 40th Anniversary art and music event • Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) NOH8 (No Hate) • Robotics funded by Biogen STEM Grant • Functional Pottery Expressive Arts supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council • Vinyasa Yoga • Project Adventure • YMCA Membership for students • Student Council Activities • Therapeutic horseback riding • National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) program • Intramural basketball program • Art Therapy internship programs • DBT - full implementation • School Psychologist added to team • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) added to team • Professional development for staff in: PBIS planning, Difficult Conversations, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Cultural Proficiency
12
TUITION 180 DAYS
MEMBER RATE
NONMEMBER RATE
MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS
AVCAS
$45,895
$51,402
$5,504
• Small instructional groups led by master’s-level professionals • Integration of academics, expressive therapy and transition skills • Tiered behavioral support model builds skills and relationships
VALUE AVCAS provides a regional option for students who may otherwise be referred for private school placements further from the home community. AVCAS is invested in supporting students in returning to their home district and working with the member districts to build the capacity to support the needs of students with social and emotional disabilities. AVCAS’ expressive therapy programs and high-interest electives add value to comprehensive academic and clinical therapeutic setting. In 2015-2016, AVCAS added: an art display at Marlborough Public Library, a Work Study Program on-site and community-based instruction, student Chromebooks to enhance curriculum delivery and implementation, student email and Google Docs for collaboration, and Literacy Professional Learning Community.
FISCAL YEAR
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL ENROLLMENT NONMEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
2016
29
37 (17*)
66
2015
22
38 (21*)
60
2014
28
29 (20*)
57
2013
28
41 (32*)
69
*Total ACCEPT Education Collaborative student enrollment
Co-Directors of Therapeutic Programs: Shannon VanderSwaagh and Susan Donofrio AVC- Marlborough, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
SOAR - 45 Day Assessment Program PURPOSE
VALUE SOAR is housed in the same building as AVCAS which provides access to services, expertise and facilities not typically found in other 45-day assessment programs – including comprehensive academic support, music, art and other elective teachers, physical education and clinical support services. In addition, AVC’s partnership with area clinical providers enables us to pass cost savings in clinical evaluations on to districts. SOAR staff is committed to supporting districts in responding to referral questions and identifying recommendations to support the student’s need in the least-restrictive environment. Because of the diversity of expertise available within AVC faculty, SOAR can serve a wide range of students, many of whom are transitioning from more restrictive settings like hospitalizations or residential settings, and many of whom are referred because of incidents or crises at home or school. In 2015-2016, SOAR added the following new assessments: risk assessment, social/emotional assessment and cognitive and achievement testing.
ACHIEVEMENTS • AVC 40th Anniversary art and music event • Functional Pottery Expressive Arts programming supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council • Vinyasa Yoga • Art Therapy internship programs • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – full implementation • School Psychologist added to team • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) added to team • Professional Development for staff in: PBIS planning, Difficult Conversations, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Cultural Proficiency
“
FISCAL YEAR
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL ENROLLMENT NONMEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
2016
12
15 (6*)
27
2015
10
7 (4*)
17
Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.
2014
6
10 (7*)
16
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2013
7
10 (8*)
17
*Total ACCEPT Education Collaborative student enrollment
Co-Directors of Therapeutic Programs: Shannon VanderSwaagh and Susan Donofrio AVC- Marlborough, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
“
Jointly operated by Assabet Valley Collaborative and ACCEPT Education Collaborative, Short Term Option for Assessment and Recommendations (SOAR) is a short-term stabilization and diagnostic assessment program for middle and high school students (grades 6-12). Our team collaborates closely with parents and districts to identify appropriate academic and clinical supports for students with social/ emotional difficulties. We help teams better understand the skills and needs of our students to identify supports and strategies that will enable our students to progress in the least-restrictive environment. Program features include: • Customized educational and clinical assessments • Individualized academic and clinical services • Comprehensive reports and recommendations
TUITION 45 DAYS
MEMBER RATE
NONMEMBER RATE
MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS
SOAR
$12,357
$13,702
$1,345 13
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
REACH Program*
“
I’m writing to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful IEP meeting and to specially thank each and every one of you for the education and support given to my son. May you all be richly empowered to continue to do an amazing job for our special children.
PURPOSE
REACH provides a multidisciplinary approach to meet the varied and complex academic, therapeutic and healthcare needs of students with multiple disabilities between the ages of 8 and 18. REACH infuses social communication throughout programming with a particular emphasis on assistive technology and augmentative communication. Our classrooms are equipped with educational technology including Interactive Whiteboards. Our classes include: • Embedded Speech/Language, Physical, Occupational, - REACH Parent Vision and Music Therapies • Comprehensive nursing support • Inclusion opportunities with typical peers • Art, cooking, adaptive physical education, music and animal-assisted activities
• AVC 40th Anniversary art and music event • Community-based instruction • Adapted PE • Animal-assisted activities • Partnerships with local universities for nursing students • Quarterly newsletter for families and member districts • Waiting list for typical peers-reverse inclusion volunteers • Community service projects included: Socktober; Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign, Central Mass. Kibble Kitchen • Professional Development for staff in: Difficult Conversations, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Cultural Proficiency
14 14
TUITION 204 DAYS
MEMBER RATE
NONMEMBER RATE
MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS
REACH
$71,655
$80,254
$8,599
“
ACHIEVEMENTS
VALUE AVC’s REACH program provides a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to enrollment in private schools that are further away from our students’ home communities. Although quality and cost are important considerations, geography and inclusion are vital to the value AVC’s REACH classrooms offer our students, particularly from Member districts. Most private placements are in the Metro Boston area that add travel time (during heavy commuting hours) and increased costs for districts. AVC’s REACH classrooms are housed in public school settings, which add the value of inclusion opportunities with peers in the host school community as well as being able to participate in home community activities. FISCAL YEAR
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
2016
8
6
14
2015
8
5
13
2014
7
7
14
2013*
8
7
15
*REACH Crossroads program formerly serving students ages 18-22 merged with Evolution in FY13 resulting in a decrease in enrollment in REACH.
Director of Satellite Programs: Karen Laskey REACH II: Trottier Middle School, 49 Parkerville Road, Southborough, MA (Ages 8-14) REACH III/IV: Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA (Ages 14-18)
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Evolution Program PURPOSE
ACHIEVEMENTS
“
Share our similarities, celebrate our differences. -M. Scott Peck
VALUE Evolution opened in 2009 with nine students. Over the next few years, the enrollment tripled and the program relocated to a larger space, cofounded through a partnership with Shrewsbury Public Schools. In 2014, Evolution opened a satellite campus in Marlborough to provide additional expanded options geographically and programmatically. Because Evolution connects students with local community-based opportunities, it increases the likelihood that our young adult students will stay connected with those resources when they leave Evolution by graduating or turning 22. Evolution served 27 students in 2015-2016.
“
The Evolution Program is located in Shrewsbury and Marlborough. This transition program is designed for students ages 18-22, who continue to be eligible for educational services as they transition to adulthood. Evolution blends educational opportunities within real-world settings in the community. Our programming includes: • Transition assessment, job development and job coaching • Community-based instruction – Travel training, fitness, college coursework, shopping, and recreation • School-based instruction – healthy relationships, cooking, finance, laundry, and hygiene • Internships with retailers, health care centers and non-profit organizations
• AVC 40th Anniversary art and music event • Quinsigamond Community College coursework • Framingham State University coursework • Community-based instruction • Adaptive ice skating • Community gardening • Garden-to-table activities • Animal-assisted activities • Quarterly newsletter for families and member districts • Competitive employment • After-school social events, “Friday Night Out” • Family workshops • Wraparound services • Community service projects included: Salvation Army, Central Mass Kibble Kitchen, YMCA • Professional development for staff in: CVI Training, PBIS, CPI, Writing Better IEP’s, Difficult Conversations, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Cultural Proficiency
FISCAL YEAR
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
ENROLLMENT MEMBER DISTRICTS
TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
TUITION 180 DAYS
MEMBER RATE
NONMEMBER RATE
MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS
2016
21
6
27
$31,558
$35,345
$3,787
2015
29
7
36
Evolution Tier 1
2014
32
3
35
Evolution Tier 2
$46,814
$52,432
$5,618
2013*
31
3
34
Evolution Tier 3 (204 days)*
$71,655
$80,254
$8,599
*REACH Crossroads program formerly serving students ages 18-22 merged with Evolution in FY13 resulting in a decrease in enrollment in REACH.
Director of Satellite Programs: Karen Laskey Shrewsbury High School, 64 Holden Street, Shrewsbury, MA AVC-Marlborough, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
*Formerly REACH/Crossroads
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CONSULTATION SERVICES
OVERVIEW
• iPads for therapeutic service delivery • Partnerships with statewide organizations to support inclusion and professional development • Vocational assessments • Child Psychiatrist consultation and professional development • PBIS • Community partnerships developed to expand district vocational opportunities • Transition partners: Algonquin Regional, Maynard, Hudson and Shrewsbury High Schools • Adaptive equipment trainings for medicallyfragile students • Whole-class yoga instruction • Staff training – Integration of Motor and Sensory Learning • Professional development for staff in: Difficult Conversations, Google Apps for Education (GAFE), Cultural Proficiency
HOURLY CONSULTATION
MEMBER RATE
OT, PT, SLP, Assistive Technology, Music Therapy, Social Work/Counseling
$85.50
Therapy Assistants – PTA, COTA, SLP
$57.00
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NONMEMBER MEMBERSHIP RATE SAVINGS $95.80
$64.84
$10.30
$7.84
Assabet Valley Collaborative Consultation Services offer our member districts expertise and assistance to address a wide range of therapeutic needs for students and families. We provide a variety of related services that include: • Highly-trained staff • Programs designed to address specific students’ needs • Collaborative and flexible scheduling and consultation
In-district Inclusion Support AVC employs a range of experts with particularly specialized training and credentials that helps to support the low-incidence needs in member districts. Additionally, AVC’s consultants are committed to integrated services and expanding the capacity of our member districts to provide increasing support to students in their home districts in the least-restrictive setting. Our inclusion supports include direct student assessments and evaluations, developing and implementing individual /group programs and providing consultation to district staff, parents or teams. Our team focused on student self-determination skills. We utilized an assessment tool, “The Air Self-Determination Scale – Educator Form” and we used Goal Attainment Scaling to measure achievement of the team goal. FY16 offerings: • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Never, never, • Music Therapy • Psychiatric consultation–medication awareness, accessing resources, never give up. crisis guidance and Professional Development - Winston Churchill
“
FISCAL YEAR
THERAPEUTIC STAFF
DISTRICTS SERVED
STUDENTS SUPPORTED
2016
9
10
150+
2015
11
12
300+
2014
8
10
250+
2013
10
10
300+
Director of Consultation Services: Nancy Ahrabi-Nejad AVC- Marlborough, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
“
ACHIEVEMENTS
CONSULTATION SERVICES
Transition
ACHIEVEMENTS
FY16 marks the second year of offering transition specialists and job coaching consultation. We support our districts in improving services provided locally to students in various stages of transitioning to adulthood. Services are provided directly to students and/or district staff and include: • Transition/vocational assessments • Interest inventories • Job development • Job coaching • Staff training • Program evaluation • Program development • Academics • Youth development and youth leadership • Career readiness • Family involvement • Community connections
“
What makes AVC special is everyone’s willingness to help each other. Everyone has a vision of what excellence in education looks like, and really works towards that vision.
Post-Secondary Program Development Career-Readiness Skill Training: • Provided leadership and training to job coaches in the community • Developed and offered job-coach training • Collaborated with CAP team 2x monthly regarding creating continuity to the instruction and curriculum for the students • Piloted electronic data collection sheets for use in community • Coordinated business partner communications on behalf of students • Taught student travel safety skills when utilizing WRTA • Completed two transition assessments including the areas of vocation, self-determination, and transition • Increased hours of consultation to program from 12 hours weekly to 18 per district request • Vocational skills class/job club/internship • Signal Success curriculum focused on social and vocational skills • Readiness and self-determination • Peer-to-peer mentoring • Secured community-based internship site to offer students pre-vocational skills training including soft skills, self-regulation, vocational skill development, professionalism, and self-determination
“
-Nancy Ahrabi-Nejad Director of Consultation Services
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CONSULTATION SERVICES
Family Success Partnership (FSP) PURPOSE Family Success Partnership (FSP) is a family-centered wraparound program designed to support students and their families who have needs that fall outside of school services that have not yet been met by community or state agency services. Each family participating in FSP is unique and Family Support Counselors (licensed mental health professionals) help each family develop goals and then help them identify resources needed to achieve those goals. FSP is there to help families navigate the intricate process of insurance, state agency applications and waitlists – to help add resources to families who need them. FSP is one of the only school-based wraparound programs in Massachusetts.
“
FSP has been a saving grace for the families that I have referred. They are so organized, communicative and the follow through is immediate.
FSP has bridged the gaps between school, home and community. FSP added staffing in FY16 to support needs of member districts’ students and families. We provide an array of services to help students and families address basic needs and achieve a level of social and emotional well-being that makes learning possible. In collaboration with district administration and school counselors, they supported over 130 families. Our team of dedicated counselors worked with families to access: • Medical care • Counseling • Housing and essential resources • Insurance
SERVICE
FY16 MEMBER RATES FY16 NONMEMBER RATES
- Paige Tobin, Attorney Wrap-Around Services - Case Law Summaries
MEMBER SAVINGS
Phase I
$27,775
$31,110
$3,335
Phase II
$55,550
$62,220
$6,670
Phase III
$83,325
$93,325
$10,000
*Founding grant partners: Metro West Health Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, C.F. Adams Charitable Trust Foundation, The Sudbury Foundation jointly funded FSP from 2007-2012 – and supported ongoing activities for sustainability.
“
-School Counselor 18
“
Director of Consultation Services: Nancy Ahrabi-Nejad AVC- Marlborough, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
“
I was completely satisfied. It made a huge difference in our family. - Parent
“
• Development of “FSP Forum” presented to M.A.S.S. – Spring 2016 • Collaborate with programs for “parent nights” • Increased caseload and districts served for FY16 • Implemented new data collection system with pre- and post-assessment data • Added two new staff • Certified Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) trainers • Staff trained as Cultural Proficiency Trainers • Collaboration with School Psychologists and Adjustment Counselors • Immediate support with problem solving
Well-coordinated, thoughtful wraparound services often allow a student to avoid residential placement, continue to be educated in the least-restrictive environment, and continue to reside within the home.
“
VALUE
ACHIEVEMENTS
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
Professional Development PURPOSE
ACHIEVEMENTS
In FY16 AVC provided over 240 contact hours of formal training to over 550 participants as part of our commitment to meeting the professional development needs identified by its member districts to improve the quality of their programs and services. AVC provides specialized professional development, connects districts with common initiatives, provides an economy of scale to reduce costs and distance for high priority or mandatory training, and customizes workshops to the meet specific needs of districts. The table on the following page highlights activity for this fiscal year.
Special Education for General Educators was offered in the summer of 2015. Because general education and special education are so interdependent, it is critical for general educators to understand the basic concepts and entitlements of special education as well as the current evidence-based practices that support students with special needs. This course explored the relationship between general education and special education practices designed to support diverse learners. AVC also offered a Special Education-Keeping up with Changing Practice series for business officials and administrators to examine laws and regulations, changing practice and associated costs.
AVC convenes monthly meetings for member district leaders. The table on the page to the right includes the Job-Alike groups, the priorities/ accomplishments and a summary of responses to a survey of group members to rate the value of Job-Alikes during 2015-2016 year.
AVC offered several Cultural Proficiency classes during FY16 including: Cultural Proficiency – Train the Trainer and Unpacking Cultural Proficiency. Unpacking Cultural Proficiency: Building Diverse, Inclusive Learning Environments was offered in the spring of 2016. Twenty-first century school leaders face a society where continual and rapid change is the norm, where communities and student bodies are increasingly diverse in race, ethnicity, class, Leadership and gender, sexuality, religion, family structure, and learning learning are styles. This environment calls on school leaders to better understand the multicultural and layered reality of all indispensable to children and youth, to become more self-aware and each other. culturally proficient, and to use their leadership to inspire -John F. Kennedy-Keller and shape models for change that removes systemic obstacles and facilitates growth and achievement for all students. A necessary prerequisite for success in today’s society is being able to assume resilient, moral, and culturally proficient leadership. The course aligned with Standards II & III of the Massachusetts Framework for Educator Evaluation and is intended to facilitate an increase in the quality of education and achievement for all students. In addition, the Leadership for Inclusive Practices Conference Series was offered in the Winter of 2015-2016. This series was designed to provoke thought and inquiry, deliver practical tools and strategies, and to equip district teams to continue to work together to promote increased inclusiveness while strengthening leadership skills to be applied generally to the practice of district and school leadership. The three sessions included keynote speakers on the following topics: Inclusion,
“
”
19
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
Professional Development Expectations & Equity, Effective Communication for an Inclusive Community, and Culturally Proficient Leadership. For the third consecutive year, the professional development calendar included a Social Thinking event: Implementing Social Thinking Concepts and Vocabulary: A Day to Develop Team Creativity. The workshop examined ways to help individuals advance their ability to understand social context and tailor their behaviors accordingly. Participants were introduced to tools for teaching self-regulation, executive functioning, emotional understanding and theory of mind/perspective taking. Attendees also learned the core five steps of Social Behavior Mapping to help teach social responsibility. During April of 2016, AVC offered a full-day Blended-Learning Workshop to explore ways to transition from traditional teaching to differentiated instruction, blended learning, and finally moving towards personalized learning. Participants learned about technology tools and software as a key part of the blended learning model, making sure that the pacing guide and software resources are aligning and working together. The year concluded with Writing Better IEP’s: Building Capacity in your Districts. This series was designed to provide special education administrators with specific training on how to develop and implement district/buildinglevel training on writing instructionally-relevant IEP goals that are measurable. Participants were introduced to the IEP training curriculum, development of a district plan, and strategies for implementation and monitoring. 20
PD Topic/Initiative
Fee for Members
Fee for Nonmembers
# of Participants
# of Hours
$1,270
$1,400
33
67.5
Blended Learning
$195
$225
30
6
Cultural Proficiency - Summer 1
$375
$425
22
21
Cultural Proficiency - Summer 2
$375
$425
15
21
Cultural Proficiency - Spring
$450
$500
20
21
Cultural Proficiency - Train the Trainer
$875
$1,000
10
35
Leadership for Inclusive Practices Inclusion, Expectations & Equity
$175/day $450/3 days
$200/day $515/3 days
43
6.5
Leadership for Inclusive Practices Effective Communication for an Inclusive
$175/day $450/3 days
$200/day $515/3 days
45
6.5
Leadership for Inclusive Practices Cultural Proficiency Leadership
$175/day $450/3 days
$200/day $515/3 days
41
6.5
Social Thinking
$100
$115/early $125
130
7
Gen Educators - Key Ideas of Special Education
$150
$170
22
5
Gen Educators - Tools for Effective Collaboration
$150
$170
22
5
Gen Educators - Responsibility for Diverse Learners
$150
$170
23
5
Spec Ed - Keeping Up with Changing Practice: Laws & Regulations
$95/day $250/3 days
$110/day $290/3 days
15
5
Spec Ed - Keeping Up with Changing Practice: Changing Practice
$95/day $250/3 days
$110/day $290/3 days
16
5
Spec Ed - Keeping Up with Changing Practice: Drivers of the Budget
$95/day $250/3 days
$110/day $290/3 days
12
5
Writing Better IEPs: Building Capacity in Your District - Training the Trainers
$150/day $750/5 days
$150/day $750/5 days
55
18
ATSR
“
A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers. -Helen Keller-Keller
”
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP AVC Administrative Office 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
Job-Alike (Professional Learning Communities)
AVC convenes monthly meetings for member district leaders. The following table includes the Job-Alike groups, the priorities/accomplishments, and a summary of responses to a survey of group members to rate the value of Job-Alikes during 2015-2016 year.
Group
2015-2016 Topics/Initiatives
Value Ratings and Comments (No Value = 1) (4 = Extremely Valuable)
PPS/Special Education Administrators
• Special Education Leadership Conference • Culturally proficient communication • Peer review • Implementing new restraint regulations • Language-based learning disabilities • Professional development • Multi-disciplinary inclusive practices
10 Respondents: Average Value Rating = 4.0
• Special education transportation • Regular education transportation • Narcan Administration • DESE Edwin Analytics Training • SMART goals • Facilities & grounds • Collective bargaining • Medical marijuana in schools
5 respondents: Average Value Rating = 3.8
• Student information systems • Learning management systems • PARCC • 1:1 devices • Unpacking new digital learning and Computer Science standards • COSN certification • SIF
8 respondents: Average Value Rating = 3.75
School Business Officials
Technology Leaders
• Since my start in July, AVC has been responsive to our needs and willing to collaborate with families, staff and programs. • I specifically enjoy the formal and informal PD opportunities that this Job-Alike has to offer. • This group provides support with issues, legal advisories and changes in laws/regulations. I learn from my colleagues in other towns. I learn and participate in new challenges such as the Peer Review committee and its work. • Excellent opportunity to share job challenges and problem solve together.
• Knowledgeable and experienced group; able to compare practices and obtain benchmarking information • This offers me a chance to get good information on how other districts do things. • Joint purchasing and coordination of out of district transportation is a large benefit. • I have found the networking and discussion very helpful to what I am doing in my district. In many cases, we are all dealing with the same issues they just don’t “happen” at the same time. I also like how the School Business Officials have a theme each month. For example, I think when the SBOs invited the Facilities Directors to talk about facilities issues and budgeting, we learned a lot by just listening to them talk! • Sharing of ideas, best practices as well as failures/difficulties to avoid. • The tech directors Job-Alike is very helpful because it both provides me with a broader perspective and it gives me a forum for my questions. • Support and sharing of ideas. Collective bargaining for services. • Having thought partners for issues, projects, emergencies, etc. • Learning from each other’s experience with vendors, products, strategies, etc. • Supporting each other and being supported
Curriculum Directors
• Project-based learning environments • Learning management systems • Impact ratings • RETELL • Calibration protocol • MA Educator Effectiveness Guidebook for Inclusive Practice • Using data to inform • DESE-student surveys
10 respondents: Average Value Rating = 3.9 • The greatest benefit is the opportunity to network with Districts with similar needs. The conversations are rich and productive. The varied topics are very timely. AVC is a well-oiled machine. • It is nice to exchange ideas and collaborate on resources. Also, the speakers from companies and the state are beneficial. It provides a network of colleagues to reach out to for anything and everything. • The members of our cohort bring a great deal of information to the table that is shared and discussed. The time for us to get together with individuals in similar roles is invaluable for both support and growth as professionals. • I have learned of new products. We have also been able to share successes, but I think even more valuable-missteps. • Seeing/hearing what other districts are doing and bringing back to my district, evaluation wise especially.
Instructional Technology Specialists (new FY16)
• Unpacking new digital learning and Computer Science standards • Unpacking ISTE standards • Maker Spaces • Best practices for PD • STEAM • Project-based learning • Robotics • Student Innovation Team
5 respondents: Average Value Rating = 3.8 • It’s nice to connect with other Instructional Techs in the area, to share ideas, concerns etc. As well as to be able to highlight and share good things we are doing in our schools. • Networking and seeing what other districts are doing; information about current topics and PD. • Being able to meet with other specialists in an area where there are only one or two in a District or at a school is an asset. It allows us to collaborate on various topics and learn from one another. • I really like hearing what other districts are doing in my role.
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COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
Transportation PURPOSE AVC provides safe, reliable and cost-efficient special education transportation services by contracting with transportation vendors on behalf of our member school districts. We view transportation as an integral part of each student’s education and contract with vendors who share our passion and expertise in serving students with disabilities. Our contract requires vendors to employ highly trained drivers and monitors that drive wellmaintained and equipped vehicles. AVC leverages volume from many districts; transportation vendors submit competitive rates to AVC resulting in cost savings for special education transportation. In addition, AVC monitors the quality of the services provided, to save districts valuable time and to capitalize on an economy of scale. In FY16, AVC completed its fourth year of a three-year contract with two-optional annual extensions with Van Pool Transportation. While pricing is an important component of the transportation services we provide, our districts rely on AVC to broker services with vendors committed to high quality, flexibility and responsiveness. Services include: • In-district and out-of-district McKinney Vento, field trips, community-based instruction, and after school services • Monitored two-way radios, GPS and video monitoring • Pre-screened (CORI and finger printing) and specially trained drivers and monitors
“
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
”
-Henry Ford
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FISCAL YEAR
STUDENTS TRANSPORTED
MEMBER DISTRICTS UTILIZING SERVICES
NONMEMBER DISTRICTS UTILIZING SERVICES
2016
364
15
14
2015
378
15
15
2014
433
15
16
2013
273
10
8
Transportation
2015-2016 Member Rates
2015-2016 Nonmember Rates
Estimated Member Savings
Single district route: 7d vehicle in-district
$114.50 within Collaborative Region
$128.23 Nonmember
$13.73 per route
Single district route: 7d vehicle out of district
$140.50 outside Collaborative Region
$157.36 Nonmember
$16.86 per route
Single district route: Wheel Chair vehicle in-district
$229.55 within Collaborative Region
$257.10 Nonmember
$27.55 per route
Single district route: Wheel Chair vehicle out of district
$234.15 outside Collaborative Region
$262.25 Nonmember
$28.10 per route
AVC Administrative Office, 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
Cooperative Purchasing PURPOSE AVC improves efficiencies and increases cost savings through the facilitation of joint purchasing through which districts are able to obtain competitive pricing from vendors while taking advantage of a streamlined bid process – which often yield bids lower than the state bid list and single-district procurement activities. In 2015-2016, AVC conducted joint procurement of School Supplies, Paper, Office Supplies, Technology Services and Bread and Rolls for Food Service. The contracts with WB Mason for school supplies, paper and office supplies yielded a savings to districts of over $225,000. Cooperative Purchasing continued on page 24
FY16 Estimated Savings resulting from Cooperative Purchase of Paper/Case, School & Office Supplies Account Name Algonquin Regional HS
Office Supplies
Paper/Case
School Supplies
Total
$7,838.80
$3,539.20
$395.59
$11,773.59
Assabet Valley Regional Voc
$10,159.49
$3,323.53
$772.87
$14,255.89
Assabet Valley Collaborative
$3,133.38
$376.04
$282.53
$3,791.95
Berlin-Boylston Regional
$4,666.33
$2,405.55
$1,514.14
$8,586.02
Hudson Public Schools
$12,939.32
$16,439.66
$519.36
$29,898.34
Marlborough Public Schools
$21,766.83
$12,071.99
$5,773.34
$39,612.16
$7,981.42
$2,280.89
$432.63
$10,694.95
Nashoba Regional
$13,618.99
$7,266.42
$1,985.66
$22,871.07
Northborough Public Schools
$13,988.59
$3,351.18
$3,092.00
$20,431.77
Shrewsbury Public Schools
$13,959.68
$11,590.88
$1,654.50
$27,205.07
Southborough Public Schools
$13,074.46
$1,741.95
$1,488.66
$16,305.07
Westborough Public Schools
$10,017.70
$9,857.55
$1,110.21
$20,985.45
$133,144.99
$74,244.84
$19,021.49
$226,411.32
Maynard Public Schools
Total
Office Supplies Savings* Account Name
*Savings calculated based on items from the AVC WB Mason Office Supplies Contract and applying contracted discount compared with state pricing with WB Mason Catalog. Differences in prices between those items yielded an average of an additional 56% savings using the AVC Contract.
AVC Administrative Office 57 Orchard Street, Marlborough, MA
Office Supplies (77% discount from ultimate office catalog pricing)
Office supplies (64% minimum discount from WB catalog)
Estimated Cost Savings
Algonquin Regional HS
$13,868.65
$21,707.45
$7,838.80
Assabet Valley Regional Voc
$17,974.48
$28,133.97
$10,159.49
Assabet Valley Collaborative
$5,543.67
$8,677.05
$3,133.38
Berlin-Boylston Regional
$8,255.81
$12,922.14
$4,666.33
Hudson Public Schools
$22,892.65
$35,831.97
$12,939.32
Marlborough Public Schools
$38,510.54
$60,277.37
$21,766.83
Maynard Public Schools
$14,120.98
$22,102.40
$7,981.42
Nashoba Regional
$24,095.14
$37,714.13
$13,618.99
Northborough Public Schools
$24,749.05
$38,737.64
$13,988.59
Shrewsbury Public Schools
$24,697.90
$38,657.58
$13,959.68
Southborough Public Schools
$23,131.73
$36,206.19
$13,074.46
Westborough Public Schools
$17,723.62
$27,741.32
$10,017.70
$235,564.22
$368,709.21
$133,144.99
Total
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COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
Cooperative Purchasing School Supplies Savings*
Paper Savings* Account Name
Paper-WB Mason
Paper/ Case
State bid $
Estimated Cost Savings =savings
School Supplies-WB
State bid (School Specialty) $
Estimated Cost Savings
Algonquin Regional HS
$1,582.36
$1,977.95
$395.59
Algonquin RHS
$16,281.60
640
$19,820.80
$3,539.20
Assabet Valley Regional Voc
$3,091.47
$3,864.34
$772.87
Assabet Valley Regional Voc
$15,289.44
601
$18,612.97
$3,323.53
Assabet Valley Collaborative
$1,130.12
$1,412.65
$282.53
Assabet Valley Collaborative
$1,729.92
68
$2,105.96
$376.04
Berlin-Boylston Regional
$6,056.56
$7,570.70
$1,514.14
Berlin-Boylston Regional
$11,066.40
435
13,471.95
$2,405.55
Hudson Public Schools
$2,077.44
$2,596.80
$519.36
Hudson Public Schools
$76,160.64
2,990
$92,600.30
$16,439.66
Marlborough Public Schools
$23,093.37
$28,866.71
$5,773.34
Marlborough Public Schools
$55,535.52
2,183
$67,607.51
$12,071.99
Maynard Public Schools
$1,730.52
$2,163.15
$432.63
Maynard Public Schools
$12,867.48
1,362
$15,148.37
$2,280.89
Nashoba Reg. School District
$7,942.64
$9,928.20
$1,985.66
Nashoba Regional
$33,428.16
1,314
$40,694.58
$7,266.42
Northborough Public Schools
$12,367.99
$15,459.99
$3,092.00
Northborough Public Schools
$15,416.64
606
$18,767.82
$3,351.18
Shrewsbury Public Schools
$6,618.01
$8,272.51
$1,654.50
Shrewsbury Public Schools
$53,322.24
2,096
$64,913.12
$11,590.88
Southborough Public Schools
$5,954.65
$7,443.31
$1,488.66
$8,013.60
315
$9,755.55
$1,741.95
Westborough Public Schools
$4,440.82
$5,551.03
$1,110.21
$46,043.30
1,805
$55,900.85
$9,857.55
$76,085.95
$95,107.44
$19,021.49
$345,154.94
14,415
$419,399.78
$74,244.84
Southborough Public Schools Westborough Public Schools Total
*Savings calculated by comparing the price of a case of paper purchased through jointly procured contract with WB Mason with the price of paper available for purchase from the State Bid List. Savings = number of cases multiplied by the difference between prices. Percentage savings is approximately 22%.
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Account Name
Total
*Savings calculated by selecting 5-10 items from the AVC Contract WB Mason School Supplies Catalog and comparing those items from School Specialty School Supplies Catalog from the State Bid List. Differences in prices between those items yielded an additional 25% savings using the AVC Contract.
We Are Here
A Rendition by AVCAS Students* (CHORUS) We are here, We are here for all of us, that’s why we are here.
40 YEARS
Student Performance
at 40th Celebration
Time to make do with what we have. We all debate, “Can we handle that?” Always reasons that’ll make you sad. There’s always reasons why you’ll get mad. There’s ways you can lighten that, so everything doesn’t seem so bad, ‘cause we try hard, fall down, fall down and we get back. Sometimes we feel down, things turn around. Sometimes, sometimes you wear the crown, you get off the ground. We feel the, we feel the mad love. We’re rising up above, yeah. Be yourself forever. Never change yourself for no one. CHORUS They teach us to stay civil, yet there is still evil. They pretend it’s not a problem. Smile ‘cause you’ll rise above ‘em You’re better than you know and love for you has no end. Don’t gotta have no sense, don’t doubt yourself for an instant. Don’t ever think to give up. You’re worth more than you can think of. It’s time to quit the, quit the silence, speak up with confidence. You don’t gotta make sense, let’s start the beginning, to do more living, Be yourself forever. Never change yourself for no one. CHORUS *Based on original music and lyrics by Alicia Keys
Assabet Valley Collaborative Administrative Office
57 Orchard Street • Marlborough, MA 01752 (508) 481-3611 • www.avcollaborative.org
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Providing effective and efficient services to meet current and evolving needs of member school districts: Assabet Valley Regional • Berlin/Boylston Region • Berlin Boylston • Grafton • Hudson • Marlborough • Maynard Millbury • Nashoba Region • Northborough • Northborough/ Southborough Region • Southborough • Shrewsbury • Westborough
