Superintendent Evan Bishop (white shirt) stands among the senior class prior to the first day of school on Aug. 27. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Superintendent Evan Bishop presented goals for the first year in his new position at the Sept. 4 School Committee meeting.

Bishop emphasized his entry plan is being undertaken with “a listening lens.”

Concerning his related district improvement plan, Bishop said he is not introducing any new initiatives to staff. Instead, the work will center around three areas: planning for enrollment growth, meeting every student’s needs and building a community of respect and collaboration.

Bishop said he wants to strengthen the work underway and use what he is learning “to shape the next iteration” of a strategic plan.

His first goal concerns strategic entry and data-informed decision making. Bishop said he intends to develop a “comprehensive understanding of the district’s strengths, challenges and opportunities.”

One way he will do this is through a “listening tour” with all stakeholders. He also will use a survey.

His second goal is to strengthen fiscal systems for equity and efficiency. Bishop said he would analyze past budget data for trends and work with town officials and principals to ensure the budget meets programming needs while being fiscally responsible.

The third goal involves building trusting relationships with all stakeholders through “clear, consistent communication.”

The idea, he said, is to make sure people feel “informed and connected.” Bishop said he will create a regular newsletter (one of which has gone out) for families, increase the district’s social media presence and develop a crisis communication protocol.

The fourth goal is to develop and promote a shared vision for the district. The superintendent spoke about using data to identify “common themes and priorities” as well as “reflect and elevate diverse voices.”

He said he would work with the administrative council to identify a mission.

The superintendent clarified that his outreach efforts to the public would extend to the Hopkinton community and beyond. He said he hoped to offer meetings at the library or through Zoom.

Member Nancy Cavanaugh said the board did not conduct a formal, in-depth evaluation process last year because Carol Cavanaugh was retiring as superintendent.

She said Bishop’s goals and the steps he takes to achieve them will be the basis of the evaluation this year. Cavanaugh described his goals as “nice and clear.”

Member Jamie Wronka asked about the timing of his benchmark report, noting the committee would need something to grade prior to the May election.

The evaluation is done before the election to ensure it is conducted by current members.

Bishop said he could report on his progress toward the goals in April.

Vice chair Susan Stephenson asked about training for the School Committee members to use the rating system for the evaluation. Stephenson said she found what they looked at last year “complicated.”

Cavanaugh replied typically members “learn while doing” the evaluation process and added that information is available on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website.

“Make sure to get a blank rating system so you understand it,” she said.

Solid start to school year

Earlier in the meeting, Bishop spoke about the schools’ opening, commenting about the positive energy and excitement that could be felt in the district.

He thanked the Hopkins School community for being patient in the wake of construction going on for its renovation/addition project and the challenges that work presents.

In his superintendent’s report, Bishop also expressed appreciation to the “unsung heroes” in the school system, namely bus drivers and custodians.