McCann Begins School Year With New Staff, Equipment
 The McCann School Committee is updated on Thursday on projects and hires. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School's administration said the new year is off to a solid start.
Principal Justin Kratz told the School Committee on Thursday night that the freshman have already settled in.
"The start of the school year has gone very smoothly," he said."We welcomed the new freshmen in, and they found their way around the building. They seem to be a really nice class, and they seem to be really friendly."
Kratz said he also spoke to the seniors about their new role in the school.
"We talked about what their role is as seniors and how they can help to positively set the tone in the building," he said.
Kratz said 136 students are participating in fall sports, or about 27 percent of the student body.
"We have a ton of activities here, and we have seen a lot of our students get involved in a lot of different ways and that is good to see," he said. "It is very busy after school here, and it is exciting to see lots of activity."
The School Committee also welcomed two new educators: Susan LeClair and Sarah Brooks.
"We are glad to have them both, and they are off to a great start," Kratz said. "There has been a bit of a transition, but they are doing a great job and we are excited to have them."
LeClair is a former McCann student.
"From all accounts that I have heard she was a softball standout while she was here, and she is coming back to join us and we are excited to have her teach," Kratz said.
Brooks taught at both Mount Greylock Regional School in Williamstown and St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield, but started her student teaching at McCann.
"She actually started out as a student teacher here," Kratz said. "She did a nice job then, and we are glad to have her back."
Committee member James Gazzaniga welcomed the two new teachers.
"You have an administration that is dedicated to providing the finest education possible," he said. "I always know when I see arrivals here your successes and your qualities have preceded you and that is why you are a member of this staff."
Superintended James Brosnan reviewed the completed renovations in the school. He said there were fewer renovations because they were planning on adding an addition to the school for the nursing program.
 Principal Justin Kratz reports on the first days of school. |
"There are less renovations because of the idea that there would be an addition for the nursing program that was not done because it would cost too much," Brosnan said. "We were putting any resources we had toward the construction of a new building for the practical nursing program, which was way over any possible budget."
He said the renovations in the business technology program were completed as well as the teachers' area in Metal Fabrication.
He said the automotive tool room was also cleaned up and made Occupational Safety & Health Administration compliant. OSHA had cited McCann for the tool room.
"We did all those things, and they were all done in compliance," Brosnan said. "We made sure to cover every base that was recommended in the report."
The committee also approved $37,500 used to purchase new equipment for the school and shop.
Brosnan said this includes a new automotive welder. The old welder was cited by OSHA. He said the new one will change the way welding is taught in the school.
"We are going to use team teaching with seniors and automotive students, which is terrific on safe use once we have a new welder in place," he said. "We aren't just looking at new equipment, but a whole new brand of how we are teaching and working cooperatively."
Tags: McCann, renovation,
