Background on Southbridge Public Schools

Southbridge Public Schools (SPS) serves approximately 2,200 students in five schools and employs nearly 330 educators and staff. In January 2016, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education designated SPS chronically underperforming (Level 5), placing the district in state receivership. The third district to be placed in the Commonwealth’s Level 5 accountability status, this is an exciting time of change and transformation in SPS.  In March 2016, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education appointed Dr. Jessica Huizenga as the Receiver for the district.  Dr. Huizenga and the Commissioner introduced a rigorous turnaround plan which will guide the district’s turnaround efforts for the next three years.