Rockland fights back against South Shore Vo Tech Facebook post

ROCKLAND, Mass. — The superintendent of Rockland Pubic Schools is fighting back against what he called an “inaccurate” statement posted on the South Shore Vocational Technical High School Facebook page.

On Thursday, South Shore Vo Tech posted, “We were informed recently that the Rockland Public Schools will no longer allow South Shore Tech staff to conduct interviews with 8th grade applicants.”

South Shore Vo Tech is a public high school located in Hanover. Interviews are required as part of school’s application process.

Rockland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron told Boston 25 News his district has a terrific relationship with South Shore Vo Tech, so the Facebook post came as a surprise.

“Were this statement true, it would be a significant controversy and run contrary to our values and mission as a school district,” Cron said.

Cron said South Shore Vo Tech was invited to hold interviews with prospective students immediately after the end of the school day.

“We encourage all students to explore all educational opportunities, but we are mindful of the requirements of the school day on a modern eighth grader,” Cron said.

According to South Shore Vo Tech, the five-minute interviews have always been conducted during the school day to make the process more convenient for families.

“The number of issues competing for our students’ attention during the school day is constantly increasing,” Cron said. “Classroom time is vital, and we must be judicious about how often we pull students out of class.”

South Shore Vo Tech said Rockland Public Schools students interested in attending the school can take advantage of on-site interview during an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Full statement from Rockland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron:

Earlier today, I was informed that an inaccurate statement was posted on social media, apparently by a guidance employee at South Shore Vocational Technical High School, indicating that the Rockland Public Schools were no longer allowing the regional vocational school to interview its 8th grade students.
 
Were this statement true, it would be a significant controversy and run contrary to our values and mission as a school district. To clarify, the Rockland Public Schools has a very positive working relationship with South Shore Vocational Technical School, and we greatly value that relationship and partnership. The number of issues competing for our students' attention during the school day is constantly increasing. Classroom time is vital, and we must be judicious about how often we pull students out of class. 
 
With that in mind, a number of opportunities, including interviews with vocational, private, charter, and other high schools are still being conducted at the John W. Rogers Middle School, as always. However the interviews are being scheduled immediately after the conclusion of the school day. We encourage all students to explore all educational opportunities, but we are mindful of the requirements of the school day on a modern eighth grader. As a result, interviews are being conducted after school. 
 
The Rockland Public Schools offers equal access and time for all secondary school options, including Rockland High School, South Shore Tech, charter schools, private schools and other vocational programs. Every school has equal access to 8th graders so that they may choose the best option with their families.

Cox Media Group