Taunton, MA – Superintendent of Schools John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Taunton High School has completed an Athletic Program Review. The process is part of a pilot program and is a collaboration with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA), and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). This comprehensive review evaluated the school’s athletic program across key areas such as administration, resources, equity, and student safety. The aim is to enhance the overall experience for student-athletes. Taunton High School is the second school to participate in the pilot program.
The review team, composed of experts from NEASC, MSAA, and MIAA, provided insights and recommendations for further strengthening the program while recognizing the school’s accomplishments in maintaining high standards of athletic excellence.
"Taunton Public Schools and their visionary leadership around Athletic Program Standards are to be commended for taking the initiative to request an assessment using the proven standards and processes of NEASC," said Bob Baldwin, Executive Director of the MIAA. "It is our hope that this practice will serve as a model for other schools and districts seeking to provide quality athletic programs for their students."
"Taunton High School and the administration of the school, athletic program, and school district have shown great leadership in participating in this athletic review with the MIAA and NEASC," said George Edwards, Chief Accreditation Officer at NEASC. "It is my hope that the report will provide a road map for continuous improvement of the athletic program just like the accreditation process does for schools."
The report highlighted several strengths: community support, excellent facilities, and a dedicated coaching staff. Recommendations focused on formalizing existing leadership programs for student-athletes, enhancing stakeholder input, and improving evaluation processes for coaches and players.
"This review affirms the district’s commitment to providing an inclusive and high-quality athletic experience," said John Cabral, Superintendent of Schools. "The feedback will be instrumental in ensuring the programs grow and continue to meet the needs of our diverse and growing student population."
"I look forward to working with the entire Taunton High School community to implement the recommendations from this review," said Rapheal Dowdye, newly appointed Athletic Director. "Our goal is to ensure that athletics remain a source of pride and an accessible opportunity for all our students."
"As a comprehensive high school, maintaining high standards in all areas, including athletics, is essential to providing our students with a well-rounded education," said Dr. Gregory DeMelo, chair of the School Committee. "The district’s foresight in initiating this review process has set the stage for continuous improvement, ensuring that Taunton High School remains a leader not only in academics but in athletic excellence.”
"The district owes a great deal of gratitude to our recently retired athletic director, Mark Ottavianelli, for initiating this review process and leading the way," said Christine Fagan, chair of the School Committee’s Athletics Subcommittee. "His dedication has laid the foundation for the continued success of our athletic programs."
Taunton High School’s participation in this process marks the second pilot in the Athletic Program Review initiative. NEASC and MIAA/MSAA plan to conduct additional pilot visits in Massachusetts during the 2024-2025 school year to refine the process. In the future, schools may also align this review with their decennial accreditation to streamline assessments.
The full report is available by clicking here.