Pembroke School Committee Approves New Title IX Language, Welcomes New Staff
PEMBROKE, MA - August 20 - The Pembroke School Committee approved new Title IX language for student handbooks addressing sexual discrimination and harassment during its Aug. 20 meeting, while also welcoming several new staff members across the district for the 2023-2024 school year.
Committee members expressed concerns about the broad language in the new Title IX definitions, particularly regarding intent. Sue Bollinger voiced apprehension about the wording, stating, "I'm really nervous that some student is gonna misstep and be accused of harassment."
Superintendent Erin Obey explained that the language comes from Massachusetts Association of School Committees templates and has been vetted by legal counsel. "This is just truly just really definitions," Obey said.
The committee ultimately approved the new language for a first read, with a final vote scheduled for Sept. 3.
In staffing news, several new hires were announced across Pembroke schools, with many coming from the neighboring Hanover district, which recently experienced budget cuts. Notable additions include Ashley Cross as principal at Hobomock Elementary School and Nick Hannigan as assistant principal.
"Nick brings a wealth of experience that is different than what we saw from other candidates in the pool," Cross said of Hannigan's hiring.
At North Pembroke Elementary, Elizabeth Hampton joins the first-grade team. Principal Michael Murphy praised her hiring, saying, "I'm hearing great things about her as an educator."
Pembroke High School Principal Marc Talbot reported 312 fall athletes currently in the building, representing about 45% of the student body. Overall district enrollment remains relatively flat compared to last year, according to Obey.
In curriculum news, elementary schools are entering the second year of implementing the Second Step social-emotional curriculum. A new reading program, UFLY, rolled out last year for grades K-2 has shown strong results.
"I can't even speak to the hard work that our reading specialists, but also our teachers, have put in with UFLY and just the actual data that's been off the charts with our reading in our lower elementary grades," said Cross.
This year, schools are implementing the Fishtank curriculum for the literacy component in K-2. Cross described it as "super user-friendly" with everything accessible digitally for teachers.
At the high school level, Talbot reported 250 students enrolled in career pathways programs, with 118 freshmen participating. "To me, that's a sign that it is taking hold," Talbot said of the growing interest in pathways.
The committee also approved updates to the athletic eligibility policy to clarify language around maintaining eligibility throughout a season.