Pembroke School Committee Braces for Tough Budget Years Ahead
Officials cite concerns over state aid, stalled growth as challenges for fiscal 2026 and 2027
PEMBROKE - December 2 - The Pembroke School Committee is gearing up for what could be difficult budget years in fiscal 2026 and 2027, with concerns about state aid and stalled new growth topping the list of challenges.
Committee Chair Patrick Chilcott shared insights from a recent meeting with town officials during Tuesday's school committee meeting.
"It's going to be a tough budget year in fiscal 26 and fiscal 27 is looking actually a little dimmer," Chilcott said. "The Commonwealth hasn't met some of its receipt goals, there's some concern about what state aid may look like, the fact that new growth is really been stalled."
He cited the current interest rate and inflationary environment as likely factors contributing to the lack of new growth, which typically adds to the town's revenue stream.
Superintendent Erin Obey emphasized the importance of ongoing communication with town officials as the budget process unfolds.
"Things change quickly. It seems slow at the start and then rapidly it starts to pick up after the change of the calendar year," Obey said. "So I'm just continuing to communicate our assumptions with Bill [Chenard, Town Administrator]."
The school department, which accounts for about 50% of the town budget, plans to have a joint meeting with the Select Board in April to discuss the finalized budget figures.
In other business, the committee approved several new non-discrimination policies aimed at ensuring equal access to education for all students.
The policies address issues such as harassment, retaliation, and sexual discrimination. They are based on both federal Title IX regulations and Massachusetts state law.
Committee members engaged in a discussion about the implementation of these policies, particularly at the elementary school level.
Chilcott expressed concern about potential overreach, stating, "We've got to allow children the innocence of being children a little bit."
Director of Student Services Jessica DeLorenzo assured the committee that there is a thorough process for handling discrimination complaints.
"There is quite a lengthy process for us," DeLorenzo said. "It's based on like preponderance of evidence and the impact it has on students creating such an environment that making them uncomfortable in a hostile kind of environment."
The committee also heard a presentation from Melinda Soliwoda, the district's new Elementary Curriculum Content Supervisor. Soliwoda highlighted her work in areas such as math benchmarks, writing instruction, and science curriculum.
She showcased a new online assessment platform that provides immediate data on student performance, allowing for targeted instruction.
"I think it's just the opportunity to share," Soliwoda said of her role. "Being able to be with every grade level minus pre-K... truly being consistent at every grade level for the entire time across the three buildings."
The committee approved several waivers for winter sports programs, including cheerleading, gymnastics, and girls basketball. These waivers allow eighth-grade students to participate in high school programs when necessary due to low enrollment numbers.
The next school committee meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17, where members expect to discuss maintenance of effort budgeting and potentially the district's stance on MCAS requirements following the passage of Question 2 in November's election.
Chilcott indicated he wants the committee to consider whether Pembroke will maintain MCAS as a local graduation requirement, despite the state no longer mandating it.
"I would like this committee to have that discussion," Chilcott said.