Plymouth Schools Join Cape Cod Collaborative, Expect $80K Annual Savings

Move aims to reduce non-member fees and provide access to professional development opportunities

PLYMOUTH, MA - June 17 - The Plymouth School Committee voted Wednesday to become an associate member of the Cape Cod Collaborative, a move expected to save the district over $80,000 annually in non-member fees.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Campbell explained the district spent over $1 million at Cape Cod Collaborative last year. Membership will cost about $7,300 per year, or $1 per student.

"Based upon what they provide for us, I don't suspect the number of students will decrease significantly going forward in the future," Campbell said. "So I suspect that $80,000 to stay the same or increase."

The committee also heard the annual health services report, which highlighted the importance of having a school nurse in every building.

Carilyn Raines, the district's health director, reported nurses saw over 90,000 student visits last year, plus 816 staff visits. The return to class rate after nurse visits was above the state average.

"That's one of the reasons why nurses are in schools is to keep kids in the classroom," Raines said.

Raines emphasized nurses' role in supporting student attendance and addressing chronic absenteeism. A new case management nurse position was created to support students and families with health insurance, medical homes, and follow-ups on failed health screenings.

Nurses are also increasingly involved in behavioral health support. Raines noted a "large percentage of our health office visits are related to behavioral health."

The district is partnering with a new behavioral mobile crisis intervention team located in Plymouth. Raines said this has helped avoid some 911 calls for students in crisis.

"Sometimes parents can come. The nurses will tell me that, you know, they avoided a 911 call," Raines said. "A mobile crisis actually was going to come, and then the parents were able to take the student or child directly there."

Committee members praised the nurses' work. Member James Sorensen asked about support for non-English speaking students in health offices.

A nurse from Hedge Elementary explained they use a translator in the school, a phone translation service, and an app to communicate with parents in other languages.

In other business, the committee:

- Heard updates on special education staffing and programs

- Reviewed draft policies but delayed voting to allow for further legal review

- Recognized Plymouth North High School's baseball team for winning the Division II state championship

The next school committee meetings will be held virtually on July 8 and Aug. 12.