Erica E Barrett

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgement of a quorum despite missing members, followed by the pledge of allegiance and a land acknowledgement. The primary discussion centered on the budget review for 2027, which was structured as a level service budget aligning with town guidelines, scrutinizing line items for efficiency. Key topics included presenting Plymouth Public Schools' current enrollment trends, noting a slight decline overall but increases at South and West Elementary Schools. The committee received detailed information on average class sizes, staff count distribution, and the growing percentage of high-needs students (46.6%), low-income students (31%), students with disabilities (23%), and English learners (6%). Significant financial trends were presented, highlighting a 72% increase in special education spending since FY10, primarily driven by staffing costs and rising out-of-district placements, which are increasingly burdening the operational budget due to declining grant reimbursements, including circuit breaker funding shortfalls. The presentation also covered the status of federal entitlement grants (which remained flat) and Chapter 70 state aid. Finally, revolving accounts and the food service budget were reviewed, noting that custodian staffing expenses are currently subsidized by the cafeteria revolving account, which requires future review based on revenue trends.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a land acknowledgement recognizing the Wampanoag people. Key discussion points centered on public comments regarding comprehensive sex education for middle school students, expressing concerns over curriculum content and age appropriateness. The committee then reviewed competitive and entitlement grants, noting that the district currently operates over $11.7 million in state and federal grants for the fiscal year, with detailed discussion on grant types and carryover amounts. A significant portion of the meeting involved the review and subsequent approval of the proposed FY27 operating budget, which was approved as presented. Finally, the committee approved two out-of-town field trips: one for PM South High School students to New York City to see a Broadway play, and another interdisciplinary trip to France focusing on French language and the arts.

The meeting included reports from student representatives from Plymouth North High School and Plymouth South High School. Plymouth North highlighted achievements in the biomedical science program, scholarship opportunities, sophomore presentations on graduation requirements, the National Honor Society induction ceremony, Thanksgiving baskets for families, robotics team success, and upcoming events. Plymouth South emphasized spirit week activities, a football game at Fenway Park, Skills USA student achievements, winter sports commencement, senior cap and gown orders, local scholarship information, recognition of the unified program, and a luminary display for Camp Kessum. The public comment section addressed concerns and support for the district's health curriculum and sex education.

The meeting included moments of silence to honor Diana Ellen Paladino and Joseph Charles Joe Westfield. Reports were given from Plymouth North High School and Plymouth South High School, covering topics such as food donation initiatives, upcoming events, sports achievements, and community support programs. A facilities update was presented, highlighting the team's structure, responsibilities, and ongoing projects, including capital plans and budget considerations.

The meeting included a report on a fire at North High School, where a heat lamp left on over the weekend caused a classroom fire. The fire was contained by the school's fire suppression system, and the fire department responded quickly. The discussion covered the details of the incident, the effectiveness of the school's safety protocols, and the remediation efforts required to repair the damaged classroom and adjacent areas. There was also recognition of student achievements, particularly in track and field.