Nik Outchcunis

The committee meeting featured a student spotlight highlighting recent activities at various schools, including academic programs, athletic events, and community-focused initiatives. The Superintendent provided updates on district-wide goals, transition planning for school facilities and programs, and teaching and learning milestones such as arts celebrations and recent grant acquisitions for technology and career pathways. Facilities and technology reports covered storm-related infrastructure performance, ongoing maintenance projects, and equipment planning. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved the Superintendent's 2025-2027 goals and approved financial warrants and payroll.

The committee meeting covered a wide range of topics, including announcements regarding upcoming school committee elections and a student spotlight detailing diverse activities and fundraisers held across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The Superintendent provided a comprehensive transition update focusing on staffing, facility planning, and budgeting for the next fiscal year. Updates were also provided regarding curriculum alignment, special education compliance, technology infrastructure upgrades, and cybersecurity initiatives. Reports from various subcommittees and committees were shared, and the committee voted to approve warrants, payroll, and a new curriculum resource for AP Research.

The meeting focused on the presentation and approval of the Move One Grade Up strategic facilities planning model. Key agenda items included reports on student activities at Bourne High School, recognition of scholarship recipients, and a detailed review of the proposed classroom re-leveling plan covering staffing, scheduling, curriculum, technology, transportation, facilities, and budgetary impacts. The Committee also received updates on MCAS results, personnel hiring, grant funding, and capital requests for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the Committee discussed and supported MASC resolutions and approved an initial proposal for a high school trip.

The joint meeting focused on a preview of the Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budgets. Discussions included the preliminary nature of the town budget, conservative revenue assumptions regarding state and education aid, and the district's proposal to shift the budget hearing timeline. Participants addressed the budget impacts of enrollment levels at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School and reviewed proposed capital projects, such as school security upgrades. Concerns were raised regarding the declining availability of Free Cash for funding capital expenditures and its long-term impact on the operating budget.

The committee held a meeting covering various administrative and educational topics, including a report on the MA DESE Commissioner's visit to Bournedale Elementary School, student highlights from Bourne High School, and staff recognitions. A budget hearing was conducted for the proposed FY27 budget, which includes a 3.7% increase and was subsequently approved. The committee reviewed and approved the BHS Program of Studies for the 26-27 school year, authorized several overnight field trips, and adopted the 2026-2027 school calendar. Additionally, the committee approved a request to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for a historic preservation feasibility study of the administrative building.