The meeting opened with a focus on the collaborative effort to improve local school projects, emphasizing the partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the significance of community engagement and transparent decision-making. The discussion then shifted to strategies for ensuring a safe prom and graduation season, with an emphasis on communication to parents and collaboration with law enforcement, particularly in anticipation of Cape Week.

One of the most prominent topics was the increase in cannabis-impaired driving among young people. The board debated the merits of creative interventions, including the possibility of using a simulation trailer in high school parking lots to demonstrate the effects of cannabis impairment. Questions were raised about the long-term effectiveness of fear-based interventions like simulated car crashes. The importance of providing impactful education was underscored, along with the challenges of measuring the success of such programs.

The “Stop the Swerve” campaign was highlighted as a key educational effort to address impaired and distracted driving. Real-life examples were shared to illustrate the campaign’s messages, and the need for consistent reinforcement of safety practices, such as wearing seat belts and avoiding distractions, was stressed. The board also looked back on past educational collaborations with local schools and considered future initiatives to continue this work.

In addressing social host liability, the board discussed the importance of parental responsibility in preventing underage drinking, referencing a guide developed by the District Attorney’s office. The enforcement of social host laws, particularly during events like Cape Week, was a point of collaboration with the Yarmouth Police Department. Additionally, board members considered updating the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign to the more direct “When Parents Host Everyone Loses,” with discussions on the slogan’s phrasing and visual representation.

The board also introduced a new social norms messaging campaign aimed at Longmeadow High School students, focusing on positive behaviors, and announced a prescription drug takeback event. They discussed the distribution of magnets featuring poison prevention tips to elementary school families and encouraged community involvement in upcoming events.