The meeting’s most contentious topic centered around a liquor license application for a business planning to relocate within 500 feet of the Ezra Baker Elementary School. This proposal raised alarms due to the proximity of the liquor establishment to the school, with committee members expressing concerns about increased adult traffic, potential litter, and the impact on the school environment. A member highlighted the potential detriment to the educational environment, stating, “I think it is detrimental right to the education of our children.” The committee’s unease extended to the possibility of adults loitering near the school grounds and the likelihood of discarded items such as lottery tickets and liquor containers.

Several committee members emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for the approximately 400 students at Ezra Baker Elementary. One member underscored the difference between the clientele of a liquor store and that of a deli or ice cream parlor, noting that alcohol sales could introduce more variables and potential issues. The committee’s consensus was to present a united front against the establishment of the liquor store, with one member articulating, “I feel like we should be… unified and allowed as far as what we want near our schools.”

The committee acknowledged that while the business application described the establishment as a deli that would also sell liquor, the primary concern was the sale of alcohol near a school. The committee recognized that their authority was limited, as the final decision rested with the Town of Dennis. However, they decided to formally communicate their opposition to the local licensing authority. A motion to oppose the liquor store was seconded and passed, directing the superintendent to relay their stance to the appropriate officials.

In addition to the liquor store issue, the committee approved a proposal for a student exchange trip to Germany scheduled for April 2025. The trip, which would include students missing five school days, was presented by a program representative, a former department chair, and a student participant from the previous year. The exchange dates, chosen to align with school vacation periods, were intended to allow students to attend a German high school. The trip, open to the entire student body with an estimated participation of around 15 students, aimed to immerse students in German culture and language, offering an invaluable educational experience distinct from typical tourist trips.

Financial assistance for the trip was addressed, with the representative assuring that scholarships funded by the Cook family would be available to all students, regardless of their involvement in the German Club. The committee expressed strong support for the program, noting the benefits of cultural awareness, improved language skills, and enhanced college applications. Members shared personal anecdotes about the long-term advantages of international experiences, and the motion for approval passed unanimously.

The meeting also tackled ongoing issues with the new turf fields at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School. The fields have been experiencing drainage problems, causing water to pool and displace shock-absorbing pellets. The committee has engaged a new designer and developed a construction plan to address the underlying drainage issues.

Another topic was the transition to privatized daycare services. The decision to contract with an outside vendor, AlphaBest, was driven by the district’s inability to maintain optimal staffing levels and historical financial losses in the daycare program. The superintendent acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition, describing the start as a “debacle” due to licensing issues and insufficient communication with families. Efforts to rectify the situation were ongoing, and improvements were noted in subsequent days. The superintendent emphasized the need for caution in terminating the contract with AlphaBest without an alternative solution in place.

The meeting also included the approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the SEIU, which had been reviewed in an executive session. The committee ratified the contract.

The committee concluded the meeting by addressing the consent agenda, which included monetary donations from community members and a review of the prior meeting’s minutes. A motion to approve the consent agenda passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned without any public comments.