The meeting’s most critical resolution involved modifications to the student and staff handbooks for Acushnet Elementary School (AES) and Fairhaven Middle School (FMS). For AES, a new policy mandates that student dismissals for non-medical reasons after 3:00 PM must wait until the general student release. Furthermore, the handbook now includes responsive classroom language in its addendum. At FMS, the committee introduced a prohibition on students using motorized bikes on campus. These changes were discussed and approved without opposition.

In response to a notification about an election on November 18, 2025, the committee proposed a revision to the school calendar, moving a Professional Development (PD) day from September 24 to November 18. This adjustment ensures that students will not attend school on election day, allowing the facilities to be utilized for voting. The revised calendar was unanimously approved.

The business manager presented an update on school breakfast and lunch prices, suggesting an increase in adult lunch prices from $5 to $6, in accordance with a routine review influenced by USDA guidelines. The prices for students, including free breakfast and lunch options, remained unchanged. The proposed price adjustment was accepted without opposition.

The meeting also featured presentations from representatives of four high schools—New Bedford High School, Fairhaven High School, Pon Regional High School, and Freetown Lakeville High School—each detailing their unique offerings and resources. New Bedford High School, for instance, emphasized its focus on academic success with an average class size of 13 students per teacher. The school outlined recent facility upgrades, such as a finance lab with stock tickers, and various science labs equipped with advanced technology. Additionally, Principal Joyce Cardell highlighted the school’s comprehensive college and career center, individual counseling services, and partnerships with community organizations to support students’ transitions to higher education.

This emphasis on practical learning experiences is complemented by a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities, catering to varied student interests. The school’s dedication to student safety, with measures like School Resource Officers and advanced safety protocols, was highlighted as a top priority, contributing to a decline in disciplinary incidents.

The presentations underscored the schools’ efforts to ensure equitable access to educational programs, particularly for students with special education needs. This includes co-taught classes that integrate students with different needs into general education settings and initiatives to personalize support for each student.

Fairhaven High School’s principal shared insights into the school’s mission to provide a supportive and engaging academic environment. The school offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses and emphasizes student choice in reading materials, fostering critical thinking and discussion skills. Elective courses, such as creative writing and criminal justice, are designed to engage students and respond to their interests.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the significance of dual enrollment and early college programs, allowing students to graduate with up to two years of college credits. These programs provide substantial financial savings and boost students’ confidence in pursuing higher education.

The status of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program was also noted, with its strong record of fostering citizenship and civic pride among students. The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of community partnerships in enhancing educational opportunities and scholarship availability for students.