The Dennis-Yarmouth varsity field hockey team was recognized for winning the state championship. Assistant Coach Kathy Malcasian proudly introduced the team, emphasizing their academic accomplishments alongside their athletic successes. Of particular note was the team’s journey through the state championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in a semifinal match against Cohasset and securing a victory in overtime. Elaine Emanuel scored the decisive goal in the final match against Frontier Regional, leading the team to a 2-1 win. The committee members expressed admiration for the team’s resilience and teamwork, noting the unique community atmosphere during the championship game. Each team member was presented with a certificate of excellence, recognizing their dedication and commitment to the sport. Coach Malcasian also received acknowledgment, highlighting the historical significance of the win and the community’s role in their success.

The meeting delved into the issue of chronic absenteeism, with discussions underscoring the impact of students missing significant school time. This issue was seen as affecting nearly 20% of students, equating to a month of lost instruction for those categorized as chronically absent. Efforts to address this problem include a strategic shift in how attendance is coded, moving away from the notion of “excused absences” to underscore the educational impact of all absences. Dr. Smith highlighted ongoing efforts to reshape attendance perceptions, emphasizing the return to pre-pandemic standards and sending messages to parents about when it is appropriate for children to stay home. A survey is planned to identify barriers to attendance, such as transportation, to gather specific data and develop targeted interventions.

A report on student performance revealed that while Ezra Baker School met its math growth targets for high needs and students with disabilities, chronic absenteeism remains a challenge. Principal Patrick Riley detailed the school’s performance, noting improvements in overall accountability ratings and progress in various areas. However, the decline in attendance, particularly chronic absenteeism, is being addressed. The discussion included insights into the performance on the MCCAST assessments, with Ezra Baker School exceeding state averages in most areas except writing.

The committee also received an update on the completion of the turf field project, with minor repairs anticipated, such as reseeding in the spring. Discussions are underway to re-evaluate the fee structure for field use, and a revolving account for turf field maintenance is proposed to fund future repairs. Inquiries were made regarding potential additions, such as bleachers, and the condition of the high school track, which is included in the capital plan due to its unsuitability for meets.

Budget preparations for the fiscal year 2027 were initiated, with department leads submitting line-item requests. Meetings are scheduled to compile an overview of the district’s financial needs. Contract negotiations with the Dennis-Yarmouth Educators Association are underway, with Tracy Post named as the municipal representative for Yarmouth in the negotiations. The meeting concluded with a presentation on the new district website, highlighting its user-friendly design and integration with Parent Square for improved communication. The website’s development incorporated community feedback.