The commission placed emphasis on the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget. With most department heads having already met to compile initial figures, the focus was on maintaining level services amidst budget constraints. A scheduled budget subcommittee meeting aimed to delve deeper into the town’s financial projections, with insights to be provided by the Town Administrator and the finance committee chair. The anticipation of the Governor’s forthcoming budget on January 22, 2024, added an additional layer of complexity, especially concerning state funding for education. There was a consensus that the district would remain a “hold harmless” district, suggesting no anticipated changes to the Chapter 70 funding formula, which would help stabilize the town’s financial planning.

The meeting also brought to light an investment-grade audit that has been a significant undertaking. The final document, nearing 150 pages, was ready for review, with a scheduled meeting to discuss its specifics. This audit is expected to provide valuable insights into the town’s financial health and guide future budgetary decisions. Plans were in place to share the audit’s findings with stakeholders and the public.

Further complicating financial discussions was the issue of staffing shortages in the finance office. The vacancies of both a town accountant and an assistant accountant raised concerns about the reliability of financial reporting. One member voiced apprehension over the finance office’s occasional closures due to illness, which could potentially impact the accuracy of figures presented in the upcoming budget meeting. The absence of experienced personnel was seen as a risk to the integrity of ongoing projects, although there was some confidence expressed in the figures already known to the finance committee and Town Administrator.

On a more positive note, the meeting celebrated the achievements of Acushnet Elementary School, which was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the state’s top schools, ranking 104th out of nearly 1,600 institutions.

Another highlight was the presentation of the “Good News Calls Home” initiative, aimed at recognizing a broad spectrum of student achievements. The program involves teachers nominating students for positive behavior, after which staff call the students to award them certificates and share the news with their parents. This initiative aligns with the district’s improvement plan, emphasizing inclusivity and positive reinforcement. A parent shared her experience, expressing joy at receiving a call about her son’s good behavior. A student named Noah was also highlighted for his accomplishments. His mother spoke about the supportive teachers’ transformative impact, particularly during challenging times following the pandemic.

The meeting also noted the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the “Good News Calls Home” program, acknowledging that it was not yet widely known among parents.

In staffing updates, the facilities director announced his departure from his full-time position, though he committed to assisting during the transition. Interviews for a replacement were underway, and the filling of vacant custodian positions was considered a positive development.

The commission discussed ongoing negotiations with teachers and other bargaining units, noting that meetings were already in progress. The negotiation process was intended to be smooth, with further updates to follow as necessary. Additionally, a donation from the Oset Firefighters Association to support the school music program was acknowledged.

A brief mention was made of a technology update, which was postponed due to the director’s absence. Finally, an announcement was made about a shoe drive organized by the PTO to support the eighth-grade class, inviting community participation through donations of lightly used shoes. The logistics of the donation process were clarified to ensure effective collection.