During the public comment portion, parents voiced concerns regarding bullying incidents at East Falmouth Elementary School. Autumn Rler shared disturbing accounts of her seven-year-old son being bullied consistently for five months. She detailed incidents where her son was physically assaulted during recess, including being kicked and pinned to the ground by peers. Rler criticized the school’s administration for its inadequate response, highlighting the lack of immediate medical attention and delayed communication from the school principal. She accused the administration of failing to adhere to Massachusetts General Law section 370, which mandates proper documentation and investigation of bullying incidents.

Rler’s husband, Kevin, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the bullying environment had disrupted their son’s education. He underscored the administration’s non-compliance with both state laws and district policies on bullying prevention. The couple called for the resignation of Superintendent Lori Duerr and Principal Kelly Welch, expressing frustration over the perceived lack of accountability and protection for students.

The meeting also featured other public comments, with speakers expressing dissatisfaction with the school committee’s perceived lack of challenge to the administration. One speaker urged committee members to develop independent voices and critically assess leadership actions. This call for a more dynamic and questioning approach from the committee underscored the community’s demand for transparency and accountability.

In response to these public comments, the meeting transitioned to a presentation by Kitty Hendricks Miller, the Indian Education Coordinator for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. She discussed initiatives to promote cultural education and inclusivity within Falmouth public schools. Hendricks Miller highlighted programs designed to engage both Native and non-Native students in learning about Native history and culture.

The committee also addressed the upcoming health fair scheduled for March 27th at the Falmouth High School Fieldhouse. The event aims to increase awareness of available health services and resources, with participation from community partners such as the VNA of Cape Cod and local hospitals. The health fair seeks to foster connections between families and school health services, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive health education.

Notable successes included the boys’ cross country team winning the state championship and individual accolades for athletes like Silas Gardner. The winter sports season also reported strong performances, with several teams poised to qualify for tournaments.

The committee reviewed operational updates, including discussions on coaching evaluations, preschool registration, and special education services. The process for assessing coaches was outlined, emphasizing feedback collection and post-season evaluations. Kindergarten registration was underway, with plans to offer free preschool tuition for three- and four-year-olds, albeit with limited slots.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget, set at $61,424,654. Concerns were raised about dependencies on federal grants, with committee members acknowledging the challenges posed by potential changes under a new federal administration.

The committee also discussed a donation made in memory of Brenda Ley U, a local math advocate. The meeting concluded with a focus on committee goals for 2025, emphasizing operational efficiency and the effectiveness of meetings. Members expressed interest in incorporating self-evaluation into the goal-setting process.