The meeting featured Brian Bagington Smith, president of the Lewis Bay Research Center, who presented on the collaborative initiative that integrates sustainability into the Dennis Yarmouth Regional School System. Smith explained that the Eco-campus had been accepted as an Earthshot Prize project, likening the initiative to JFK’s moonshot, but with a focus on Earth’s environmental challenges.

The Eco-campus project involves a partnership with Rotary International and is linked with the New Root Charter School in Ithaca, New York. This collaboration is intended to foster knowledge-sharing and experiential learning focused on community resiliency and sustainability. The project’s goals include establishing a net-zero affordable housing development, known as the Sandwich project, which aims to provide 300 to 350 workforce housing units powered by renewable energy. The plan also involves advanced wastewater treatment and aquifer recharge systems.

Smith further elaborated on the incorporation of smart infrastructure, including communication-enabled street lights and sensors designed to detect environmental conditions and emergencies. The project also explores the use of biochar, a carbon-sequestering technology, in agricultural and construction materials to enhance soil productivity and mitigate pollutants.

During the question-and-answer session, a committee member expressed concerns about potential negative aspects of new sustainability initiatives, drawing a parallel with the unforeseen consequences of oil fracking. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment was one of optimism about the project’s potential impact.

The Earthshot Prize project was not the only topic of discussion. The meeting addressed the strategic planning for the 2025-2026 academic year, focusing on enhancing data literacy and establishing clear leadership roles within each initiative. The strategic objectives include improving academic achievement and operational effectiveness, with an emphasis on translating broad five-year goals into actionable steps for the current year.

Significantly, the committee reviewed the progress of current education initiatives, noting improvements in student performance. Three years of MCCAST data in math revealed a consistent increase in student scores, particularly from grades three to five. Although the district’s performance still lags behind the state average, there was a noteworthy 5.6 percentage point increase in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the state average, surpassing the state’s increase of one percentage point.

The meeting also covered the hiring of a communications and community relations coordinator, which has enhanced the district’s ability to share its accomplishments. This position has contributed to the completion of various objectives, although efforts to streamline communication across the district continue.

In terms of financial planning, the committee discussed capital improvement initiatives, despite some delays caused by staffing changes in the assistant superintendent for finance position. The district is working towards advancing financial objectives, with confidence expressed that further progress will be made by mid-year.

The committee addressed logistical challenges in sustaining its initiatives, particularly concerning funding for the Earthshot Prize project. While the prize itself could provide substantial financial support, the project’s success does not solely depend on winning it. A $1.3 million economic development bond bill authorized in 2022 remains a potential funding source, pending successful outreach to state representatives.

Other meeting highlights included the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, the declaration of a surplus vehicle, and recognition of donations supporting school programs. Notably, contributions from “Vets and Friends” and the Cape Cod Foundation’s Dolphin Dash Fund provided essential resources for students and athletic programs.