The most newsworthy item from the meeting was the approval of the new Family and Community Engagement Coordinator position. The committee member who proposed the motion emphasized the importance of this role in enhancing community relations and addressing the district’s public image. They suggested a revised title for the position to include the word “communication,” which would better signal the coordinator’s responsibilities to the public. The funding for this role will come from existing grants and public access channel resources, eliminating the need for new budget allocations. The motion passed unanimously, and the committee looked forward to identifying a suitable candidate for the role.

Another discussion centered around the proposed field trip to Washington, D.C., organized by Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. The trip aims to provide students with meaningful civic engagement opportunities and experiences related to American history. Last year’s trip included visits to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and Arlington National Cemetery, where students engaged with historical artifacts and participated in discussions sparked by the experience. The proposed trip for this year, scheduled for March 11-14, 2025, aims to expand from three days to four. The itinerary includes visits to the White House, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and local universities such as Howard University and American University. The cost is estimated at $1,500 per student, with fundraising efforts already underway to provide scholarships.

The committee also discussed a scholarship initiative that would support students in participating in this trip. The proposed work-for-aid model requires students to engage in fundraising activities like bake sales and car washes, emphasizing the importance of earning support rather than simply receiving cash assistance. Questions arose about the selection process for students, with suggestions to invite previous attendees to return as leaders, provided they also pay for the trip. Ultimately, the committee unanimously approved the trip, expressing hope for full student participation.

The committee then turned its attention to the 2025-2026 school calendar. The superintendent presented the results of a survey conducted to gauge community preferences regarding the February vacation. The survey revealed mixed opinions, with some community members favoring a shorter break and others preferring to maintain the existing structure. Discussions included potential adjustments to professional development days and the impact of early release days on working parents. Despite differing views, the committee approved the calendar as presented, acknowledging the need for future flexibility based on community feedback.

In addition to the calendar, the superintendent outlined his goals for the 2024-2025 school year, organized under the categories of organizational effectiveness, student learning, and district improvement. These goals include enhancing organizational effectiveness, expanding successful K-5 math strategies to higher grade levels, and addressing early literacy, particularly third-grade reading proficiency. The superintendent also emphasized the importance of public relations and district safety planning, including the implementation of a new standard response protocol for emergencies. The committee engaged in a discussion about these goals, particularly focusing on the ambitious target of reducing school choice by 10%. The goals set the stage for further discussion and approval in future meetings.

Other noteworthy topics included the re-opening of the closed Wixson School for community programs, ongoing school construction projects, and preparations for the upcoming school year. The leadership team reported on the development of a one-year action plan, changes to bus routes, and personnel updates. The new start times for elementary schools, part of an extended school day rollout, were also discussed, with bus routes being finalized to accommodate these changes.

Additionally, the committee acknowledged community contributions, including a $500 donation to the DY High School Hall of Fame and recognized a long-standing staff member set to retire. The meeting concluded with discussions on bills, requisitions, payrolls, and public comments, with a proposal to move the public comment section to the beginning of meetings to increase public engagement.