Highland Park School Board Faces Concerns Over Special Education Parent Advisory Group Decisions

Overview: The recent Highland Park School Board meeting was dominated by discussions about the district’s handling of the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (CPAG), sparking concerns among parents and highlighting issues of trust and communication between the administration and families of children with disabilities. Additional topics included the district’s sustainability efforts, facilities updates, and disciplinary policies.

Yarmouth Voters Approve $1.5 Million Feasibility Study for Emmy Small School

Overview: At the recent Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee meeting, the spotlight was on the approval of a $1.5 million feasibility study for Emmy Small School by Yarmouth voters. The feasibility study will explore various paths, including a standalone renovation or replacement, and two consolidation scenarios: relocating Emmy Small’s students to Station Avenue Elementary School with necessary renovations, or closing both schools to establish a new facility at a different site. The paperwork for this study has been submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, with further developments anticipated in the upcoming months, including a meeting scheduled for January.

Lunenburg Faces Budget Challenges Amid Rising Educational Needs and Limited State Funding

Overview: The Lunenburg Select Board meeting on November 24, 2023, highlighted budgetary challenges facing the town’s educational system. Discussions focused on the need for additional staffing to address early literacy and math gaps, the financial implications of rising health insurance costs, and the effects of declining state funding on local schools.

Mount Olive School Board Discusses Bullying Measures and Transparency During Engaging Meeting

Overview: The Mount Olive School Board meeting tackled issues, including initiatives to combat bullying, the importance of transparency in district operations, and the recognition of student achievements. Key discussions revolved around the implementation of positive behavior support systems, the handling of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) cases, and community concerns regarding transparency and information access.

South Hunterdon School Board Showcases Student Poetry, Reviews HIB Policies and Approves Key Contracts

Overview: At the recent South Hunterdon School Board meeting, students shared deeply personal poetry as part of a storytelling project, the board reviewed the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) self-assessment, and several key contracts for the upcoming school year were approved. The meeting was marked by a focus on student safety, device use policies, and community engagement initiatives.