The proposed trip to Greece, estimated to cost approximately $3,600 per student, was approved with a 6 to 1 vote. The committee’s discussion highlighted concerns regarding the affordability of such excursions, with some members expressing that the financial burden could limit participation to only a small segment of the student body. One committee member humorously noted that if they had multiple children in the district, the cost would be prohibitive.

Despite the concerns, another member argued that previous trips had been even more costly and that efforts were being made to provide financial assistance through fundraising and scholarships. They emphasized that for some students, school-sponsored trips might be their only opportunity to travel internationally. These trips are seen as transformative experiences, comparable in cost to other student expenses like car insurance.

The committee acknowledged the importance of ensuring equitable access to these opportunities, with a focus on identifying students who may need financial support and proactively communicating the availability of scholarships. There was a consensus on the need for creative solutions to make such experiences accessible to a wider array of students, possibly through collaboration with other districts to reduce costs.

In addition to the Greece trip, the committee approved an out-of-state field trip to Rhode Island to see a performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” indicating a continued commitment to providing diverse educational experiences.

The meeting also included the swift approval of the fiscal year 2026 operational budget, which stands at $127,229,274. The budget reflects a recalculated pension assessment, resulting in an increase of $94,650 for the school department. Despite these adjustments, the budget proposal was passed without further discussion, highlighting the committee’s confidence in the financial planning process.

Another moment in the meeting was the acknowledgment of Michelle Badger, whose tenure on the School Committee and as chair was coming to an end after 13 years. Her leadership and advocacy for students and educators were commended, and she was presented with a plaque for her service. The committee expressed gratitude for her contributions to fostering a supportive school environment.

Superintendent Christopher S. Campbell provided updates on graduation requirements, announcing that the MCAS test is no longer a requirement for earning a competency determination for graduation, starting with the class of 2025. Students will now need to demonstrate mastery through coursework, with the district tasked with developing local requirements for approval. Despite the removal of the MCAS as a graduation requirement, it remains necessary for other programs, such as scholarships.

Additionally, Dr. Campbell shared that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) favorably voted on the district’s Statement of Interest application for Hedge Elementary, placing it in the eligibility period for potential consolidation with Cold Spring Elementary and the establishment of preschool spaces in North Plymouth.

The Superintendent also highlighted initiatives to increase budget transparency and community engagement, including a series of short videos on the budget development process and the launch of a podcast episode titled “Hometown Voices,” focusing on community giving.

Personnel matters were addressed with the announcement of retirements, including Kevin Miller, Crello, and Cindy Scanland, who have collectively served the district for many years. Their contributions were acknowledged.