The Pembroke School Committee formally authorized a $41,280,729 spending plan for the 2026-2027 school year during a Tuesday night public hearing, clearing the way for the proposal to face voters at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. The recommended budget, which has been the subject of several joint sessions with the Select Board and Advisory Committee, focuses on maintaining staffing levels and managing shifting enrollment as the district prepares for a potential operational override in 2026. Superintendent Erin Obey noted that the full presentation and historical recordings are available online for residents, explaining, Natalie was really concerned about the amount of color ink we were using when explaining why paper copies were not distributed again for the fourth consecutive week. Motion Made by A. Glennon to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget in the amount of $41,280,729. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

In a separate public hearing, the committee opted to maintain Pembroke’s long-standing policy of declining participation in the state’s school choice program. Superintendent Obey detailed the financial and logistical risks of the program, which allows students from outside districts to enroll in Pembroke schools. While receiving districts receive a $5,000 tuition payment per student, Obey cautioned that the actual cost of education significantly exceeds that figure. For people that are not familiar with school choice, what school choice does is allow students from other school districts to attend Pembroke Public Schools, Obey explained, adding that once a student is accepted, the district is legally committed to them through graduation. If you open up school choice for kindergarteners and decide two years later to cease with school choice, you're still guaranteeing that student that originally enrolled an education through 12th grade.

Chair David Boyle opened the floor for discussion on the matter, noting that this is going to be the school choice public hearing as part of a unique meeting order. Vice Chair Allison Glennon pointed out that neighboring districts are also moving away from the program, stating, I think Silver Lake actually just decided to not go. They're rescinding school choice at least moving forward. Committee members expressed particular concern regarding the lottery system used for selection, which prevents the district from knowing a student's specific special education or English as a Second Language (ESL) needs before they are enrolled. Obey confirmed that while there are currently 11 Pembroke residents attending other districts via school choice, she did not recommend opening Pembroke's doors to outsiders this year, though she suggested the high school might have capacity in four years to offset vocational enrollment shifts. Motion Made by A. Glennon to not accept school choice for the 2026-2027 school year. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The committee also granted conceptual approval for a cultural exchange trip to Paris scheduled for 2027. The trip is intended for French language students in grades 9 through 12. Obey described the approval as an opportunity to gauge family interest before finalizing details. I just heard a few students interested in going on the trip. It sounds like fun, Glennon remarked before the unanimous vote. Motion Made by A. Glennon to approve the Pembroke High School out-of-state trip to France for 2027. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Regarding the town’s ongoing efforts to join the South Shore Regional Vocational School District, Obey reported that the expansion has secured the necessary two-thirds approval from member towns to move forward. While Rockland recently voted against the measure, Obey noted that the South Shore Tech superintendent was unable to attend that specific meeting to address concerns about seat allotments. Pembroke’s own Town Meeting vote on May 12 will be a final step in this regional coordination. In light of Teacher Appreciation Day, the board closed the meeting with praise for the faculty. Glennon highlighted AP teachers who provide extra Zoom study sessions, while Obey shared a story of high school chemistry students who created Baconator t-shirts featuring teacher Mr. Baker’s face for their exams. Kids are hilarious, Boyle noted before closing the session.