Pembroke students are returning to classrooms this fall amid a surge in academic performance, even as district leaders maintain a strict hold on several staffing vacancies. During Tuesday’s School Committee meeting, High School Principal Mark Talbot reported a significant five-year climb in Advanced Placement (AP) performance, noting that 81 percent of students earned at least one qualifying score this year—a sharp increase from the 69 percent recorded five years ago. In the past five years, everything is pointing up, Talbot said, detailing that 236 students completed 465 exams this spring. Despite the academic momentum, Superintendent Mary Beth confirmed that a previously established hiring freeze remains in effect for the 2025-2026 school year due to ongoing collective bargaining pressures. Positions staying vacant include a high school science teacher, a librarian, a .6 Latin teacher, and several paraprofessional roles. At this point, we are not in a position to unfreeze these, the Superintendent told the committee, adding that while class sizes remain comfortable, they would be two to three students lower if the positions were filled.

The staffing limitations are forcing the district to think creatively about curriculum delivery and facility use. Principal Talbot explained that some students did not receive their first-choice electives due to the freeze, with some courses now reaching enrollment in the high 20s or 30s. The budget constraints have also prompted a shift in the science department; AP Physics C will move to an online dual-enrollment format through the Mass College of Pharmacy to accommodate the introduction of AP Physics 1. Member Katrina Scarsciotti questioned the long-term impact on the physics program, while the Superintendent noted that the dual-enrollment option would be asynchronous and conducted during study halls. Regarding the library vacancy at the high school, Mary Beth noted the district must think more creatively about how to cover that to ensure student access without a dedicated staff member.

While the budget remains tight, physical improvements across the district provided a brighter outlook for the reopening. At Bryantville Elementary, the long-awaited replacement of the gymnasium roof was completed this summer. The Bryantville Principal called the upgrade magical because the school will no longer need buckets every time it drizzles. Similarly, the Acting North Pembroke Principal reported that classrooms were refreshed with neutral tones to replace Pepto-Bismol pink walls, alongside the installation of six new water bottle filling stations and LED lighting. At Hobomock Elementary, Principal Ashley reported that playground demolition was scheduled to begin immediately, with a goal of reopening the site by late October. Member Susan Bollinger praised the overall progress, stating, I love the enthusiasm. Huge shout out to the marching band. I'm excited about the AP scores; it shows how well the kids are doing as a result of the teaching.

The district is also leaning into new instructional pilots to address long-term performance goals. Following last year’s focus on writing, 13 teachers are now piloting the Simplify Writing curriculum, which the Bryantville Principal noted has already shown results that were off the charts. Additionally, 11 teachers district-wide are piloting the FOSS science program. These efforts coincide with the district’s work on competency determination, as the education subcommittee works to define what mastery looks like for Pembroke graduates by a December deadline. Before the board transitioned to other business, Motion Made by K. Delaney to approve the meeting minutes from August 5th, 2025. Motion Passed 4-0.

Looking ahead, Vice Chair Allison Glennon, acting as chair in David Boyle’s absence, noted that the budget subcommittee will begin drafting priorities in anticipation of a potential operational override in the spring of 2026. We want the conversation to be transparent, Glennon said, emphasizing the need for community clarity on what an override would fund. Member Katrina Delaney, speaking as a Hobomock parent, expressed excitement for the facility upgrades, particularly the new tiling in the library and offices. The committee concluded the public portion of the evening by addressing personnel strategy. Motion Made by K. Scarsciotti to enter Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 30A, Section 21A(3) to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining. Motion Passed 4-0.