In the most heavily debated item of the night, Article 6 saw Pembroke residents vote overwhelmingly to join a regional vocational school district alongside several neighboring towns. The move comes as Pembroke students currently face significant barriers to vocational education, with Town officials noting that there are often zero seats available for Pembroke residents at Silver Lake Regional Vocational School due to shifting state regulations.

School Committee member Sue Bollinger explained that while this vote establishes the partnership with towns like Abington, Marshfield, and Scituate, it does not yet authorize the specific debt exclusion for construction. This vote tonight is specifically whether or not the town would like to join, Bollinger said, noting that financial figures are expected in January. Several residents spoke passionately about the need for trades education. Resident Nicole Macdonald noted that current high school curriculums are focused almost exclusively on college preparation, leaving hands-on learners behind. We have kids who want to learn with their hands and we put them into a college prep curriculum. It's very difficult for them, Macdonald said.

Opponents of the measure, such as Deb Van Riper, expressed concerns regarding the future tax impact on residents on fixed incomes. However, the majority of speakers argued the investment was necessary for the community's future. Local business owner Liberty Pongrats shared her experience of being unable to get into any local trade programs and having to leave the state for training. Superintendent Erin Obie clarified that the shift of roughly 21 students per grade to a vocational school would not result in sweeping reductions to the existing high school staff or programming.

Motion: To join the regional school district as outlined in the warrant.

Vote: Passed - Overwhelmingly by show of hands