PEMBROKE – March 3, 2026 – School leaders across the district presented their “tier-one” budget priorities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (FY27) on Tuesday night, delivering a clear message: while student enrollment has seen a modest decline, the complexity of student needs is surging. From a request for full-time kindergarten paraprofessionals to the creation of a district-wide Director of Counseling, administrators argued that restoring and expanding staff is essential to manage a student body facing unprecedented social, emotional, and academic challenges.
The Pembroke School Committee began its seasonal deep dive into the FY27 budget with presentations from elementary, middle, and high school leadership. Superintendent Erin Obey framed the evening as an opportunity for building leaders to identify the tools necessary to move their departments to the “next level,” regardless of the current fiscal climate. [05:05]
The district’s elementary principals—Michael Murphy, Ashley Cross, and Jen Simmons—presented a unified front, focusing heavily on the needs of the district’s youngest learners. A top priority is the request for nine full-time kindergarten paraprofessionals, which would place one in every classroom. [20:53]
Bryantville Principal Jen Simmons explained that kindergarteners are entering school with vastly different “readiness skills” than in previous years. She noted that these students are transitioning from preschool environments with high adult-to-student ratios into classrooms of 22 students with only one teacher. [33:09] These positions were largely phased out after 2012 when state grant funding was cut, but administrators argued they are now a necessity to manage behavioral and structural needs. [38:55]
“The kindergarteners we’re getting are a whole different kind of kindergartener. They’re coming at different levels, different experience, and a whole different society… they don’t know how to be patient and wait.” [33:09] — Principal Jen Simmons, Bryantville Elementary School
Additionally, Principal Ashley Cross highlighted a “moderate special education” crisis at Hobomock Elementary. The school has seen a significant spike in students requiring IEP services, with projected caseloads for next year reaching 21 to 22 students per teacher—well above the ideal range. [24:08]
At Pembroke Community Middle School, Principal Donna McGarrigle requested the restoration of a science and social studies teacher position that was cut last year due to enrollment drops. McGarrigle argued that this restoration is vital to maintaining the “team-based model,” a research-backed approach that creates a “school within a school” for seventh and eighth graders. [48:25]
The middle school also saw a surprising uptick in French enrollment, which Principal McGarrigle attributed to a committed recruitment effort by the department. [45:05] However, the school continues to struggle with behavioral needs, leading to a request for a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). [52:12]
High School Principal Marc Talbot presented a data-heavy justification for a new district-wide Director of Counseling. Talbot revealed that approximately 30% of the high school student body is currently on either an IEP or a 504 plan. [01:24:26] He noted that while enrollment has slightly declined over the last decade, the number of students requiring tier-three clinical support through the school’s “Compass” program has increased by 30 students in just one year. [01:27:53]
“The needs of our students… are growing. They’re not reducing,” Talbot told the committee, emphasizing that a dedicated director is needed to streamline mental health services and guidance across the K-12 spectrum. [01:17:40]
For Pembroke residents, these budget presentations signal a potential shift in how local tax dollars may be allocated. The request for nearly a dozen new paraprofessionals and high-level administrative roles comes at a time when many districts are facing fiscal constraints. If funded, these positions represent a long-term commitment to intensive, early-intervention support and a significant expansion of the district’s mental health infrastructure. Conversely, if unfunded, class sizes and special education caseloads could reach levels that administrators warned may compromise the quality of instruction.
Motion: Approve the minutes of the February 3, 2026, meeting.
Motion: Approve the updated Quebec City trip to include grades 7-12.
Motion: Approve the updated international trip to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris (replacing the Ireland trip).
Motion: Revise Policy BEDH (Public Comment) to limit comment to 15 minutes total, reserved for Pembroke residents and parents/guardians.
No residents signed up for public comment. [03:31] During the policy discussion later in the meeting, Superintendent Obey clarified that while the chair has the discretion to allow non-residents to speak, the new policy codifies that public comment is primarily a venue for Pembroke residents and parents. [01:59:01]
Vocational Education: The committee will continue discussions regarding the South Shore Vocational Technical vote, with informational sessions planned for April ahead of the May Town Meeting. [01:52:42]
Budget Schedule: Further department-specific budget presentations (Athletics, Facilities, Technology) are scheduled for the next meeting on March 17, 2026. [02:07:14]
Source Video: Titan TV