The Rockland School Committee moved forward with a $1,175,000 capital improvement request for Fiscal Year 2027 during its Monday evening session, prioritizing aging infrastructure and updated instructional materials. Assistant Superintendent Jane Hackett presented the comprehensive list, which has been streamlined from previous years but remains focused on high-stakes maintenance. Among the most significant expenses are 13 rooftop HVAC units, estimated at $200,000 each, alongside a replacement maintenance truck equipped with a plow and sander.

Hackett noted that while the middle and high school buildings are relatively modern, dating back to 2011, several systems are reaching their expiration dates. Big ticket items include 13 rooftop units for HVAC; each costs roughly $200,000 to replace, Hackett told the committee, adding that the district also hopes to address ongoing failures in the middle and high school auditorium. Member Michele Bissonnette voiced support for the long-term planning shown in the document. I like how we have the forward-looking five-year costs to show recurring needs and inflation, Bissonnette said. Motion Made by M. Mauro-Small to approve the capital request for FY27. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting also featured an extensive review of the 2024-2025 MCAS results, which Superintendent Alan Cron described as a 20,000-foot view of district performance. Dr. Manigula and Dr. Curtis Whipple, representing Pupil Personnel Services, highlighted significant growth among students with disabilities. In the seventh grade, students with disabilities achieved a 58 student growth percentile (SGP) in math, a figure Whipple called very exciting. However, challenges remain in the tenth grade, where no students with disabilities met or exceeded expectations in ELA or math during the last testing cycle. Dr. Manigula noted that fifth graders had the highest percentage of students with disabilities meeting expectations at 11%.

Member Melissa Mauro-Small questioned the data regarding the student population. The definition of students with disabilities—is that students on IEPs? And what is our denominator? Mauro-Small asked. Whipple confirmed the data referred to students on Individualized Education Programs, noting a cohort of roughly 33 students in the tenth grade. He emphasized that the district looks for an SGP range of 40 to 60 to signify healthy growth. MCAS is one data point in time, Whipple added. We want to see if kids are growing in the right trajectory.

At the elementary level, Phelps School Principal Shley reported that fourth-grade students performed seven points above the state average in math. Fourth grade shows steady performance, slightly above the state in ELA for 2025 with a 50 SGP, Shley said, though she noted challenges in evidence-based writing. Member Jill Maroney observed that student comfort with technology plays a role in these scores, noting that by fourth grade, they are more comfortable with the computer and how to drag and drop.

The middle school reported a nine-point increase in science scores since 2023, while high school officials identified math as the most urgent area for intervention. Principal Shipper noted a decline in both achievement and growth in high school mathematics. Member Emily Davidson questioned if the removal of a specific support program contributed to the dip. I wonder if the drop is because that intervention class is no longer happening? Davidson asked. Shipper acknowledged that the absence of the MCAS-specific math course might be a factor and noted the school is now focusing on school-wide literacy and note-taking strategies.

To meet new state mandates, the committee adopted a one-page competency determination policy that shifts how the district defines graduation readiness. Beyond participating in MCAS, students in the Class of 2027 and beyond must complete a Vision of the Graduate portfolio, demonstrating competencies in areas like critical thinking and communication. Principal Shipper explained that students will have dedicated blocks of time throughout the year to work with advisors on these online portfolios. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve the RHS competency determination policy 2025. Motion Passed 5-0.

The committee also took time to celebrate local fundraising success, specifically a recent toll booth event by the Rockland High School Athletic Boosters that netted $5,364.24. Chair Jaime Hennessy credited the community's generosity for the haul. We had some very generous people driving by our athletes cleaning out their cars, Hennessy said. In addition to the administrative reports and financial updates, the committee endorsed several new fundraisers, including a Multicultural Club pin sale and basketball shoot-a-thons. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve the eight monthly administrative reports. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve the school department financial report. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve the three listed fundraisers. Motion Passed 5-0.