Rockland Public Schools is moving forward with a calibrated course for its special education and pupil personnel services following a comprehensive entry plan presentation by Director Dr. Curtis Whipple. Having joined the district on October 20, Dr. Whipple reported that while the district boasts significant quantitative successes—including a graduation rate for students with disabilities that is 10.3% above the state average—there are critical areas for procedural refinement and staffing.

Dr. Whipple’s report, based on over 60 interviews and surveys, highlighted that 100% of the district’s English language learners and students with disabilities completed MassCore requirements. However, he identified a need for more standardized IEP procedures within the Aspen system and noted a critical vacancy for a school psychologist. Dr. Whipple told the committee, We are in a good place, but we have places to go, and we're going to calibrate that course to make sure we're on the same page. He emphasized a desire to increase Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports in general education to prevent students from needing more restrictive environments unnecessarily.

Member Emily Davidson welcomed the findings, noting that change of leadership is hard, but it gives us an opportunity with a fresh set of eyes. Member Jill Maroney questioned whether parents outside of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) were surveyed, to which Dr. Whipple clarified that a concurrent state audit survey would provide that additional data. Maroney added, I respect that you're looking at what we have rather than trying to change everything immediately. Member Michele Bissonnette echoed this sentiment, stating, Having gone through multiple administrations, it’s important to respect what is here first and then build on it.

The committee also solidified plans for the current senior class. Motion Made by J. Maroney to approve the proposed graduation date of Friday, May 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Motion Passed (5-0). Chair Jaime Hennessy encouraged students and families to mark their calendars immediately, though she jokingly advised student representative Erin Moroni to use a pencil just in case of unforeseen changes.

Superintendent Dr. Cron provided a sobering statistic regarding student health, noting that school nurses managed 2,623 student visits in December alone. I want to remind everyone of what an amazing job they do and how important they are to our schools, Dr. Cron said. This high volume of illness was further addressed by Member Melissa Mauro-Small, a pediatrician, who urged parents to keep sick children home and consult physicians about preventative measures. Regarding the special education roadmap, Mauro-Small asked for clear timelines, saying, For those watching, is there an easier way to look at a roadmap of near-term goals? Dr. Whipple committed to sharing a detailed Gantt chart with the committee and the public.

Fiscal matters remained a steady presence in the background as the district continues to navigate a lean budget year. The committee processed several routine financial and administrative reports to keep operations current. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve seven monthly administrator reports. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, Motion Made by E. Davidson to approve the November financial reports for the High School and Middle School. Motion Passed (5-0).

Community support efforts were also authorized, including a bake sale by the RHS Student Government for the Special Olympics and a Left Center Right Night hosted by the RHS Boosters to fund ice time for the hockey team. Motion Made by J. Hennessy to approve fundraisers. Motion Passed (5-0).

The meeting concluded with a reminder from Student Representative Erin Moroni regarding upcoming midterms and a slate of basketball and hockey games. Member Bissonnette also highlighted an upcoming family night at Phelps Elementary on February 2 focused on behavior management, aimed at aligning language used at school and home.