The Rockland School Committee solidified the district’s future leadership on Tuesday night, finalizing a contract for Jane Hackett to serve as Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2026. The move comes as part of a multi-year transition plan to succeed Dr. Alan Cron and follows a presentation revealing that the district has achieved its fourth consecutive year with a perfect financial audit.

Chair Jaime Hennessy highlighted Hackett’s eight-year tenure as Assistant Superintendent and Business Manager, noting her vital role in maintaining fiscal stability and building trust between the town and the school department. Jane is huge to our district, Hennessy said, emphasizing Hackett's work navigating federal funding during the pandemic and overseeing the transition to the new Phelps school. She has leveraged all federal and state funding sources through and after COVID while supporting our need to adapt. Member Jill Maroney echoed the sentiment, stating, I think we're all grateful that Jane is willing to continue to lead this district in the direction that it's been going for quite some time.

Motion Made by M. Bissonnette to accept the proposed contract for Jane Hackett for Superintendent of Schools to begin July 1, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

The committee’s confidence in Hackett was bolstered by the FY24 audit report, which showed no findings across the district’s grants, revolving funds, and student activity accounts. Hackett credited the result to the diligent work of payroll and accounts payable staff at both the school and town levels. This will be our fourth consecutive audit of no findings, meaning that all appropriate accounting procedures were followed, all procurement procedures were followed, and everything matches what was budgeted, Hackett reported. Member Michele Bissonnette praised the streak of clean audits, noting, It sounds like what should happen everywhere... but it's unheard of. Congratulations to Jane and your team.

Safety concerns regarding the rise of electric bikes and motorized scooters also took center stage. Dr. Cron reported that some students are commuting on devices capable of reaching 30 mph, creating dangerous conditions during the busy drop-off and dismissal windows. He announced plans to collaborate with the Rockland Police Department on a Saturday safety program that would likely include helmet giveaways. Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small provided a medical perspective on the risks, noting a recent spike in related injuries. We've been seeing a lot of traumas this year with that, Mauro-Small said. You only need to see real badness once to change your threshold for risk.

The committee also authorized a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) policy for Rogers Middle School to comply with updated state regulations. The policy ensures middle schoolers have dedicated time during the school day to learn about vocational-technical options, including field trips and informational sessions. It requires the middle school to have an access policy so that students have access to an overview of the vocational school and what it has to offer, Dr. Cron explained. Hennessy, speaking as a parent, confirmed that students are already receiving information about South Vote through emails and upcoming informational nights.

Motion Made by M. Bissonnette to approve the CTE Middle School Policy. Motion Passed (5-0).

In his Superintendent’s report, Dr. Cron offered a preliminary analysis of recent MCAS results. While noting that the district continues to perform well in internal assessments, he cautioned that the North Star of standardized testing was disrupted by the pandemic and the recent removal of graduation requirements. He also addressed the inherent link between socioeconomic factors and state scores. Sometimes people will say why aren't your scores as high as they are in Wellesley... there are definite correlations between income and test scores, and that's just a fact, Cron said.

The meeting began on a somber note as the committee observed a moment of silence for Richard Wakowski, a beloved school bus driver who passed away recently after six years of service to the district. Hennessy described him as a beloved employee, colleague, and a friend.

In community news, the committee sanctioned 12 upcoming fundraisers, ranging from a Powderpuff football game for the Class of 2026 to a Harlem Wizards basketball game hosted by the RHS Boosters. Motion Made by M. Bissonnette to approve the 12 new fundraiser requests as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). Student representative Erin Maroney reminded the community of the upcoming homecoming dance and the annual Project Pumpkin event scheduled for October 25. Member Emily Davidson highlighted the success of the boys' soccer team, which currently holds a #3 state ranking, while Member Mauro-Small urged families to stay vigilant regarding respiratory health as the flu season approaches.