Rockland High School students are officially heading to the Iberian Peninsula in 2028, following a unanimous vote by the School Committee on Monday night. The 11-day international excursion to Spain and Portugal marks the Travel Club’s first return to Spain since 2013, offering a robust itinerary that includes Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. Miss Walsh, the Travel Club Advisor, and Emily Whipple from EF Tours presented the plan, noting that the extended duration is essential to the educational value of the trip. Walsh told the committee, this trip wouldn't be worth it without going to Barcelona as well which requires it to be an 11-day tour. While the schedule will require students to miss two days of school, Walsh emphasized that students will be held responsible for missed coursework just as they would for any other field trip.

The committee discussed the logistical and safety aspects of the trip, which is estimated to cost families between $4,000 and $5,000. Whipple highlighted a new convenience for families: one of the great new changes that EF's making is that tips can be included in what the families pay online, streamlining the process for guides and drivers. Member Jill Maroney reflected on the personal impact of these journeys, sharing, I just remember when my daughter had gone she was amazed by the number of people that had never been on a plane. Member Jaime Hennessy, who also had a child travel with the group last year, praised the organization of the tours. The fact that you bring 20 plus kids through all these countries and you do it flawlessly... this is a wonderful opportunity that we're bringing to Rockland kids, Hennessy said, adding that she views the missed school days as a reasonable trade-off supported by parents. Motion Made by M. Mauro-Small to approve the 2028 travel club plan for Spain and Portugal. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Beyond international travel, the district celebrated a significant financial win for the middle school. Superintendent Dr. Alan Kron announced that science teacher Laura Straco successfully secured a $30,000 STEAM Life Sciences grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Council. Dr. Kron noted that the funds would support ongoing efforts to expand career pathways. I'd also like to congratulate and thank Laura Straco from our middle school... She recently just procured a $30,000 steam life sciences grant, Kron said. This grant aligns with recent district-wide initiatives to boost student performance in science, an area that has historically been a strength for Rockland in MCAS results.

The committee also took a deep dive into the district’s financial health, specifically focusing on the Food Services department. Chair Melissa Mauro-Small noted that the department remains profitable despite the nationwide trend of rising food costs. I did want to just call out the food service report... highlighting that overall they're run really well, Mauro-Small said, pointing to an increase in both meal participation and profitability. I just want to highlight that especially in this environment where food prices are really high. Dr. Kron echoed the sentiment, stating, They do work really hard. We appreciate Adele and her team. Motion Made by M. Mauro-Small to approve the financial reports. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting included updates on the heavy usage of school facilities town-wide. The committee reviewed a building rental report that illustrated how active Rockland’s schools remain long after the final bell. One committee member remarked that the parking lots are often busier after school than during school, reflecting the high volume of community groups utilizing the spaces. Mauro-Small added, It always fascinates me to see all of the different things that we rent the buildings to. It's always good to see how full they are and how active they are. And it's not just Rockland High School... it's townwide.

In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Kron offered praise for recent community events, including "Project Pumpkin" at the high school and the "Trunk or Treat" at Phelps Elementary. This spirit of community involvement was echoed during member reports. Member Michele Bissonnette highlighted the RHS Key Club’s "Socktober" fundraiser, which provides warm socks to local shelters. She also announced a drive-up winter coat drive scheduled for November 15th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The RHS Key Club is doing Socktober. They help provide warm socks to those in shelters, Bissonnette reported.

Additional community news included a reminder from Member Emily Davidson regarding an upcoming family night at Phelps. I want to plug the family night at Phelps this Monday. It'll be at 5:30, Davidson said, jokingly adding a Halloween incentive for neighbors: And you can have twice the candy if you find my house. We live at the end of a cul-de-sac and we never get anyone. Member Jaime Hennessy closed by congratulating the varsity cheer team for taking first place in their first three competitions and wishing luck to fall teams entering the playoffs. Good luck to all the fall teams that are heading to the playoffs, Hennessy said. The committee also cleared the way for two upcoming fundraisers, including a prize calendar sale for the Travel Club and a "Rockland’s Got Talent" raffle to benefit RHS Music and WRPS. Motion Made by M. Mauro-Small to approve both fundraisers. Motion Passed (5-0-0).