Hannah Vander Sheeran promotes Falmouth community roundtable on family health and child care

The Falmouth Public Schools School Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, featured significant discussions on community engagement and transportation issues affecting students.

Hannah Vander Sheeran, a member of the THOMAS task force, announced a community roundtable scheduled for March 15, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Falmouth Public Library. The event aims to address challenges related to maternal and pediatric health care, child care access, and educational resources. Vander Sheeran emphasized that the roundtable is open to all families and child care providers, encouraging participation despite a scheduling conflict with the local science fair. She noted that children are welcome at the event, which will include activities such as coloring books and snacks.

In a poignant public comment, Andy Asantos, a parent of three students, expressed his frustration regarding transportation issues within the school district. He recounted two troubling incidents involving his son, who suffered a serious injury and required special transportation accommodations. Asantos criticized the district's response to his requests for a wheelchair-accessible bus, highlighting a lack of support during a challenging time for his family. He also shared concerns about a bus service disruption that left his child without transportation for an extended period, raising alarms about student safety and the prioritization of scheduling over well-being.

The meeting underscored the importance of community dialogue and the need for improved transportation solutions within the Falmouth school system. The committee's next steps will likely involve addressing these concerns to enhance support for families and ensure student safety.