Pembroke School Committee seeks funding for math interventionists and extracurricular programs

The Pembroke School Committee meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational offerings and student support within the district. The discussions highlighted the need for shared services and additional resources to improve student performance, particularly in mathematics and extracurricular activities.

The meeting began with a conversation about the importance of creating a shared services model to expand educational offerings. A significant point of discussion was the proposal to implement math interventionists in every elementary school. This initiative aims to provide targeted support for students struggling with math, allowing teachers to address performance concerns more effectively through an Instructional Support Team (IST) meeting. Currently, there are limited interventions available outside the classroom, and the addition of math interventionists would mirror the successful implementation of reading specialists introduced three years ago.

The committee also addressed the growing interest in extracurricular activities at Pembroke High School. To accommodate this demand, members proposed increasing funding for co-curricular stipend lines. The current system requires student groups to find adult volunteers to advise new clubs for their initial years, but the rapid growth in student interest has outpaced available funding. The committee emphasized the importance of keeping students engaged in school activities rather than spending time unsupervised in the community.

In addition to these primary discussions, the committee reviewed a list of level 1 budget priorities totaling over $415,000. They also acknowledged other potential funding needs that did not make it to the top priority list. During a recent meeting with state representatives, the committee submitted requests for "pothole grants" to support various initiatives, including behavioral programs, technology upgrades, and capital improvements at the high school. If these funds are secured, the committee plans to revisit additional budget items that could enhance educational offerings.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to improving student support and engagement through targeted interventions and expanded extracurricular opportunities, while also exploring potential funding avenues to address broader needs within the district.