[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6223143,"mediaKeyId","3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d","parentId",3576992,"title","District clears special‑education monitoring, but preschool peer slots are full and waiting list growing","audioSeconds",5976,"startMs",5976000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d&start=5976&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d/thumbnail_5976000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6223143/Falmouth-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/District-clears-specialeducation-monitoring-but-preschool-peer-slots-are-full-and-waiting-list-growing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223143-81d436df5acaee7202ae70770109df1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770422039&Signature=kfOx~36zU7r5DO3ywap8YI6a~HuFzJlZsuJzqoAyeVBbcImrc7iDqIGCDMcbVnSW~GkNKq2oMxIJmibUl8wP3WwfOLRR5g5l6yR0~TWys-iHIWSM7aKGf-uYSMJOHeJ~xwI9S5-brZ0T2LNgwLl3N-a9br2U55OKgj-HDbp~0lcFZUCWW7CIZ90e4KymS2j6ga40ZcN8cUYSIMeUu9quV~RWZTxWeUg4WNEfZXj5yX~gty-DCbzILNjMsj-~3Z09n5wt9hB-MV3aIOR33nmRRCEF3WBUaoa346BKAqJ-OfRvRB~jaxugeP7bQ-kQNRCOkZgwD~gjQa46YsNSkC7MkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-28T11:41:13Z","article","The School Committee received an update Tuesday showing the district met corrective actions in a DESE tiered monitoring review and passed an on‑site audit of special‑education recordkeeping tied to IEP timelines and preschool placements.

Student Services Director Sandy (last name not specified) told the committee the district had addressed two prior areas of concern — timely IEP documentation and peer numbers in preschool — and provided training and evidence to DESE during a recent on‑site review. DESE’s reviewer accepted the corrective action documentation, Sandy said.

Sandy said the district submitted a further action plan in February regarding older cohort graduation and MCAS performance gaps that DESE flagged; that plan is still under review. Meanwhile, preschool enrollment is near capacity. The district plans 10 preschool sessions for the coming year, equivalent to about 150 peer slots, and currently has a waiting list of roughly a dozen children. Sandy explained that early‑intervention evaluations (at age 2 years 9 months) and spring screenings can shift some peer slots to students who qualify for IEPs, potentially opening additional peer slots or, if demand rises, requiring a midyear classroom addition.

Sandy asked the committee for patience while the district implements its action plan to address longer‑term indicators such as cohort graduation rates and MCAS gaps. The committee asked for written summaries of the corrective actions and a copy of the preschool screening schedule to assist with planning.

Sandy also noted the district’s back‑to‑school collaboration with the Falmouth Recreation Department is scheduled for Aug. 22, and said the preschool screening for next year will take place at the recreation center on June 12.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/27/25 School Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Falmouth School Committee was told Tuesday that the district satisfied state corrective actions on special‑education IEP timelines and preschool peer‑slot targets after a recent DESE on‑site audit.","taxTitle","Falmouth Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",61112,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6223148,"Debate over Lawrence School 'Dress for Success' continues; legal counsel says policy is defensible",1229,1275000,2504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d&start=1275&end=2504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d/thumbnail_1275000.jpg","/articles/6223148/Falmouth-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Debate-over-Lawrence-School-Dress-for-Success-continues-legal-counsel-says-policy-is-defensible","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223148-9ca32e604fc254960354485c91292d09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770422039&Signature=YokmtXPrWr5lOP495PGD70ATc29KRIKny45PFC0RegPgOQpb333Jdl~YK75kMBdi-GlyrIrauIofebEnxltEInbrl1EW~WaJHqyHdeVDzUM-UVYiWkQD~UiZEiYDvmJ~RHPjZTLWs43LcAZ0HEvl2g323cgdyrXTqnyhkGJwLbuPvOfwiH0qmiSY7KsBS6BR~waE1sK~ym~9scj6pJBdHrYS33LYhfy6jdPLuUSELkoIBkXI9TbUJUfX7WyPFzLMEAizG8E4wKryMu5oLOvgX3g~NsBoE4GqNIQz1ETByBwBe1twOJl0oY3ZJxtTWFyhGcLWyMkA9EKrm~KyW3OlLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Falmouth School Committee reviewed proposed handbook revisions Tuesday including a detailed presentation on the Lawrence School’s Dress for Success policy and related changes to dress and electronics rules districtwide.

Tom Bushey, principal of Lawrence School, summarized the program’s history and on‑the‑ground practices. He told the committee the initiative dates to 2011, was updated over the years, and that staff use check‑ins, advisory periods and donated clothing to address compliance and occasional financial hardship. He said staff surveys show about 85% of faculty support the policy as implemented and that student‑led amendments have been part of the school’s warrant process.

School counsel Mary Gans provided a legal overview and said she and outside counsel had reviewed the policy. Gans cited Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 82 and explained that Section 83 — which limits officials’ authority to regulate dress — is a local option statute that Falmouth has not adopted, so it does not apply in this district. Gans told the committee that prior state and federal decisions give deference to school administrators’ judgments and that content‑neutral dress codes — including uniform‑type rules — have generally been upheld when they further an educational interest. Gans also cited a First Circuit decision, noted the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal in that matter, and discussed Sixth Circuit precedent in Blau that rejected parents’ First Amendment challenges to a middle‑school uniform.

Public comments on the dress policy were split. Several Lawrence students and parents urged greater flexibility and criticized provisions they said limit students’ self‑expression. One fifth‑grade student said, “I believe that students should have the right to wear what they choose,” and a parent said the policy felt “outdated, unethical, and unpopular.” By contrast, multiple teachers and parents endorsed Dress for Success, citing classroom management, reduced peer pressure around brand clothing and preparation for workplace norms.

Superintendent Laurie (last name not specified) said the policy will undergo a comprehensive review next school year that will include surveys and focus groups across the broader community; she recommended, however, that the committee approve the handbook revisions tonight as a first read and vote on them at the next meeting so families have time to prepare. The dress sections presented include daily attire requirements, a relaxed‑dress process for incentive days, PE guidelines, and a waiver provision for extenuating circumstances (medical, religious, cultural or other).

Committee members asked for clarifications and raised questions about consistency across grades (elementary through high school), why some garment types are allowed while others are not, and who decides waivers. Mary Gans reiterated that administrators may waive requirements in extenuating circumstances and that protected categories (e.g., medical conditions, religious dress, and hairstyles covered by the Massachusetts “CROWN Act”) will be accommodated.

The handbook package is on first read; the committee scheduled a vote on final handbook revisions at the next meeting.","The committee heard a first read of multiple handbook revisions, including Dress for Success rules at Lawrence School. Parents, students and teachers offered sharply divided views during public comment. School counsel gave a legal analysis concluding the policy is content‑neutral and likely to withstand challenges.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6223153,"School committee sends contested consolidations back to building-needs task force after amending prior letter",1310,8791000,10101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d&start=8791&end=10101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d/thumbnail_8791000.jpg","/articles/6223153/Falmouth-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/School-committee-sends-contested-consolidations-back-to-building-needs-task-force-after-amending-prior-letter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223153-d4d3d2d338ef5fcf71e2426998a66d2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770422039&Signature=Qun5DIHmuI72SyDKQaGC5~skQNfyY9iP5qDSmYvznsgfwilUCZGPdfc~CCp7iy482lsqzQcbNo2UQbJ9lZaUFLHhMBfdb~XnDtQqvExcqnQmX9Lo71wIXpQ3XGFNBG285kL~Fj~-p4y4gZin01efRmlewfIyzMfEB0M6iY7x4hYoypkbSzsiB80N~m~GsSkya3w3x3K9uRYeNQsfJ-MfNerLc8IjueUILr0WbXVzFz3Qv3TFSCbYcqvlrMRbthZ7GH~FVzTqFsmdSQRJF7iXcrMCqB~ezTB1IgKt5lVNiQJjRb3eUwNob~BbpcRB64Za2fwk~kz6p5tKnkSZmt6gGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Falmouth School Committee voted Tuesday to amend a previous committee letter that had named two elementary schools as the primary consolidation options and to send the matter back to the Building Needs Task Force for further review.

The committee’s action removes language that would have made TeeTicket and East Falmouth the “only schools under consideration,” while explicitly preserving those schools as options for future review. The amended motion directs the task force to research the topic and return a recommendation by June 24.

The decision followed more than an hour of public and committee discussion about whether naming specific schools in a committee-issued letter had preempted the task force’s work. Committee members who supported the amendment said it would restore a “clean slate” and reduce public perception that the board had already decided. Opponents described the previous letter as an authorized release of proposed options and said rescinding portions of it risked undermining the work already done.

Committee member remarks emphasized process and perception. One member urged the committee to “wipe the slate clean” so the task force can conduct an independent review; another noted that the November release that named the schools had been treated as a vote at the time and therefore required formal rescission.

After discussion the committee first voted to take the rescind motion back from the table, then approved an amended motion clarifying that TeeTicket and East Falmouth would no longer be the only options but would not be removed from future consideration. The board subsequently voted to refer the amended motion to the Building Needs Task Force and asked for a report back no later than June 24.

The task force will continue to work from the NESDEC analysis, community submissions and options generated in public meetings. The School Committee will retain final authority on any decisions about school building configurations or grade‑reassignment plans.

Committee Chair Terry Medeiros said the referral was intended to ensure an “open and transparent” process and to give the task force space to consider a full slate of alternatives before the board makes any decisions.","The Falmouth School Committee agreed to amend and refer a previously contentious letter that named two elementary schools as consolidation candidates. The committee voted to clarify that the schools would not be removed permanently from future consideration and asked the building-needs task force to review options and report back by June 24.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6223133,"Tribal education grants expand summer programs and partnerships for Native students",0,574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d&start=574&end=574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d/thumbnail_574000.jpg","/articles/6223133/Falmouth-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Tribal-education-grants-expand-summer-programs-and-partnerships-for-Native-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223133-35640b5dc40ad0f1620a9bb81e35d4a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770422039&Signature=ev3yH63JpA4GOgRPmgKsAhqn1EAllkG~6x~yXGMd0~ebvVTLs0gmdONfOR36UAuXm~gsnypNCtRX~cEZPUu5w8PQvXKtmySaXSIC9VQ9pGjzdaY0B9s1TcKuvNLZkVUgrzzmWFf4Qc3l2yjItesIOLYQWcQBZZv3nqYCcUNt4VgHH9bLZb9lQKXx7-epomA-HUEjJT7cWbJen6ZWgP8dwOfV6wOHXiWscBn4i5uMI6pR~rDxfwZ9QrfTVIXjFzGKWo8qc7ZjZOb5~t3fQy9Do3TV6Wlpyp67RsG8Xu0SkIlpfev2a4Z1YyR0wFJJ-6bVnZCLx6FDJ7lI22P6iPeNXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee received an update on Native American education programming from Kitty Hendricks, who described two active grants that support local tribal students and teacher retention.

Hendricks said the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI) is supporting 14 participants currently working toward education degrees, with more candidates in the pipeline. The program provides financial support, books and coursework guidance with the goal of returning trained teachers to local schools.

Separately, Henricks described an Indian Education Grant that funds partnerships with the Center for Coastal Studies, Cape Cod National Seashore and Pleasant Bay Community Boating to provide hands‑on opportunities for students — including a floating classroom aboard an all‑electric pontoon and sailing lessons. A summer camp for kindergarten through fifth grade will run July 14 through Aug. 8, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the summer camp filled within about four days, Hendricks said, and accepts up to 25 children.

Hendricks also described a planned Indian‑education‑supported exhibit with the Cape Cod Children’s Museum — an outdoor “kitchen” and food‑to‑table educational element — and summer teacher professional development tied to the NATRI grant. She thanked community partners and noted field trips and programming taking place at local sites for different district schools.

Committee members asked about program connections to the community garden, curriculum development and future public events. Hendricks said the garden program is run by another local initiative (Korn Sisters) but that the Indian Education program is developing seasonally themed curriculum and intends to expand culturally relevant signage and place‑names work with the community.","Kitty Hendricks reported to the committee on two active grants supporting Native American students: a teacher‑retention initiative with 14 participants and an Indian Education Grant that funds partnerships (Center for Coastal Studies, National Seashore, Pleasant Bay Community Boating) for summer camp programming and experiential learning.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":101,"_43":112,"_45":112,"_47":113,"_49":114,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6223138,"District restructures HR functions; posts for permanent HR manager instead of adding senior director",6626000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d&start=6626&end=6626","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576992-5fd87ea799a3b68e9815452d2731266d/thumbnail_6626000.jpg","/articles/6223138/Falmouth-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/District-restructures-HR-functions-posts-for-permanent-HR-manager-instead-of-adding-senior-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223138-b6f485639711407e49f4fddab2fece4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770422039&Signature=iekoFFw0esT3PiDANBMx-ODWPCJkLcguXiCuf7dYnmg2YA8Cvsyc1Js~wbhkhWBzOPDWHUuPOz3Uxo9MhR9OQRji~qW4Pu2pLDyrFuXHokhhLKCTdLQQWX9G2snLpqtH20C860RPaxe9~v3ogUgUCSFOAk2Ma8urpr5sd0o1N6wN6PByPIhZaEzEKI7FCXMLxU0C~OuuV9kVF0yN8r-FXEJbYp9cmu1IOiw5ulsOCIfh8x00hBXabuotkx5qjWwKQ87~cIsdGwM8dsNQDPlE1J8ri7QFepWSw2-Wku-DQch5jCvmgElTdX8Si6zud8W4mx3Bhgv922jRL5IbOj1qnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Laurie reported Tuesday that the district has adjusted human resources responsibilities and will recruit a permanent HR manager rather than hire a separate, high‑paid HR director.

Laurie said the district promoted Stacy Stokes to assistant director of finance effective March 1 and assigned her oversight of payroll and HR functions owing to the overlapping nature of the systems. The superintendent also described hiring an interim HR manager, Bonnie Donahue, to work with Stokes while the district posts a permanent HR manager position. Donahue has prior experience in HR and business office functions, Laurie said.

Laurie gave an overview of where HR duties are housed: licensure work continues with the curriculum/licensure office (Doctor Tellier), hiring decisions remain the responsibility of principals and departmental hiring managers, and onboarding/offboarding functions are managed by central HR staff. Laurie said she does not intend to add a $140,000 central‑office HR director position this year, citing budget constraints.

Committee members asked for clarity on payroll staffing and exit‑interview practice. Laurie confirmed payroll remains in the business office under Stokes; an individual identified as Jenna (last name given in personnel records) supports payroll operations. Laurie said the district administers exit‑interview surveys to departing staff and offers formal exit interviews on request, and that some informal conversations occur given the close relationships between hiring managers and staff.

The committee requested a written summary of the reorganization and staffing changes; Laurie agreed to circulate the documentation and to post the permanent HR manager vacancy.","Superintendent Laurie reported a reorganization of human-resources responsibilities that keeps payroll and HR oversight in the business office, promotes an assistant finance director into a supervisory role, and will post for a permanent HR manager rather than create a new high‑level HR director position amid budget constraints.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District clears special‑education monitoring, but preschool peer slots are full and waiting list growing

Debate over Lawrence School 'Dress for Success' continues; legal counsel says policy is defensible

School committee sends contested consolidations back to building-needs task force after amending prior letter

Tribal education grants expand summer programs and partnerships for Native students

District restructures HR functions; posts for permanent HR manager instead of adding senior director