Superintendent reports progress on preschool classroom, EMT program and annex plans amid budget concerns

The superintendent told the School Committee that work is underway on multiple goals set in August, including establishing an integrated preschool classroom at Wareham High School, launching an EMT certificate option for upperclassmen, and returning the annex building to district use for the PASS program — all while managing a projected budget shortfall.

On early education, the presentation said administrators have identified a high‑school classroom (room 129) that can be converted to an integrated preschool; the district is pursuing the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grant. The superintendent said the CPPI process includes a needs assessment phase already funded and that the second portion of the grant could provide up to $750,000 for teacher pay, furniture and supplies. The district plans a class of about 15 children (12 peer students, 3 students with special education needs) to start; the superintendent noted grant requirements could change the final ratio and enrollment. A bathroom installation in the high‑school room is planned after school dismisses and the district estimated the capital tie‑in work at roughly $30,000, funded with one‑time sources or gift accounts. The superintendent said playground work will be funded through gift accounts and that special‑education services for enrolled students would be covered through the CPPI grant or established special‑education funding streams.

The committee asked how many high‑school students would be involved in classroom instruction and whether high‑school schedules would create continuity concerns for preschoolers. The superintendent said the district will review models used elsewhere and return with a more specific schedule and staffing plan.

On career pathways, the superintendent reported the district has identified a vendor in Fairhaven to run an EMT certificate program for juniors and seniors. The quoted cost is $21,320 for the year; the district said this would be a recurring line‑item if the program is adopted and will need to be budgeted in FY26.

Regarding the annex, the superintendent said Turning Point has identified alternative space and the district will seek about $200,000 from the capital planning committee for building and technology upgrades to accommodate the PASS program. The superintendent warned that an $850,000 projected shortfall in the budget limits the district’s ability to staff new programs immediately and that the annex transitions will be phased as funding allows. The superintendent said the PASS program will continue to accept school‑choice and tuition students as before.

Finally, the superintendent reported progress on evaluation work with the district evaluation subcommittee; meetings, surveys of evaluators and initial discussions on criteria for exemplary ratings have taken place, with further work scheduled.

No formal committee vote was required on these status updates; the superintendent will return with grant application outcomes, cost estimates and proposed staffing plans if the CPPI grant is awarded.