Enrollment largely stable (down 19); committee hears budget update noting $182,000 Chapter 70 and ~$270,000 new-growth funds

Superintendent Erin presented October 1 enrollment counts and a budget update to the Pembroke School Committee on Oct. 7.

Enrollment: The district's Oct. 1 enrollment is 19 students below last year (a net decrease of 19 across 13 grades and five buildings). The superintendent highlighted stable kindergarten numbers (about 165) and said Pembroke High School has "about 666 students," the smallest four-year span the district has had in recent history. Administrators discussed class-size variation: elementary class sizes are within expected ranges while some secondary and accelerated courses run higher. Homeschooling figures were discussed: prior to COVID the district typically had 20–25 homeschooled students, the COVID year (2021) peaked at 57, and the district has since had about 33–37 homeschooling students per year.

Budget update: The budget subcommittee reported staff priorities identified through surveys (smaller class sizes, paraprofessionals, and intervention supports/BCBA). The superintendent reported certified additional funds: $182,000 in Chapter 70 funds and approximately $270,000 in new-growth revenue that were not included in the spring budget estimate; those funds were discussed as potential sources to address frozen positions. The superintendent cautioned that hiring late in the fall/winter can be difficult and that administration will prioritize strong candidate pools before unfreezing positions.

Vocational planning and town meeting: Committee members reviewed recent public forums on vocational planning and reminded residents to attend the Oct. 21 town meeting, where Article 6 (vocational planning) will be considered; FAQs were updated and posted to the website.

Ending: The committee will revisit budget allocation after town-meeting warrants are finalized; administration plans to report back on potential positions to unfreeze given the certified funds.