Pembroke School Committee declines state school choice for 2026–27

The Pembroke School Committee voted to decline participation in the state school choice program for the 2026–27 year after a public hearing and discussion with the superintendent.

At the hearing the superintendent explained that "what school choice does is allow students from other school districts to attend Pembroke public schools," and noted the statutory tuition payment is $5,000 per school‑choice student while actual per‑pupil costs in the district exceed that amount. The superintendent also warned that adopting school choice creates a multi‑year commitment because a student who enrolls must be guaranteed an education through graduation.

The superintendent described two practical concerns that informed the recommendation: school‑choice applicants are admitted by lottery and the district cannot weight applications to screen for special education or English‑learner needs, and those unknown needs can impose additional costs. He said Pembroke would not recommend opening choice at the elementary level because of enrollment fluctuations over the summer but that the high school currently has some capacity and might be considered in future years.

The chair called for a motion "not to accept school choice;" a committee member moved and another member seconded. The chair then announced, "School choice is not accepted," closing the public hearing on the item. The transcript does not record a numeric roll‑call tally for that particular motion; the announcement in the record was the formal outcome.

What happens next: The committee closed the public‑hearing portion of its agenda on school choice with the formal decision not to participate in 2026–27. Any future reconsideration would require reopening the public process and establishing the number and grade levels of any seats to be offered.