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Dennis school committee candidates clash over override, budgets, building repairs and AI
Summary
At a League of Women Voters forum, incumbent Marilyn Bemis said a Proposition 2½ override is necessary to avoid deep personnel cuts, while challenger Bert Fisher voiced skepticism of the override and questioned recent curriculum and spending choices; both raised concerns about aging school buildings and student safety.
Debbie Winnick of the League of Women Voters moderated a town candidates forum in Dennis featuring incumbents and challengers for a school committee seat.
Marilyn Bemis, a current committee member and former educator, told voters an override of Proposition 2½ “has to happen,” arguing inflation, transportation and special-education costs mean the statutory 2.5 percent limit will force cuts to staff and programs. She said neighboring districts faced cuts of about $2,000,000 and warned that, because about 70 percent of the budget is personnel, staff reductions would disproportionately affect classroom programs.
Bert Fisher, a longtime educator and Air Force veteran, said he generally does not support the override. Fisher questioned recent uses of reserve funds and curriculum spending, citing the district’s excess-and-deficiency account history and saying he was concerned that arts, music and hands-on programs would be cut while administrators were largely protected. “Dennis deserves a school committee that tells the truth, asks hard questions, and refuses to settle for good enough,” Fisher said in his closing.
Both candidates identified aging school buildings as a top concern. Bemis pointed to deferred maintenance and a pending feasibility study for an elementary site and said Ezra Baker will approach 100 years old; Fisher praised the new Wixson/Station Avenue facility and said he would prioritize rebuilding tired elementary schools if funds allowed.
On school safety, Bemis described an established crisis-response plan, school resource officers at the middle and high schools, and coordinated communication with police and fire; Fisher emphasized teachers’ role in student protection and said the district’s locked-door practices gave him confidence. On artificial intelligence, both said the policy subcommittee should consider guidance; Bemis said the committee is waiting for state and MASC guidance before acting, while Fisher said AI deserves more attention from the district.
Both candidates criticized school-choice losses: Fisher said each student leaving the district creates a significant funding gap. Bemis highlighted the district’s “Dolphin Way,” long school days that allow interventions, and ongoing work to implement a strategic plan aimed at lifting student achievement in English and math.
The forum closed with two-minute statements from each candidate and no formal action by the committee. Voters will decide whether to support the override in the upcoming election.
