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Bourne schools report enrollment dip, $1M+ in grants and DEIB professional development
Summary
Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou told the School Committee the district saw a small enrollment dip with a slight projected rise; administrators reported more than $1 million in grants, a full-day DEIB professional development and positive DESE feedback on the EL program.
Superintendent Dr. Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou told the Bourne School Committee on Dec. 4 that NESDEC enrollment data shows a recent dip but projects a slight increase in coming years. She presented Strategic Planning slides and explained how the projections are calculated using DESE-supplied reports.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Barbara Starkie reported on a full-day Nov. 5 professional-development session focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). The program included a keynote by Dr. Kalise Wornum, multiple workshops led by district staff and outside partners, and a Wellesley College SEED team session; feedback from staff was described as very positive.
Dr. Starkie also said a DESE Tiered-Focus Monitoring review of the district's English learner program praised relationship-building and noted the influence of newcomers on the program; a final DESE report was not yet available.
Director of Business Services Jordan Geist told the committee that grants received to date total just over $1 million and thanked staff who supported the grant work. Director of Technology Chris Oliver said the district has started an application for approximately $45,000 in E-Rate funds to update Wi-Fi at BIS, cover support contracts for network equipment and add a Fios internet connection. Oliver also said the district is updating its AI policy to support staff as technology evolves.
Kristin Donahue, director of special education and student services, reported continued progress migrating to a new IEP platform and said the new format has led to more concise meetings and positive parent and student feedback. Student spotlight segments included a presentation by Bournedale Elementary students about certified therapy dog Shamrock and video highlights shared by the superintendent.
The committee’s subcommittees also gave routine updates: curriculum (AI symposium recap, IEP progress), policy (upcoming meeting), SEPAC events and the Cape Cod Collaborative’s new executive director start date were reported.
