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Dartmouth School Committee sets June 23 as last school day, approves minutes and hears budget and program updates
Summary
The committee unanimously set Tuesday, June 23, 2026 as the final day of the 2025–26 school year, approved April 13 minutes and heard superintendent and capital-planning updates, including plans for capital projects and a proposed operational study; the meeting closed into executive session on grievances and bargaining strategy.
The Dartmouth School Committee unanimously approved Tuesday, June 23, 2026 as the last day of the 2025–26 school year, a date that accounts for seven cancelled school days during the year.
The action came after a motion by John Nunes, seconded by Chris Oliver, and passed 5-0 during the regular meeting on May 4 in the Dartmouth High School Library Media Center. The committee also approved the Regular Session minutes of April 13, 2026 and the Executive Session minutes of April 13, 2026 (with a stipulation that the executive minutes be held until the underlying matters are resolved); both motions passed unanimously, 5-0.
Superintendent Dr. June Saba-Maguire briefed the committee on a range of district programs and events. She said after-school programming at the system's three elementary schools runs Tuesdays and Thursdays with 16 different sessions and more than 200 students enrolled; staff are continuing CLKLA training and additional professional development strands; the district is preparing for a DMS Civics Showcase and noted the DHS Career Fair held April 15. Saba-Maguire also reported DPS will host the Special Olympics on May 15 and welcomed participation by 10 other communities.
James Kiely, discussing capital planning, said the Capital Improvement Planning Committee finalized recommendations for the upcoming Town Meeting drawn from the district's 10-year plan. Items include flooring replacement, technology hardware refreshes, bathroom renovations, HVAC upgrades and replacement of a school bus. Kiely said the school bus was included as an "earmark" by Senator Montigny in the senate budget process.
Kiely provided a human-resources update noting current position postings for 2026–27 and that Dartmouth Middle School Principal Peter Rossi has submitted his retirement notification.
During the meeting the committee recognized staff with Green Apple Award certificates presented by committee member Mary Beckwith. Recipients named in the minutes were Paul Leconte, Elizabeth Voci, Pam King and Lili Chamberlain; Dr. Saba-Maguire said a reception had been held before the meeting to present awards and share nomination comments.
Member Chris Oliver reported on his recent attendance at the Town Budget Advisory Group and relayed a recommendation from a Finance Committee representative that the district consider an independent operational study to examine school department operations. Oliver said he was initially opposed but now supports placing the proposal on the next school committee agenda; Chairperson Elizabeth Coughlin expressed concern about the study's cost, timing and whether results would be accepted by the broader Dartmouth community.
The committee adjourned the open session at 6:55 p.m. and voted unanimously, 5-0, on a motion by John Nunes, seconded by Kathleen Amaral, to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Laws c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct grievance hearings under the collective bargaining agreement with the Dartmouth Educators Association and §21(a)(3) to discuss bargaining strategy with AFSCME; the committee did not return to open session.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Dartmouth High School Library Media Center and via live stream at www.youtube.com/dhstvmedia.
