PEMBROKE - September 16 - The Pembroke School Committee is advancing a comprehensive three-part plan to join South Shore Vocational Technical High School, with the first crucial vote scheduled for fall town meeting on October 21st at Pembroke High School. The initiative would provide vocational education access to up to 84 Pembroke students over four years, addressing a gap that has left local students largely shut out of regional vocational programs since 2020.
The Full Story
Superintendent Erin Obey presented detailed enrollment data showing Pembroke's historical struggle to secure vocational seats for its students. Before 2020, when Chapter 74 enrollment policies changed, Pembroke regularly sent 15-20 students annually to vocational schools. Since the policy shift prioritizing member town students, Pembroke's access has been virtually eliminated, with most students now attending only Norfolk Agricultural School.
The comprehensive data revealed that over 20% of Pembroke's eighth-grade class annually applies for vocational opportunities, representing significant unmet demand. "We hover usually around two and a half percent of our students that are able to go," Obey explained. "You can see obviously in the past couple of years that has fallen off drastically because the only seats really available to us are those that we're getting at Norfolk Aggie."
If approved, Pembroke would become the tenth member community of South Shore Tech, with projected enrollment ranging from 20-23 seats per grade level. The proposal includes several phases: first, a fall 2025 vote to enter the regional agreement; second, spring 2026 votes on both a debt exclusion override for the building project and an operational override for tuition costs; and if successful, first students would begin attending in fall 2027.
The financial structure involves three components: a 30-year debt exclusion for Pembroke's share of the new South Shore Tech building project (approximately $160-168 annually for the average $601,000 home), an operational override for tuition and transportation costs (ranging from $1.5-2 million when at full enrollment, or about $282 for the average home), and buy-in costs for stabilization funds. The total estimated impact would be approximately $450 annually for the average taxpayer over 30 years.
Community members raised substantive questions about the proposal's impact on Pembroke's five existing schools. One resident expressed concern about potential funding diversions, asking "if we're segregating taxes to go to that how is that taking away from the five schools?" Obey clarified that the School Committee's position is clear: "this can't be at the expense of the funding needs... it has to be funding in addition to what our schools currently have."
The presentation highlighted that Pembroke currently lacks any Chapter 74 vocational programs, unlike comprehensive high schools of previous generations that offered wood shop, metal shop, and similar hands-on courses. When asked about bringing vocational programs directly to Pembroke High School, Obey explained the extensive requirements and costs involved, noting that renovating the existing basement woodshop alone would cost approximately $20 million to bring up to current standards.
Multiple speakers emphasized the broader economic and community development implications. One resident noted that Pembroke is "like the only district that doesn't have access to VoTech" and argued this impacts the town's growth potential and tax base. Another highlighted the retiring trades workforce and growing demand for skilled technicians.
The regional planning committee has been working extensively with South Shore Tech to draft the regional agreement language, with legal review by town counsel already completed. The proposal requires approval from both Pembroke voters and a majority of current South Shore Tech member towns, followed by state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approval.
During the subsequent School Committee meeting, members addressed several operational matters. The committee approved an MIAA waiver allowing 8th graders to play JV girls soccer due to low enrollment numbers - only 29 high school girls signed up for soccer this year compared to previous years with stronger participation. This reflects broader athletic participation trends, with volleyball gaining popularity while other sports see declining interest.
Committee members discussed ongoing contract negotiations with the Pembroke Teachers Association, now in their 13th bargaining session since January. While progress is being made, particularly on the custodial contract, significant outstanding issues remain across all four union contracts. The committee emphasized the importance of settling contracts before potential override discussions.
The budget subcommittee continues exploring operational override priorities for Pembroke's five schools, including class size reduction, additional classroom supports, and potential fee rollbacks. These discussions run parallel to vocational planning, reflecting the committee's commitment to supporting all educational pathways.
Why It Matters
For Pembroke families, this proposal represents the first realistic opportunity in years for students interested in trades and technical careers to access comprehensive vocational education without lengthy commutes or limited options. The 84-student capacity would accommodate the historical demand that has been largely unmet since 2020, while community partnership projects could provide additional value to taxpayers through student work on municipal facilities and Council on Aging programs.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept $11,000 gift from North Pembroke Elementary PTO for water filtration systems. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:29:01)
Motion: Approve surplus materials at Hobomock Elementary including assessment materials and old printer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:29:55)
Motion: Approve MIAA waiver for 8th graders to play JV girls soccer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:40:43)
Motion: Approve August 19th meeting minutes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:27:48)
Public Comment
During the vocational forum, residents asked detailed questions about funding impacts, potential alternatives at Pembroke High School, safety concerns for 8th graders in high school athletics, and the broader economic implications for the community. Multiple speakers expressed support for vocational education while seeking clarity on financial details and implementation timeline.
The School Committee opened their meeting with a solemn statement condemning the recent surge in political violence affecting communities nationwide, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining safe learning environments free from all forms of violence. The statement called on the entire community to "reject violence and embrace compassion," stressing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect as a model for students.
What's Next
The vocational regional agreement language must be finalized by October 1st for inclusion in the town meeting warrant. A Workforce Development Forum is scheduled for September 25th at 6-8 PM at Pembroke Public Library featuring additional presentations. The School Committee's next meeting is October 7th, with a pre-town meeting session on October 21st at 6:30 PM before the 7 PM town meeting vote.