ROCKLAND — December 8, 2025 — Facing aging infrastructure and urgent maintenance needs, the Rockland School Committee unanimously approved a $1.175 million capital request for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan, which includes high-priority security upgrades and HVAC replacements, took center stage during a meeting that also featured a comprehensive, if mixed, review of district-wide MCAS performance.
The Full Story
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron and district administrators presented a $1,175,000 capital improvement plan, a figure significantly lower than last year’s request but focused on “urgent” needs. The request marks an $800,000 decrease from the previous year’s proposal.
The capital plan targets five key categories: building security, network security, building needs, instructional materials, and maintenance equipment. Among the most critical items are rooftop HVAC units for the middle and high schools, which cost approximately $200,000 each to replace.
“Things are popping at the middle school and the high school,” Dr. Cron told the committee, referring to the increasing frequency of mechanical failures in the district’s newer buildings, which opened in 2011. “It is time for us really to do a building assessment needs assessment... to keep this building within the intent that we need.”
The request also includes a new plow truck and sander for the maintenance department, a need described as critical to avoid snow removal issues like those experienced last winter at Phelps Elementary. Additionally, the plan allocates funds for auditorium repairs, citing multiple equipment failures that have impacted school presentations.
“Snapshot” of Student Achievement Prior to the capital vote, administrators delivered a detailed breakdown of the 2024-2025 MCAS results. The data revealed a district in transition, with strong performances in science and English Language Arts (ELA) balanced against post-pandemic struggles in mathematics and attendance.
Linda Maniglia, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, highlighted that Rockland’s students with disabilities are showing “good growth,” particularly in grades 4 and 7, often outperforming similar districts. However, 10th-grade students with disabilities faced challenges, with none meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA.
Dr. Jennifer Curtis-Whipple noted that Multilingual Learners (ML) were a major bright spot. In grade 10, these students achieved a 100% proficiency rate in science and maintained high participation rates. “They are persisting long term... they are having high levels of achievement,” Curtis-Whipple said.
Math scores remain the district’s “most urgent area for improvement,” particularly at the high school level, where administrators noted a decline in both achievement and student growth. High School Principal Cheryl Schipper attributed some of the struggle to the loss of a dedicated math intervention class that had been funded by temporary grants.
“Teachers are the conductors of the orchestra of their classroom... asking our teachers to get stronger and stronger... it’s confusing for the teacher so each year we’re asking our teachers to get stronger and stronger.” — Dr. Alan Cron, Superintendent
New Graduation Policy The committee also approved a new “Competency Determination” policy mandated by the state. Assistant Superintendent Jane Hackett explained the policy formalizes the requirement that students must participate in MCAS and pass relevant coursework to graduate. This comes as the district prepares to implement a “Vision of the Graduate” portfolio requirement starting with the Class of 2027, which will assess skills like critical thinking and communication alongside traditional grades.
Why It Matters
For taxpayers, the $1.2 million capital request signals that the “new” high school and middle school complex is entering a phase of mid-life maintenance. The request for HVAC units and auditorium repairs suggests that while the buildings remain modern, investment is now required to prevent degradation.
For parents, the MCAS presentation underscores a shift in district strategy in line with the Question 2 mandate from voters—moving away from “teaching to the test” toward a focus on individual student growth and attendance. The administration’s emphasis on “tier one” classroom interventions means students can expect more targeted support within their regular classes rather than being pulled out for separate instruction.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 24th meeting.
Outcome: Passed (3-0-2, two members abstained)
Motion: To approve monthly reports (Administrator, Guidance, Nurse, Pupil Personnel).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Motion: To approve the Rockland High School Competency Determination Policy 2025.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Motion: To approve three fundraisers (Multicultural Club, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Motion: To approve the Capital Request for FY27 ($1,175,000).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Public Comment
No members of the public spoke during the designated audience segment.
Committee member Emily Davidson promoted an ongoing coat drive at Phelps Elementary (ending Dec 12) and the Rockland Library.
What’s Next
Capital Plan Review: The approved $1.175 million request will now move to the Town Administrator and Select Board for review as part of the wider town budget process.
Vision of the Graduate: The committee expects a future presentation on the specific portfolio requirements for the Class of 2027.