Rockland Town Meeting to Decide Supplemental School Budget and Daycare Relocation
Failure to reach quorum could result in loss of supplemental funds for school department
ROCKLAND, MA - November 12 - A town meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th at 7 p.m. will vote on critical issues affecting Rockland's school budget and the relocation of the Parks and Recreation Department and daycare facilities.
The meeting agenda includes two items of particular importance to the school department: the reallocation of funds within the budget and the approval of funding to relocate the Parks and Recreation Department and daycare to the Esten School.
School officials are urging residents to attend, emphasizing the potential consequences if a quorum is not reached.
"If there's not a quorum and there's not a vote, the school department will not receive that money ever," said Jane Hackett, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Finance, and Personnel.
The supplemental budget, recommended by the School Committee, Select Board, and Finance Committee, requires approval before the town submits its tax recap sheet to the Department of Revenue.
Failure to secure the vote would mean the funds would not be available for the current fiscal year.
The second item on the agenda concerns the relocation of the Parks and Recreation Department and daycare facilities to the Esten School. This move involves the construction of a module at the school site.
School officials have already funded the establishment of boundary lines for the project out of the operating budget. However, further progress depends on the November 20th vote.
"For any further work to be done for that project, we need to have that vote on [November] 20th," Hackett explained.
A delay in approval would postpone any action on the relocation by six months, potentially impacting the timeline for the project's completion.
School committee members emphasized the importance of community participation, particularly for those concerned about the future of the daycare program.
"Really, really important that everybody who cares so much about the daycare, and there are many people in this town that do it, that they show up and show their support for the daycare by being there for that vote," member Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small stated.
To encourage attendance, the town is offering free babysitting services and has assured ample parking will be available.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th. Officials are stressing the civic importance of attending and participating in the democratic process.
In other school news, administrators shared highlights from the first term of the academic year.
The Early Childhood Center reported 249 students enrolled in preschool and kindergarten programs. The center has also partnered with the South Shore Conservatory to enhance literacy-connected art programs.
Phelps Elementary School introduced a new "house program" to build community across grade levels. The school also held successful events, including a grade four volleyball night and a Trunk or Treat that attracted over 400 families.
Rogers Middle School celebrated two band students invited to the Bridgewater State University Honors Band Festival and held a spirited Great Pumpkin Race.
Rockland High School reported a significant increase in AP exam passing rates, from 46% to 70%. The school also hosted a successful homecoming weekend and Grade 8 open house.
School officials noted that recent changes to MCAS requirements will not significantly alter the district's approach to testing and curriculum.
"We are still going to very strongly encourage students who need to take a retake to do so because they are eligible for scholarships to state schools with their scores," Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron explained.