ORR School Committee — March 26, 2026

The Old Rochester Regional School Committee met on March 26, 2026, in a hybrid format chaired by Michelle Gillette-Smith. The meeting commenced with a recognition of junior high student Andrew Cody for his leadership in establishing and organizing the Feinstein food pantry at the junior high school. Following the recognition, the committee conducted a public hearing on school choice enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, during which Superintendent Mike Nelson presented enrollment figures and recommended maintaining a district cap of 125 students across grades 7 through 12, which was subsequently approved. Following an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and statutory requirements, the committee approved several meeting minutes and authorized a formal partnership agreement with Acushnet Public Schools to allow Acushnet students to attend Old Rochester Regional High School on a tuition basis starting in the 2026–2027 school year.

The committee also approved several student-led and academic initiatives. High school students representing the Environmental Club presented a proposal to launch a cafeteria composting program, which was unanimously accepted. The committee reviewed and approved multiple travel requests, including an out-of-state educational trip to Florida for the Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education program and an overnight trip to the Massachusetts Junior Classical League state convention in Barnstable for Latin students. High school principal Mike Devall presented Program of Studies adjustments, including permitting sophomores to fulfill their U.S. history requirements through AP U.S. History and introducing an AP Cybersecurity course, both of which were approved alongside an international exchange student placement through Cultural Homestay International.

Financial and administrative actions included the execution of a multi-year lease agreement with Old Rochester Community Television (ORCTV) starting at $1,600 per month, the annual School Health Unit medication delegation application, and an appropriation vote regarding the FY 2026 excess and deficiency calculation. The committee accepted multiple grants and donations, including awards from the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Cape Cod Five Foundation mini-grants supporting various faculty projects. Reports were delivered by administration covering the MTSS audit action planning, winter storm facility operations, district wellness updates, and legislative advocacy efforts regarding bleachers and Chapter 70 funding ahead of MASC Day on the Hill.

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