The Old Rochester Regional School Committee met on February 27. The committee set out to cover FY26 budget changes, curriculum updates, and other concerns. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget discussions.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson began with general work and the committee approved foreign exchange students for next year as well as the application for a new high school nurse. The committee approved grants and donations with members debating the allocations of resources to the classroom or otherwise.
Principal Mike Devoll discussed curriculum and course changes. Changes to the MCAS were discussed, with the potential to “opt-out” questioned. There is no way for a student to opt out, though they can be marked absent and not forced to re-take. Though if students do not take the test, they lose out on potential scholarships. Student support systems and mental health initiatives were also discussed, including the continued support of unified sports teams and unified physical education. This allows students to support each other both throughout the school day and after school.
Curriculumadjustments aimed at enhancing student performance were brought up, including new science courses for 10th graders. Interest in many different areas has been expressed by students, including field biology and natural history. More changes to journalism classes and AP were touched on. The addition of a new civics and financial literacy course, set to better prepare students to be leaders in their community and government is set to be added. Student, teacher, and community feedback were said to have played a crucial role in shaping these changes.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the board’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. The next school committee meeting is scheduled for March 27 in the Media Room of ORR Junior High.
ORR School Committee
By Sam Bishop