The Mattapoisett School Committee met November 21 at Old Hammondtown School. The meeting began by recognizing long-time paraprofessional Cyndy Atwood and her work with the education of many students but also the focus on students’ social and emotional needs. The committee thanked her and wished her a happy retirement as she is to retire soon. The committee then held a unanimous vote to approve the minutes from their last meeting, October 17. They then approved the October 17 budget subcommittee meeting with 3 approving and 3 abstentions.

            Next was approving and accepting donations. Two donations from the Mattapoisett PTA, one $325 donation from for an in-school assembly with New Bedford Ballet and a $1,019.86 donation for a grade-three field trip to Plymouth Museums. Both were accepted unanimously.

            The committee then heard a presentation on MCAS scores. For the state as a whole, ELA remained the same with a decrease in scores in math. Scores in science improved statewide in grades 5 and 10 but not in grade 8. For Mattapoisett schools, ELA scores were 21% higher, math scores 23% higher, and science scores 20% higher than the state average. It was noted that these tests are very difficult, but the data collected from them is paramount to improving curriculum but statewide and in-district.

            Superintendent Nelson then spoke of the work going into crafting the 2025-2026 school calendar across the Tri-town. The committee had no comments on the calendar but said as time goes on this calendar year, they will be more capable of making comments.

            The committee also went over school budgets and stated everything as of now is in order and within the approved budget.

            The number of school meals served has steadily increased and it was stressed that the program to offer free meals, breakfast and lunch, to students should be utilized by all parents.

            Committee member Carly Lavin took the time to point out that the school year is nearly one-third of the way done and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, how thankful she is to staff and teachers for “putting together such a great learning environment for our children.”

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee will be February 6 with the Joint Committee meeting January 23.

Mattapoisett School Committee

By Sam Bishop

Marion’s Conservation Commission decided that two projects before it on November 20 were not subject to wetlands protection bylaws.

            The commission issued negative determinations of wetlands regulation applicability for plans to repair a wood frame deck, stairs, and egress at 195B Converse Road and to remove eight trees close to the home at 12 Bell Guzzle Lane.

            With both projects, Commission Chair Matt Shultz said the board had visited the sites over the weekend and had no questions or comments. Conservation Agent Doug Guez-Lee’s only comment regarded the Converse Road project because the petitioner Gretchem Hardina had started the work before filing the application. “The application was after the fact,” he said. “But other that, I have no comments.”

            Regarding the 12 Bell Guzzle Lane project, Shultz agreed the trees needed to be removed because they were hazardously close to the house there. The board, however, added one significant condition to its negative determination order, that the stumps left behind be flushed out or ground down.

            The board also approved Orders of Conditions for two proposed house construction projects, at 17 Kabeyun Road and a yet-to-be numbered address on Wilson Road.

            The representative for Kabeyun Road, applicant Susan Billings, noted the plan here is to demolish a small cottage and garage and replace it with a two-story cottage with parking beneath and a gravel rather than a paved driveway. The new construction will encompass roughly the same footprint and be protected within the wetlands buffer zone by a concrete washout area and erosion controls that will take runoff off-site.

            The project, however, will also require Zoning Board of Appeals approval to continue to be a “non-conforming lot”. The board’s lone significant item in the Order of Conditions it approved for this project was that there a concrete area at the driveway. The board’s lone significant condition in approving the Wilson Road project is to add a siltation fence and hay bales.

            In other action, the commission approved an amended Order of Conditions for the construction of a concrete walkway at 17 Seaside Lane. The project’s consultant explained the commission approved the walkway approximately 18 months ago and work on it was completed about a year ago. Then came two December storms in a row, causing washout behind the new wall, leading to the need to restore the wall.

            The commission continued until its next meeting the Town of Marion Department of Public Works’ plan on Pumping Station Road to replace an existing diesel-fueled generator with a new propane-fueled generator. The continuance was requested because the project also requires approval by the Natural Heritage Foundation.

            The next Marion Conservation Commission meeting will be December 4 at 7:00 pm, in the Marion Police Department Conference Room, 550 Mill Street.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco