Acushnet: School Committee Oct. 15, 2026

The Acushnet School Committee convened on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to discuss district updates, audit findings, academic performance, and capital projects. Consultants Bill Laplante and Karen Schmekler from Reavis Associates presented the findings of their Special Education Department audit. The report highlighted strong leadership stability and instructional engagement but raised concerns regarding a 25% growth in special education identification between 2022 and 2026 and rising out-of-district placement costs exceeding $3.5 million. Recommendations included appointing a special education coordinator to take over chairing IEP meetings and establishing a behavioral health task force.

Assistant Superintendent Andrew Jerry delivered a comprehensive overview of the spring 2026 MCAS results. Acushnet Elementary School (AES) saw slight improvements, moving from the 87th to 88th percentile, whereas Ford Middle School (FMS) dropped sharply from the 50th to 39th percentile, partly tied to significant staffing turnover and increased chronic absenteeism. District leaders linked performance challenges directly to 27 net staff positions cut across the district over the last three years, which disproportionately affected the middle school (18 positions). Superintendent Dr. Bailey emphasized the urgent need for sustainable funding and mentioned upcoming discussions with state representatives regarding high school transportation reimbursements.

In routine and action business, the committee approved the consent agenda, voted to accept the donation of a Yamaha trombone, and approved two policy updates: Policy JEBB concerning high school tuition students attending Old Rochester Regional and Fairhaven High School, and Policy ACL governing interactions with federal law enforcement under the Protect Act. Additional presentations covered facility upgrades and air quality improvements at AES, a cybersecurity and phishing incident update from IT Director Patrick Mistler, and a business operations update from Ryan McGee detailing a $1.36 million solar and battery backup grant.

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