Leadership for the upcoming academic year took shape at the North Pembroke Elementary School Library on Tuesday, as the Pembroke School Committee conducted its annual reorganization. While the selection of a new chairperson proceeded with a unified front, the vote for vice chair revealed a rare division among the board members, signaling a shift in the committee's internal dynamics as they prepare for a complex 2026-2027 school year.

Superintendent Erin Obey opened the proceedings, describing the reorganization as my favorite night. The committee moved quickly to elevate Allison Glennon to the position of Chair. Motion Made by S. Bollinger to nominate Allison Glennon as chair of the Pembroke School Committee for the 26-27 school year. Motion Passed (5-0). Upon taking the gavel from outgoing Chair David Boyle, Glennon presided over a more contentious selection process for the vice-chairmanship. Member David Boyle nominated Susan Bollinger for the role, but the final tally saw members Katrina Delaney and Katrina Scarsciotti casting dissenting votes. Motion Made by D. Boyle to nominate Susan Bollinger as vice chair. Motion Passed (3-2).

The leadership slate was rounded out with the election of David Boyle as Clerk. The position was initially offered to Katrina Scarsciotti, who had served in the role previously, but she declined the nomination with a brief No. Glennon then stepped in to nominate Boyle. Motion Made by A. Glennon to nominate David Boyle to be clerk. Motion Passed (5-0). The reorganization comes at a critical juncture for the district, which recently saw the approval of a $41,280,729 budget for FY27 and is navigating the ongoing expansion of the South Shore Technical vocational district.

Subcommittee assignments remain a work in progress as members expressed their preferences for the coming year. Susan Bollinger indicated a desire to expand her focus, stating, I'll stay on policy. I could go to budget. Chair Glennon noted she would likely take on budget and education roles, while Katrina Delaney requested consistency, noting, I'm on education and I'd like to stay on education. Katrina Scarsciotti confirmed her current roles on education and long range planning, and David Boyle agreed to focus on long range and legislative subcommittees. The committee plans to finalize these assignments and hold a formal vote during their June 2nd session.

The committee also addressed preparations for the Class of 2026 graduation. Traditionally, the committee chair delivers remarks, but Glennon, who has a graduating senior this year, opted to pass the responsibility. I'm okay not speaking. My senior would be happy for me not to speak again, Glennon joked. Bollinger, who also has a senior in the graduating class, agreed to deliver the address. Superintendent Obey reminded the board that diplomas are ready for signing, noting that if anybody other than Allison is interested in signing a specific student, I just need you to do it tonight.

In athletic news, the committee gave the green light for an overnight trip for the boys hockey team. The team will travel to New Hampshire in early December for a tournament and team-building exercises. Obey noted the trip would be funded through boosters and fundraising rather than the general fund. Motion Made by D. Boyle to approve the overnight out-of-state athletic trip for the boys hockey team to New Hampshire on December 5-6, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

Policy updates took center stage during the latter half of the meeting, including a first reading of new regulations regarding student restraint and seclusion. Katrina Delaney explained that while the district does not currently use seclusion rooms, new state mandates require specific language in local policy. The new definition includes any time away from instruction, even in the hallway with a staff member, Delaney noted, adding that seclusion would only be used as a proactive last resort if a student became an imminent threat. Motion Made by D. Boyle to approve Policy JKAA (Timeout, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint) for a first reading. Motion Passed (5-0).

The committee also moved forward with updates to School Choice and Parent Advisory Council policies. Regarding school choice, the district is adding language to give siblings of enrolled students priority, even though Pembroke does not currently participate in the school choice program. Obey remarked that in the chance we move in that direction, this edit makes sense. Motion Made by D. Boyle to approve Policy JFBB (School Choice) for a first reading. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, a new policy was introduced to clarify that Parent Advisory Councils, such as SEPAC, are not subject to the Open Meeting Law. Motion Made by D. Boyle to approve Policy KBG (Parent Advisory Councils) for a first reading. Motion Passed (5-0).