The Pembroke School Committee opted to delay a decision on whether to petition the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) regarding transgender participation in sports, following a lengthy and emotionally charged public session during Tuesday’s meeting. The debate, which touched on biological fairness and civil rights, emerged just as the committee began grappling with a fiscal year 2027 budget defined by a sharp rise in special education enrollment and requests for essential staffing restorations. Chair David Boyle opened the meeting by addressing recent tensions regarding public participation, specifically questioning the residency of speakers from previous sessions who had not provided local addresses. If they're not from Pembroke, I don't want to hear from people outside of Pembroke, Boyle stated, adding that residents who wish to speak publicly should have the guts then to say who you are and where you're from.

The residency concerns were underscored by resident Elena Flashman, who reported her own research into prior speakers, and Paige Graciano, who noted that many local residents fear the social repercussions of speaking on inflammatory issues. Unfortunately when you have an issue that's this inflammatory, people locally are afraid to speak out because they fear oppression, Graciano said, noting that while residents want students to be treated with dignity, they also prioritize fairness in athletics. This set the stage for testimony from resident Chrissy Nelson and Kora Pongrats, a junior at Pembroke High School and a member of the wrestling team. Nelson urged the committee to ask the MIAA for policy updates that protect biological female sports, citing recent changes in Olympic standards. It is not fear. It is fact, Nelson said. Once we look at all of the data, we can all know for a fact there is a biological advantage for boys competing in girls' sports. Pongrats shared her personal experience on the mat, describing a visible performance gap regardless of training. Even if you put two people together who have the same skills, the biological gap is still evident, Pongrats told the committee. This isn't really an issue of politics. It's about protecting women and it's about protecting everyone.

When the committee moved to deliberate on whether to send a formal letter to the MIAA, members found themselves deeply divided. Katrina Delaney argued that the district is bound by state law protecting gender identity and warned that the committee should not govern by opinion. We govern Pembroke, not the MIAA or other districts. We do not follow opinion; we follow the law, Delaney said. Sending a letter advocating for policy changes risks undermining trust. Student Representative Joe Hopen also voiced opposition to any move that would exclude trans athletes, citing the importance of community and mental health. I believe that this is about all women—trans women and biological women both, Hopen said. Conversely, Susan Bollinger suggested the MIAA should form a working group to address displacement in competition rankings, such as expanding qualifying spots to account for biological females. What you're doing now is not working, Bollinger said to the committee. Katrina Scarsciotti noted that she did not see a current problem within Pembroke schools that necessitated the letter, while Vice Chair Allison Glennon expressed concern over how policy changes might impact teams without separate male and female versions, such as volleyball. Rather than moving forward with a definitive rejection of the letter, the board chose to gather more information. Motion Made by S. Bollinger to table this until the next meeting. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The committee then shifted focus to the FY27 budget, where Assistant Superintendent Mary Beth Anyon and Director of Student Services Jessica deGreeff outlined a landscape of growing needs. Anyon celebrated a 72% AP exam participation rate among seniors but stressed the need for Digital Literacy Specialists at the elementary level to address safety and coding. I think there is a place and a need for our students to have formal instruction in all things computer, Anyon said. The curriculum budget also seeks to restore two full-time middle school positions in science and social studies to alleviate class sizes and adds math interventionists at each elementary school. Superintendent Erin Obey noted that while some curriculum materials might be funded via capital grants, the staffing needs remain a primary focus for the upcoming cycle.

The financial pressure is most evident in special education, where deGreeff reported that 21% of Pembroke students—519 in total—now have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). While general enrollment is trending downward, special education needs are rising, and the costs for out-of-district placements have spiked significantly. Residential programs can range anywhere from $650,000 a year to 300, deGreeff noted, adding that public day program costs have risen from $40,000 to over $64,000 in just two years. To address these shifts, the department is requesting additional special education teachers at the high school, middle school, and Hobomock Elementary, alongside new kindergarten paraprofessionals to assist with school readiness. Superintendent Obey noted that while the district technically requires 1.6 new positions, they are requesting a full 2.0 because hiring for a fractional position is very difficult.

Residents received some relief as the budget subcommittee recommended no increases to transportation, athletics, or co-curricular fees for the 2026-2027 school year. Transportation will remain at $300 per student. The committee also moved to ensure the district remains competitive in hiring by adjusting the administrative salary grid. Obey requested a 1% increase for administrators to maintain a proper gap between administrator pay and the recently negotiated 3.5% teacher raises. Motion Made by S. Bollinger to accept the salary grid as shown. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The board also finalized the next school year's schedule. Motion Made by S. Bollinger to accept the 2026-2027 calendar. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The committee will continue its budget deliberations in a joint session with the Select Board and Advisory Committee scheduled for April 28th.