06/10/2026
We are excited to see kept promises of better communication and transparency from our new school board committee member, Dustin Gee!
Don’t miss out on this update from the first School Committee meeting post the override! It has some really exciting updates!!!
Last night, I took my seat for the first time as a member of the Bellingham School Committee. One commitment I made throughout my campaign was to help keep residents informed and engaged, and I intend to follow through on that commitment by sharing updates and reflections from our meetings going forward.
For those interested in watching the full meeting, recordings of School Committee meetings can always be accessed here: https://www.bellinghamma.org/540/Links-to-Public-Meeting-Video-Conferenci
Here are a few updates and reflections from last night's meeting:
**Override Passed & Next Steps**
With the successful passage of the override, district leadership has begun the process of recalling positions that would have otherwise been impacted by layoffs and restoring programs that are important to students and families.
While Superintendent Marano will be providing a more detailed communication in the coming weeks, several important updates were shared:
• All high school athletics will return.
• Middle school extracurricular activities and late buses will be restored.
• The district is planning for the return of key BMS sports, including cross country, track & field, volleyball, field hockey, wrestling, and football.
• World Language programming at BMS will continue.
• Current levels of special education and English Learner services will be maintained.
• The district is reviewing operational budgets to restore resources and supports that had previously been identified for reduction.
In addition, the district is working to strengthen student support services and school leadership by reallocating some positions that are no longer being filled. This includes plans for a Health Teacher at BMS, a Dean of Students at BHS to support attendance, disciplinary action, and student services, and the continuation of Assistant Principal positions at both DiPietro and Stall Brook.
**Honoring Our Retirees**
One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing 11 retirees from the BTA and AFSCME. These dedicated professionals represent careers ranging from 9 to 53 years of service to Bellingham Public Schools.
Many have helped educate multiple generations of Bellingham students and have left a lasting impact on our schools and community. We wish you all the best in a healthy and well-deserved retirement.
**School Committee Reorganization**
The Committee completed its annual reorganization, and I would like to congratulate Mike Reed on receiving unanimous support to serve as Chair, Erik Ormberg as Vice Chair, and Courtney Cartier as Treasurer.
I am grateful for the warm welcome I received and look forward to learning from each of them, as well as fellow Committee member Jen Altomonte, in the years ahead.
One point that resonated with me was Chair Reed's acknowledgment that our community has been through a great deal over the past six months. There are lessons to learn, relationships to strengthen, and important work ahead. I was encouraged by the Committee's commitment to working collaboratively and strengthening coordination with both the Select Board and Finance Committee, particularly around budget planning and long-term financial sustainability.
**Vision of a Graduate**
The Committee also received an update from BHS Principal Lafayette on Bellingham's Vision of a Graduate initiative.
This work seeks to define the skills and competencies every Bellingham student should develop throughout their educational journey. The framework centers on three key pillars:
• Communication & Collaboration
• Creativity & Critical Thinking
• Citizenship
It was impressive to see the amount of thought, planning, and community input that has gone into this effort. The Committee looks forward to following its progress as the district moves toward implementation over the next school year.
**Looking Ahead**
The Committee approved the FY26-27 School Committee meeting calendar, with our next meeting scheduled for July 14. Prior to that meeting, the school committee will hold a working session to finalize liaison assignments and other organizational responsibilities.
We also heard important public comment regarding transportation and before- and after-school childcare. I appreciate the residents who took the time to share their experiences and concerns. These issues affect many families in our community, and I know the Committee is committed to understanding the challenges and working toward solutions.
As I begin my service on the School Committee, I remain committed to accessibility and keeping residents informed. I hope this updates is helpful.
