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February 6 Superintendent's Newsletter

Posted Date: 02/06/26 (05:14 PM)
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The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional Schools logo features a dolphin leaping over the letters 'DY'.

Superintendent's Message

Marc J. Smith, Ed.D.

Budget Hearing

Hello Dolphin Community,

On this coming Monday, February 9th, the School Committee will hold their budget hearing for the 2026-2027 school year budget. The budget hearing is an opportunity for the public to interact with the School Committee and ask question regarding the Committee and/or staff (superintendent, Director of Finance). The meeting will begin at 6:30 in the DYIMS cafeteria and will begin with a presentation of the current state of the budget, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

Unfortunately, we have gotten some difficult news since our my last newsletter that has negatively impacted next year's budget. Part of our budget is supplemented by State Aid (monies that come directly from the state and not from the two towns). Over the pasts several years, we have benefited from increased State Aid; however, this year, the net amount of State Aid dropped. This, combined with other factors that have put pressure on our budget have resulted in a budget in crease of just over 7.4%. The State Aid challenge is made worse when it comes to the assessments (essentially the "bill" from the district to the towns for operating the schools) to the two towns. State Aid helps to lessen the need to assess the towns and when Aid drops, more needs to come from the towns; therefore while the budget increase is 7.4%, the assessment increase is 9.4%.

As a result, on Monday the Committee will be reviewing a series of potential cuts to help reduce the budget increase and the corresponding assessment. The following recommendations were approved by the Finance SubCommittee on Wednesday this week to be reviewed by the full School Committee on Monday:
  • Reduction of 1 Central Office Administrator
  • Remove addition of Grade 4 teacher from next year's budget
  • Move facilities projects in budget to E & D expenditure
  • Not replace 2 retirements (DYH & DYI)
  • Reduce one classroom section at EHBi
  • Reduce 10 paraeducators district-wide
  • Reduce 1 assistant principal
In developing a strategy for reducing the budget, the Finance SubCommittee looked for recommendations that has the greatest impact on reducing the "bottom line" while having the smallest impact on D-Y's instructional program.

If you would like to see a copy of the presentation that will be shown on Monday that has more detail on this, it is posted on our website here.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Marc J. Smith, Ed. D.
 

Some Additional Stuff:

 

Focused on Strong Attendance

Dear Families,

Being at school every day helps students stay connected, confident and on track in their learning.
We understand snow, rain, and seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, fevers and earaches can sometimes make it harder to get to school.
While some absences are unavoidable, every missed day interrupts the routine of learning and makes it harder for students to feel engaged and connected.
Here are some ways to keep your child healthy and in school this winter:

  1. Develop back up plans for getting your student to school. If you can’t take them to school, see who else can give them a ride, or form a “walking school bus” to walk to school or the school bus stop with other families. 
  2. If your student gets sick or you are not sure whether to keep them home or send them to school, talk to your child’s medical provider or the school nurse for advice.
  3. Look for signs of stress or anxiety. If you feel that anxiety or stress is playing a role, talk to your student’s teacher, the school nurse or counselor, or your medical provider about how best to support your child.
  4. Promote healthy habits. Encourage hand washing, good sleep, healthy meals, daily exercise and plenty of fluids.
  5. Prevent the spread of germs. Remind children not to share cups or utensils with others.
  6. Dress your student for the cold weather. If you need help with coats, hats, or gloves, please call your child's school and ask to speak with a counselor or social worker.
  7. Stay connected if your student must be home. If illness keeps your child out for more than a day or two, contact your child’s teacher for learning materials so they don’t fall behind.

We know winter can be tough, but showing up matters.

Thank you for partnering with us!
 
EMP

Emergency Planning

For any families with an uncertain immigration status and that may be concerned about the care and custody of their children in the event of a sudden detention or deportation by immigration officials, please see this resource created by the Office of the Attorney General that provides guides and legal options. The guides are provided in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
 

Contact information

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