With the new school year just around the corner, the Cohasset School Committee met on August 20 to finalize technology policies and review a new district-wide security initiative being offered at no cost to the town. Superintendent Sarah Shannon announced a partnership with Christian Cunning, a Cohasset High School graduate and current head of emergency management at Suffolk, to conduct a comprehensive security assessment. The project, a collaboration with Cohasset Police Chief William Quigley and Emergency Management Director Glenn Pratt, will focus on refining crisis management and communication protocols for administrators. "The hope is that we absolutely never have to use what they have created for us," said Superintendent Shannon. "And yet I feel better... knowing that if something happened we are going to be more prepared."

As part of preparations for the new academic year, the Director of Teaching and Learning reported that 11 new staff members will begin a three-day induction program this week, each paired with a mentor. The director noted that investing in new teacher support is critical, stating that "research shows that the better we do at our induction with our teachers, the better our retention." Administrators also recently completed five hours of training on legal updates concerning special education, IEPs, and Title IX to ensure district processes remain current. Finance Committee liaison Corey Evans also gave a brief update, noting his subcommittee is energized for the year ahead. "We put a bunch of great things on the map to get to work," Evans said.

The committee took action on its technology guidelines, unanimously approving a revised Acceptable Use Policy. The updated policy includes more precise legal language, reviewed by the district’s counsel, clarifying that all information on the district's network and devices is school property and subject to monitoring. Member Corey Evans supported the revision, stating, "I like this language much better. I like that it's much more precise." Vice Chair Craig MacLellan suggested a final wording tweak, proposing a phrase be changed to "in accordance with" the district's handbooks, a change which was accepted. The committee also reviewed a related student technology agreement, where MacLellan recommended adding "or offensive" to the list of prohibited communications. He suggested the line should read, "I will not send and or distribute hateful, discriminatory, harassing, or offensive digital communication."

The board also held a first reading of a new service dog policy, which is based on a model from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The policy will establish clear procedures for students or staff who require a service animal on school grounds. "I am glad we are considering adding this to our cadre of policies," commented Chair Jennifer Lesky. The policy will return for a final vote at a future meeting. Following this discussion, a motion was made by a committee member to approve the Acceptable Use Policy. The motion was seconded by another committee member. The motion passed 4-0. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was made by Craig MacLellan and seconded by a committee member. The motion passed 4-0.