Falmouth Public SchoolsA Community Committed to Excellence: Every Student. Every Day.

1. Why are we proposing so much change to create Free Universal pre-K?

Free universal Pre-K gives our students a jump start on their education. With free universal prek, we can serve students in a variety of ways while they are age 3, 4 and 5, thereby setting students up for success in elementary school. Additionally, we know from wait lists at FPS preschool, waitlists at other area preschools, local service providers and families who answer the question about preschool on Kindergarten intake form that there are many kids who don't have the opportunity to attend prek. Making it FREE for all of Falmouth families serves our community and our future students.

2. Is there enough room at East Falmouth for all the students and related services?

Yes. The proposed plans include several options. A graduated transition of two or more years combined with the continuing trend of lower enrollments will provide the needed space for all students in all learning settings. The first option, a complete transition in one year would be ‘tight,’ meaning some specials and related services may not fit in classrooms. If the first year plan is chosen, the option to add trailers to accommodate everyone in their own space is available.

3. Will art and music have their dedicated spaces? 

The two year or longer transition will allow all specials in their own spaces/classrooms. If the first year plan is chosen, the option to add trailers to accommodate everyone in their own space is available.

4. Will the class size go up by combining Teaticket with East Falmouth? 

No, class sizes will not be impacted by the merger. Historically, the range of students at both schools have been 16-19 students per classroom. Since we are not laying off teachers, the classroom sizes will continue to be in a similar range.

5. Do we need to renovate the Teaticket playground? 

A preschool playground would be added to Teaticket School.

6. Who will vote on how quickly students would transition from Teaticket to East Falmouth? 

The staff and families at Teaticket and East Falmouth Elementary Schools. 

7. Has redistricting been considered? 

Yes, and the decision was not to redistrict. All schools in the District are experiencing declining enrollment and similar challenges, so it would not solve the challenges we are facing. It would also increase time on buses for students and compound transportation costs.

8. How were the members of the Building Needs Task Force chosen? 

Two School Committee members are appointed each year. In addition a member of the Select Board, the town manager, 2 community members, 3 staff members (one from each of the following schools: East Falmouth, Teaticket, Morse Pond) and 3 Parent members (one from each of the following schools: East Falmouth, Teaticket, Morse Pond) were selected. Three Central Office members were also chosen to assist the task force but will not vote on the plans that are selected to share with the School Committee for their final decision. 

9. Are the proposed plans tied together or could the proposed plans be voted on separately?

The proposed plans are not tied together. The Building Needs Task Force will make a recommendation on each individual proposed plan:

1. Convert the Teaticket building into an Early Learning Center, serving students in Preschool (ages 3 and 4). 

2. Operate three elementary schools – East Falmouth (merged with Teaticket school community), Mullen-Hall, and North Falmouth – all starting with Kindergarten. 

3. Plan for taking the Morse Pond building out of service off-line as a school, to be repurposed by the Town for their needs. 

4. Reconfigure the grade structure for schools serving Grades 5 – 8. 

5. Draft a proposal for a major renovation of Lawrence School. 

1. What is the enrollment trend for each elementary school?