Eastham School Committee Re-elects Higgins as Chair, Projects $77,000 Deficit

EASTHAM -- June 9, 2026, Eastham School Committee re-elects Sara R. Higgins as chair and projects a $77,000 year-end deficit coverable by state aid. At its June 9 annual reorganization meeting, the committee voted unanimously to retain Higgins and elected Debra Raymond vice chair 4-0, replacing outgoing Vice Chair Devon O'Rourke, who told the committee he will not seek re-election in spring 2027. New Finance Director Beth Rego, in her seventh day on the job, presented a year-end expenditure report through May 31 showing a shortfall of roughly $77,000, well below the $132,000 peak estimate, with a plan to close the gap using circuit breaker and rural aid funds pending final agreement among the school, town, and central office. The committee also voted 4-0 to adopt policy sections I, J, K, and L on second reading, received first readings of revised attendance and visitor policies, honored retiring Eastham Elementary Principal Bill Crosby after 11 years and 110 school committee meetings, and reviewed a state Integrated Monitoring Review audit finding partial implementation in one special education area and five civil rights areas, with a corrective action plan due June 25.