Municipal Spotlight - Superintendent Marano Is Upbeat About The 2025-26 School Year

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Staff Writer

Bellingham’s schools are scheduled to open on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and Peter Marano, who’ll begin his 10th year as the town’s Superintendent of Schools, is optimistic about the year ahead.

“Even with a reduction in staff, I’m confident about the upcoming performance of our students for the 2025-26 school year,’’ Marano said. “Our administrative team and staff are laser-focused on what we need to accomplish.’’

The 52-year-old Marano spent considerable time in several key roles before taking the school district’s reins. He began as a guidance counsellor, was Middle School principal, then became Director of Guidance. Later, he was chosen High School principal before becoming Superintendent. Marano, who’s in his 25th year as an educator, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Assumption College and has a PhD in educational administration.

As the new school year approaches, Marano provided The Bulletin with his thoughts about a variety of topics.

*THE 2025-26 BUDGET — The budget for the new school year presented problems. “We faced significant financial challenges that required us to make difficult decisions to present a balanced budget,’’ Marano said. “Unfortunately, this included the reduction of 11 teaching positions. These decisions were not made lightly and were the result of extensive analysis and discussion within the administrative team and School Committee.’’ Marano said that administrative roles were restructured and streamlined “to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness while not adding additional money to the budget. This restructuring resulted in a reduction and consolidation of administrative positions. The school department initially requested a $3.8 million budget increase but was advised to trim that figure to $1.6 million. 

• ENROLLMENT — Last April, the enrollment for the five schools was 2,064, which was an increase of only 17 from 2024. Despite a plethora of new homes being built in Bellingham, Marano, who’s married and has two children, said: “We’re stable with our enrollment, which is hovering around 2,000.’’ The Superintendent also noted that a study last fall revealed that enrollment “will remain steady for the next five years.’’ 

• CURRICULUM — “Our curriculum is in good shape,’’ Marano said. “We have high quality instructional materials, which have been approved by the Department of Education. They’re research-based and will provide students with a well-rounded education. The focus is to ensure that our staff is teaching with fidelity and providing students with vigorous grade-level content. In the years ahead, we will have a full math review in Grades 7-12.’’

• STAFFING — A native of Franklin, Marano had to implement staff reductions but “was able to maintain the integrity of class sizes.’’ The average class size in the district is 18-22 students. “We have an outstanding staff that’s dedicated to and focused on school achievement,’’ he emphasized. “What’s remarkable about our teachers is that they’ll do whatever it takes for our children.’’

• TRANSPORTATION — The cost for a student to ride on a school bus has remained at $300 for five straight years. And, if parents meet the deadline, there is a $100 discount. About 1,200 students are bused. “We’re pleased the cost has not increased and we’re also pleased with Vendetti Bus Company for providing outstanding service to the district,’’ Marano noted.

• HEALTH/WELLNESS — Each of the five schools has coverage with a registered nurse. An LPN (licensed practical nurse) also is available to fill in and provide support wherever needed. “Our nurses do a great job and during my time as Superintendent, this group is among the best I’ve been associated with,’’ Marano offered.

• ATHLETICS — Marano labeled the job Michael Connor has done as Bellingham High’s Athletic Director as “terrific.’’ The sports portion of the school budget is 1.5 percent or about $540,000. “Our teams have experienced success and Michael saved $30,000 last year by utilizing the two, small athletic buses his department purchased,’’ Marano said. “Fees to compete vary by sport, but families that are economically disadvantaged can qualify for a reduction. He’s also done a nice job creating a robust internship program for students.’’

• EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY — “I would like to see more students participate in extra-curricular activities,’’ Marano said. “Since no cuts were implemented, we still provide many opportunities, like sports and clubs, for students to engage in and feel connected to the school community.’’

• 2025 SENIOR CLASS — Ninety-eight graduates or 68% of the class of 2025 will attend a four-year college or university. Twenty-four, or 17% will attend two-year colleges or trade schools; 16 (11%) will join the work force; and five (4%) will join the military.

• CUSTODIAL STAFF — Marano is very pleased with the work of the schools’ 20 custodians. “They’ve worked hard this summer to get the buildings ready for the new school year,’’ he said. “They keep the buildings well-maintained, healthy and safe.’’

• *UPDATE ON PRINCIPALS

- Laurie Crawford at Stall Brook Elementary. “A veteran teacher at Stall Brook, she has great perspective and is excited about her new role,’’ Marano said. 

- Kerri Sankey at DiPietro Elementary. “Dr. Sankey is in her third year as principal,’’ Marano said. “She’s a tremendous leader who’s student-focused.’’

- Emily Luurie at Keough Academy. “Dr. Luurie returns to Bellingham after being Stall Brook’s principal,’’ Marano said. “She’s an excellent leader with great experience in special education.’’

- Josh Hanna at the Memorial School. “Josh was the interim principal but now is in his first year as principal,’’ Marano said. “Previously a principal at Franklin High, he’s got experience and a collaborative and thoughtful approach.’’ 

- Megan Lafayette at the High School. “Now in her ninth year, she works diligently to develop great programs at BHS,’’ Marano noted. “She’s focused on work-based experiences.’’

• GOALS FOR 2025-26 — Marano lists four objectives for the new school year. “We want to increase student achievement,’’ he said. “We also want to increase performance on state testing. Another goal is to see more participation in extra-curricular activities. And, very importantly, I want to ensure that we meet the needs of all students.’’

• THE DISTRICT’S FUTURE — Marano believes that a feasibility study of the district’s future should be done at some point. “The study should include the condition of the five schools,’’ he said, “because it would lessen any last-minute decisions.’’