[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6623036,"mediaKeyId","2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee","parentId",2777475,"title","Votes at a glance: minutes, warrants and IKF graduation policy first reading approved","audioSeconds",288,"startMs",7400295,"endMs",7688750,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee&start=7400&end=7688","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee/thumbnail_7400295.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6623036/Grafton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-warrants-and-IKF-graduation-policy-first-reading-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623036-9425b9d8f982271ee26715d7a040540a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153007&Signature=GnECznj4GkQaGCS0LLHnVSkurjRyw3iv4q1M-m9ZS639bUt15ODFUcrvC7kXchZ6tpzZvUZslV3cEESm~I1yErX64NMtm6NpQBJUSfw5KX7ND5tZSR4MKIzbmzhgqPMQY7VsFXrcd1V~H2wCoJVA1tCeq7k7MRP3WZx0oOrBq0ebAZo3jW4wc9AlFLXCTTBnpeBi5r7-nBKOaVNOzxWPTb8yZEEqM1-UCHOF0CPCLuAIolwG-sMVeomxGEDBX7rLZD-37iANHmUNNaDgTY7SchAbxILot8438OqN3-gsWtdGBkU6apkIhlVg-ig0z~AkHL7BXa57g087GYZiAFD78A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grafton Public Schools, MA","date","2025-03-26T16:11:38.357Z","article","The Grafton School Committee recorded three formal actions during the March 25 meeting:

• Approval of minutes: The committee approved the March minutes as amended (correction to phrasing about prior rankings noted in the minutes). The approval was made by motion, second and voice vote.

• Acceptance of warrants: The committee approved warrants 37, 308 and 38R9 (voucher/warrant identifiers read during the meeting) by motion and voice vote.

• IKF policy (graduation requirements) first reading: The committee voted to approve IKF — revised graduation requirements — as a first reading. Committee members discussed the proposal and asked for district administrators to return with detail on physical education and how it aligns with state guidance. The first reading was approved by voice vote; committee members will see a follow‑up presentation from administrators as requested.

These items were approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript. Committee members requested additional administrative follow‑up on IKF to clarify the role of health education and physical education in the graduation credit total before final adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee 3-25-25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved the March minutes as amended, accepted warrants, and approved IKF (graduation requirements) as a first reading by voice vote during the March 25 meeting.","taxTitle","Grafton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",53302,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623041,"Grafton committee declines to ask Select Board for a short‑term 'micro' override after budget debate",2426,4518175,6944175,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee&start=4518&end=6944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee/thumbnail_4518175.jpg","/articles/6623041/Grafton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Grafton-committee-declines-to-ask-Select-Board-for-a-shortterm-micro-override-after-budget-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623041-744204ce9ea88a2744d8edca5f91e6d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153007&Signature=nGnUBlbbiKt-6g0ZzIIXxA3LRJS-00wpn0N3VHebBsQNwkz5dcBBX7dkBOhSDSzm3kJ7YZbg4xcEjoSGWtZnuaCpHfbe5JcFojj3ru7lrdgdqgXQUzUw9uIb2shcn8b5j3q0Izf129erYxjdHhV24wYavNK94CywlRCIytQ4kp8hyWqXnZ~xntzWk56wXoWBC-KQBCL~cLL95-t2U2azYZgdf~TDMAcJ6NSuNyaKypbgKa-e4r1trP1XLpWgg~Sn8DAh4vzkiRMHaPqn4ELRQVtiURCjIU-jklVp2HOxFUPzbI8Ottm6wxCqUTDT842RdJTc80iR-jmNPALDbTd~CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members spent more than an hour reviewing the district’s budget outlook and options to cover a projected gap, including a proposed “micro” override (described in the meeting as a roughly 1.27% levy override) that would restore portions of a level‑service budget.

Superintendent and administrative staff reviewed the budget numbers that prompted the conversation. The committee discussed potential line‑item reductions that had already been proposed — for example, a half‑time preschool teacher position (identified in discussion as $41,008.49) and a $30,000 adjustment tied to human resources staffing — and whether cuts should be included in the baseline level‑service budget. Members repeatedly emphasized the short timeframe for organizing a public information campaign and the risk that a small, short‑term override could complicate or reduce support for a larger funding effort next year.

After extended deliberation, the committee signaled a consensus position: they would not send a formal request to the Select Board asking that a micro override be placed on the ballot at this time. Amy Marr, committee chair, said she would prepare and send an email summarizing the committee’s discussion for the Select Board’s consideration. The committee did not adopt a formal motion recorded as a roll‑call vote on the override question; members reached the decision through discussion and voice assent.

Committee members said they supported continuing advocacy on larger, multi‑year funding needs but were concerned about voter fatigue and the current economic climate. Some members urged continued outreach and communication to make the case for the district’s longer‑term funding needs, and others recommended returning to the discussion with clearer, agreed‑upon figures if the Select Board signals interest.

The discussion also included process clarifications: members asked how the district would reassign or sustain personnel if retirements or other staffing changes occur and whether the finance and select boards would coordinate on timing and messaging. The committee agreed to keep lines of communication open with the Select Board and finance committee and to revisit financial strategies for fiscal 2027 planning.","After prolonged discussion of budget gaps and possible cuts, the Grafton School Committee on March 25 signaled consensus not to ask the Select Board to place a proposed short‑term ‘micro’ override on the ballot. Members cited timing, public sentiment and long‑term strategy as reasons to defer a voter decision.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623046,"Grafton district reports curricular rollout progress; coaches and TNTP cite instructional shifts",898,2621085,3519235,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee&start=2621&end=3519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee/thumbnail_2621085.jpg","/articles/6623046/Grafton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Grafton-district-reports-curricular-rollout-progress-coaches-and-TNTP-cite-instructional-shifts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623046-8b29723c0d5f7ae01abb4cb7e0cba24c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153007&Signature=Nhjfa3sm1BzJUDS3PwvuQHlpw16heOaYqz7Jys~HaAWhmmvJgKp0mn5w8HAE7JcgfwObpmLil9KvNM-2zGUPEAbhBKZYKvzyKsm-eA0RwPGNs1iq16EZBu42m14Ia0p30acphtieZkMKByJ5ebDKQ06vpc4Ub7DZqH9eeGR6PcHRAEODpzC7upMgNHehmQLoC1S4TRUUXwFQaD7ohShTMtqT6h4tToV265dLPRhLpTt~ZLGFF~qtvugIC3kw7isnLYnzx-bg3IL9uNZ~0xGT0PgVDT8hBKQEVYavmTIM7boIWSjcHJoO6BJtoFvhn1wbSJAjO5jRDwRB4PmLO9GeMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jen Manion, presenting the teaching and learning report, described district steps to implement high‑quality instructional materials (HQIM) in language arts and math, cited TNTP work on observation and data synthesis, and summarized early assessment trends and next steps.

Manion said the district has focused on three Student Opportunity Act evidence‑based priorities this year: an inclusive curriculum adoption process, supports for curriculum implementation, and authentic post‑secondary planning. She described building‑level coaching, lesson internalization work, targeted professional development for special education and ESL teachers, and a plan to create teacher change teams so staff can support one another on pacing, use of assessments and student work analysis.

Manion reported that TNTP conducted multiple site visits and that a set of observation indicators showed measurable growth between visits in areas such as use of precise mathematical language, students exhibiting mathematical practices and instruction aligned to adopted materials. She said the district created digital walkthrough tools, teacher reflection forms and progress monitoring tools for ESL staff.

On assessments and pathways, Manion said STAR benchmark data are being used as one data point in a larger “data triangulation” strategy that includes classroom standards‑based checks and historical MCAS performance. She noted that early pathway participation has expanded: enrollment in pathway programs rose from 12 students last year to 45 this year, and dual‑enrollment course offerings remain at five while the district works to expand options. Manion also said the K–8 PLTW rollout will expand module offerings and that a grant will allow the district to offer an engineering fundamentals course at the high school next year.

Manion acknowledged typical implementation challenges: teachers adapting to pacing, warm‑up structure and use of student work in instruction. She said the district’s next steps include continued targeted PD, making data‑collection tools routine, and further analysis of subgroup outcomes (English learners, students with disabilities, low‑income students).

Manion closed by citing a research claim discussed in the presentation — that, without implementation teams and defined methods, new initiatives can take many years to become routine — and added: “We’re shooting for three years.”

Committee members asked for clarification on grade‑level application, how co‑taught classrooms access grade‑level material, and how teachers are trained to run student‑led discourse. Manion and administrators described ongoing coaching cycles, observation debriefs and a push to create teacher leaders who can support peers in implementation.","At the March 25 meeting, Jen Manion summarized districtwide progress on implementing high‑quality instructional materials, observation and coaching work with TNTP, shifts in classroom practice and expansion of Project Lead The Way and secondary pathways.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6623051,"Grafton K-1 teachers roll out EL Education, early literacy programs and Project Lead The Way",2028,25575,2054095,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee&start=25&end=2054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2777475-e259412841152c0011db5d8c6208baee/thumbnail_25575.jpg","/articles/6623051/Grafton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Grafton-K-1-teachers-roll-out-EL-Education-early-literacy-programs-and-Project-Lead-The-Way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6623051-4633da92fd27e4a6c8065620b75feb84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153007&Signature=fYKbOOTDO0K7J8RIh7WM35VlrjwSIow9-NZuPuYU6LeZgQB8pah4RCbAR-wO7-s3ZAC-rIUDCXohjAcVuirbGe8gRjbPQSVYC9ZmY9YSRO7YSsiXmo9MDTPKHHZ~8s6zpweu6epdgOiKZ1McJ6ZHvOzNkK7cZol2GFfWHpO8JwLfJu4xqczS5qIeAlZ-HdyRNJ6dG8bR0u7pL~5E4LvDJvVEjWojHBOJ336j-lcWSWCfig0JSvIl2enlGlMjg9kKN22FXk15XwjOUdXjrgra5ZkNR2z~1OF8VUkfjfPnRYttp-eLZSqppLUWloZyV7l~vv7CtOFWgXgQOkC-HE2h~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Julie Flynn, principal of North Grafton Elementary School, presented the K–1 update at the March 25 Grafton School Committee meeting, summarizing district literacy and early‑STEM work and outlining next steps for professional development and curriculum alignment.

The presentation said the district piloted several literacy programs and selected EL Education for use at the K–1 level. Flynn said the program “builds a strong foundation for lifelong literacy” by combining explicit instruction in decoding with language comprehension to support reading comprehension. The presentation noted that preschool teachers continue to use Heggerty for phonological awareness and Foundations for early phonics and letter‑sound recognition.

Flynn credited district literacy coaches and specialists — Kristen Perron, Lauren Ignoyan, Jill Rekia, Sarah Thompson and Gail Killian — with supporting teachers’ implementation. She described multiple forms of professional development this year, including half‑day PD sessions, release time for lesson internalization and peer observations at schools already using EL Education.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a STEM curriculum, was introduced this year at the K–1 level. Flynn said two first‑grade teachers and the district technology teacher participated in training and piloted a PLTW module; students worked on hands‑on design projects such as biomimicry and early coding exercises. Two first‑grade students, identified in the presentation as Emma and Bradley, described classroom projects on biomimicry — Bradley said, “I built animal ears similar to a jack rabbit. They work great,” and Emma described building “false eyes” for a scarecrow and other designs. Flynn said PLTW is funded through a three‑year grant that covers professional development and classroom consumables and that the district has developed a five‑year plan for sustaining the program after the grant period.

Flynn also reported progress on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) at both South and North Grafton, including schoolwide recognition systems (penguin prints and other incentives) and new activities tied to earned privileges. The schools have begun using therapy dogs on Fridays to support student well‑being.

School committee members asked about how EL Education differs from previous balanced literacy practices and how teachers are personalizing instruction. Flynn said the approach involves more whole‑class, knowledge‑building instruction combined with targeted “win time” small‑group work and that teachers are learning to scaffold lessons for diverse learners. She described ongoing coaching, classroom observations and a plan to continue rollout work in the coming year.

Flynn closed by apologizing for technical issues with embedded videos and said the district would share video links with committee members after the meeting.

The presentation emphasized districtwide alignment: Flynn said EL Education, PLTW and PBIS work are being coordinated across North and South Grafton and that shared professional development and teacher collaboration are central to the rollout.

Looking ahead, the district plans additional professional development focused on writing within EL Education and continued expansion of PLTW modules. Flynn said teachers and students have shown increased vocabulary use, deeper engagement with texts and visible student ownership of work in classroom routines.","At the March 25 Grafton School Committee meeting, North and South Grafton principals reported that the district has begun implementing EL Education for K–1, continued Heggerty and Foundations in pre‑K, introduced Project Lead The Way modules for STEM and expanded PBIS supports and a therapy dog program in both K–1 schools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: minutes, warrants and IKF graduation policy first reading approved

Grafton committee declines to ask Select Board for a short‑term 'micro' override after budget debate

Grafton district reports curricular rollout progress; coaches and TNTP cite instructional shifts

Grafton K-1 teachers roll out EL Education, early literacy programs and Project Lead The Way