[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6534462,"mediaKeyId","3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1","parentId",3585630,"title","Stoughton School Committee approves employee benefit program, ratifies three labor contracts and OKs student trip","audioSeconds",13,"startMs",9272000,"endMs",9285000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1&start=9272&end=9285","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1/thumbnail_9272000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534462/Stoughton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Stoughton-School-Committee-approves-employee-benefit-program-ratifies-three-labor-contracts-and-OKs-student-trip","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534462-6fe6a4f1e141b722e6b582fdbffa97d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193969&Signature=KPJJ7fAyxwp4ZdZJQLRq8JsPMl4shOcYH9CE2Iy9F0dMi19~IDXoDmmvACzO3l0Bgxv35jlh7Lzroav84OqSgZ0BcGfxY3oZDyL-iG9acsVrEQ5RkGnPwD9iyY-Q2XSgdGwvqz6mmUBvjnTyW9vHWL0UdrRPODL8-GH2daMf-6iPB6OEToGTbtnora0-rIj9Horemq-ag2j~S0qF5jHS2hM95a1iY956fsPAuXpurlYZBIPvVsf44gf9e~6t5zE171Rh0cqETjlSHXfFVBB76mUzmZZFEZZblGLMr0nyUk5HGu~duKxP7aCvMU07teyBu7toCXQzgsYEjG-8PS0Q9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stoughton Public Schools, MA","date","2025-05-27T20:13:12Z","article","The Stoughton School Committee voted unanimously May 20 to continue a nonresident employee benefit program and approved three collective bargaining agreements and an overnight out‑of‑state student trip.

The committee voted 4‑0 to set the nonresident employee benefit fee for 2025–26 at $1,800 per student, payable in two installments of $900 by Aug. 31 and Jan. 31. The panel also ratified three three‑year labor agreements — for school administrative assistants, custodians/maintenance staff, and food service workers — and approved an overnight trip for four Stoughton High School students to attend the HOSA competition in Nashville, Tenn.

Why it matters: The agreements reset outdated salary scales, add step increases and other contract language the administration said will improve pay equity and competitiveness for hard‑to‑fill positions. The nonresident employee fee affects families of staff who live outside district boundaries and provides a modest revenue offset. The food service agreement was financed from food services revenue rather than the operating budget, the superintendent said.

The committee’s votes were all roll calls; recorded tallies and motion details are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Nonresident employee benefit program — Motion to continue the program at $1,800 per student (two $900 installments: Aug. 31 and Jan. 31). Moved by Jen (School Committee member); second not specified in the transcript. Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

- Memorandum of Agreement: School Administrative Assistants (three‑year) — Motion to approve the contract that replaces the prior salary table with a 12‑step grid and provides 2.5% increases in years two and three; clarifies sick‑bank and sick‑buyback language. Mover not specified in the transcript; second not specified. Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

- Custodians/Maintenance Agreement (three‑year) — Motion to approve a new scale, a probationary period change from six to nine months, new night differential and other language; 2.5% increases in years two and three. Mover not specified; second not specified. Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

- Food Service (Cafeteria Workers) Agreement (three‑year) — Motion to approve a new 12‑step grid, longevity payments and clarified language on overtime, holidays, uniforms and professional development; 2.5% increases in years two and three. Mover: committee member (motion entered on the record); second not specified. Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved. Administration said food services, including federal and state reimbursements, will fund the contract increases.

- Overnight out‑of‑state field trip: Stoughton High School HOSA competition, Nashville, Tenn. — Motion to approve travel for four qualifying students and one staff chaperone; students had begun fundraising and parents would cover any remaining costs. Moved and seconded on the record. Roll call: 4 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

What the committee said and next steps

Superintendent Dr. Baeta framed the labor agreements as efforts to modernize salary grids and correct long‑standing inequities. “We created a streamlined grid and added equitable steps that should help attract and retain staff,” Dr. Baeta said in recommending the agreements. The superintendent and the committee also noted the food services agreement was not funded from the district’s general operating budget but through the food services enterprise account and associated state and federal funds.

On the nonresident employee benefit program, the superintendent explained the $1,800 fee is intended as a modest benefit to town employees and that the district has not raised the program fee in many years.

Several votes were moved and seconded on the public record; the roll calls recorded unanimous 4–0 outcomes. The superintendent and business staff will follow up on implementation and contract paperwork as required.

Ending note

The committee also handled routine financial warrants and set a special meeting for a public hearing on school choice and an executive session for a grievance. The committee’s next regular meeting was posted for June 17.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stoughton School Committee Meeting 5/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Stoughton School Committee voted unanimously May 20 to continue the nonresident employee benefit program at $1,800 per student, ratify three three‑year labor agreements covering administrative assistants, custodians and food service workers, and to approve an overnight student trip to the HOSA competition in Nashville, Tenn.","taxTitle","Stoughton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",60990,"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},6534452,"Stoughton School Committee debates handbook updates: tardy policy, middle‑school 'structured day' and AI guidance",1985,4116000,6101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1&start=4116&end=6101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1/thumbnail_4116000.jpg","/articles/6534452/Stoughton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Stoughton-School-Committee-debates-handbook-updates-tardy-policy-middleschool-structured-day-and-AI-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534452-6bedf3764d11f42fc2ec6cb545fc8e14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193969&Signature=aKLgWUumBjgzVZqTlTKy1E2j58ymm0gyYN0aQ48blOioTuZgnDFlXocbPYzjBMOju8suoYKVkBUdy9syrfCGUwmuWryE2IReu-oCC-QytJzRfZlyMaIUt5pfgy2lGdwC4Mya60OfvuIsorbYZEEQkIHmJ2ERa458FZFRgIq~bVSKiyViXn1S-nlJwQfwoD9faU9VUqWWQmVpXdxleVncHtSg1eWSm26Lj-yMw47G5zN8aHovxNWZ3YSkwGg-HR3Pzmjn12kTmURFWJ9tU~NqmCb03VroNTK2~6gjEwONcQ3T-GBLx9rzqkaGP-gneNG-~UDPKSofg4ru0cHQvk3Igg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stoughton School Committee took up proposed student handbook updates May 20, focusing on middle‑school disciplinary procedures, tardiness consequences and a new reference to artificial intelligence in cheating and plagiarism language.

Principal Crowley outlined changes piloted at the middle school this year, including an early‑Thursday program used for professional development that the school repurposed to allow administrators to meet with students assigned to a short “structured day” in lieu of in‑school suspension. Crowley said the school defined “repeatedly late to school” for the pilot as seven or more tardies within a 30‑day window; students make up lost time and deans supervise the program. She told the committee the pilot typically handled one or two students at a time because of staffing constraints.

A parent‑and‑community letter from the Community Partnerships Advisory Committee (CPAC) raised concerns about potential disproportionate impacts on special education students, public privacy and how often administrators might use structured‑day placements for smaller infractions such as hall pass violations or excessive tardiness. The letter — signed by CPAC co‑chairs Megan Teixeira and Kimberly Cavey — asked for guidance that structured‑day placements be limited to more serious cases and called for safeguards for students with disabilities.

AI language and plagiarism

Committee members pressed principals about a new line in the handbook that treats use of artificial intelligence within the district’s cheating and plagiarism policy. Principal Crowley said the intent was not to issue an all‑out ban, but that, because the handbook places the language alongside cheating and plagiarism, some parents and students might interpret it that way. The committee requested clearer district guidance and noted the state association (MASC) is drafting model policy on AI.

Transparency and process

The committee also debated the handbook approval process and the committee’s role. Superintendent Dr. Baeta read policy CHCA (approval of handbooks) and Mass. General Laws (MGL 71 §37H) was cited for context on committee responsibilities; he noted handbooks originating from school councils generally do not require a committee vote unless the handbook proposes changes that affect school committee policy. Multiple members pressed for greater transparency and earlier timelines so school councils conclude reviews earlier in the spring and materials reach the committee in time for more public consideration before final publication.

What happens next

The superintendent said administration will collect questions, respond via the superintendent’s office and return information to the committee. Staff also committed to follow up with the OMS principal and CPAC on the group’s letter and to share data on implementation if the structured‑day program is continued or expanded. The committee did not vote to adopt or reject handbook changes at the meeting; several members said they want additional review and clearer wording on AI and the appeals process for discipline.

Ending note

Key operational clarifications recorded during the discussion: repeated tardies defined in the pilot as seven or more in 30 days; structured‑day placements generally limited to one or two students at a time and typically one‑to‑two days in length; counselors remain available for check‑ins and the district will monitor outcomes and return with data if implementation proceeds.","The Stoughton School Committee on May 20 discussed proposed student handbook updates — including a middle‑school ‘structured day’ as an alternative to suspension, a tardy threshold of seven or more tardies in 30 days, and language addressing artificial intelligence within cheating and plagiarism rules — and members requested clearer wording and more transparency before formal adoption.",{"_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},6534457,"Climate Action Committee presses schools to pilot recycling, composting and idling reductions under MAPC grant",1327,1202000,2529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1&start=1202&end=2529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585630-eda97ab689694c65cf89275c722506d1/thumbnail_1202000.jpg","/articles/6534457/Stoughton-Public-Schools/School-Boards/Massachusetts/Climate-Action-Committee-presses-schools-to-pilot-recycling-composting-and-idling-reductions-under-MAPC-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534457-a7d1a5c51774eb269e6957b9fdccee52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193969&Signature=ANBxcCyVRoSiyjCqFEW3XVlg3yH4mUPtn7VPMN5GTYJHFuXlWh7dZkovYM-MHsVKfwN1YxmDalFT96Ce5rcCdq1EF3dvSQ3sxtb-PuA~7o3qsBL-TubQ7wtsxwPxhvS6oglX2gIFNL7eAKKFhLD3s3~IaWuIqDCgsxD1PR6mO6rvawyWKX-JNmbaaa9Kg10bmAFXxLVchrsdFd3eTAnH1i2PPgprUSIb~bcS6TfVBgOR1cIWts3WdPhAOXsID5Ug6AAKq29xvTpebDRHPl2ItznqBYZ9uF4tFn9SNPWJzRKMjn2Fnua-hEin9Fv0zGPaRRV4XDUoDrF~JHlaxDFEnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stoughton Climate Action Plan Committee presented its work plan to the School Committee on May 20, outlining a draft climate action plan for the town that includes measures for the public schools such as district‑wide recycling, cafeteria composting pilots and curriculum on sustainability.

Molly Cochran, chair of the Climate Action Plan Committee, said the committee won a grant and is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to draft and then implement the plan. Cochran said the goal is to finalize a draft by December or January and then select one priority to implement with MAPC’s help.

Rachel Lazarus, committee secretary, described specific interim recommendations for schools: register for MassDEP’s Green Team to secure recycling and compost equipment and educational resources; pilot cafeteria composting (including vendor partnerships such as private compost haulers); adopt idling‑reduction signage and enforcement (noting a state law limiting idling to five minutes); and expand age‑appropriate sustainability curriculum in classrooms.

Why it matters: The committee framed the work as both mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and resilience (preparing for extreme weather). Presenters said implementation could save waste disposal costs and reduce landfill burden while giving students hands‑on environmental education.

What the committee discussed

Committee members raised implementation questions: capital costs and site safety for composting, staffing and supervision, coordination with the town’s DPW and select board, and whether programs should roll out as pilots at one school before districtwide adoption. The superintendent said the district’s authority covers school budgets, policy and educational programs but that townwide policy alignment would help with logistics such as trash contracts and collection schedules.

The presenters supplied a concrete estimate drawn from MassDEP materials that the district produced roughly 1.46 tons of food waste per week during the 2024–25 school year (about 52.56 tons annually over 36 weeks). Committee members and presenters discussed using pilot programs in one elementary school or the high school before scaling up.

Next steps and caveats

The Climate Action Plan Committee asked for committee feedback and offered to return with more detailed cost estimates and vendor contacts. The committee asked members to submit questions through the superintendent so staff can collate responses and return them in a FAQ format.

Ending note

No formal vote was taken. The committee agreed to solicit questions and have future follow‑up with MAPC, town DPW and school staff; implementation decisions and any capital requests would return to the committee for formal action.","The Stoughton Climate Action Plan Committee told the school committee it has MAPC support and recommended district‑wide recycling, pilot composting programs and curriculum on sustainability; the committee discussed logistics, capital needs and cross‑agency coordination but took no formal vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stoughton School Committee approves employee benefit program, ratifies three labor contracts and OKs student trip

Stoughton School Committee debates handbook updates: tardy policy, middle‑school 'structured day' and AI guidance

Climate Action Committee presses schools to pilot recycling, composting and idling reductions under MAPC grant