Committee outlines logistics and public outreach for moving eighth grade to middle school; town meeting and election dates set for override

District staff updated the Northbridge Public Schools School Committee on logistics and community outreach tied to moving eighth grade into the middle school and reminded the committee of upcoming town votes related to a proposed override.

Staff said outreach will continue and noted a May 6 town meeting where the year-1 appropriation for the plan will be voted; the subsequent May 20 election will decide whether the override passes. Staff said the district received suggestions from community members and will keep answering questions and providing information to the public.

Staff also outlined parent engagement for the grade move: an April 30 meeting for eighth-grade parents (the invite was sent and a reminder will be issued; the session will be recorded and a survey has been circulated), and forthcoming meetings for incoming sixth- and seventh-grade parents about what will change once eighth grade relocates. Staff reported ongoing logistical adjustments about where eighth-grade classrooms will be placed because the move will displace other occupants; the team is looking for a configuration that minimizes disruption in the following school year and planned to meet early next week to finalize placement and programming tweaks.

Committee members did not take a formal vote on the relocation during the portion of the transcript provided. Staff said they will continue outreach and finalize the logistical plan in subsequent meetings.