Norwood panel adopts $65.3 million FY26 budget; Latin high‑school course cut, elementary specialist schedule reworked

Norwood — The Norwood School Committee voted 5–0 on Wednesday to adopt a $65,292,117 fiscal‑year 2026 budget that reassigns staff and restructures elementary specialist schedules to reduce costs while preserving core services.

The unanimous vote followed hours of presentation and public comment and a budget subcommittee review that led administrators to propose a block schedule for elementary “specials” (art, music, physical education and library) and a set of staff transfers to staff the new middle school. "Based on everything that we were able to, come up with and discuss, everything we presented previously with is still what we are recommending," said a motion moved by School Committee member Theresa Stewart before the vote. The motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters: Committee members said their priority was limiting reductions to student‑facing instruction while balancing a budgetary environment that town leaders asked be built with reduced reliance on one‑time free cash in future years. The administration said the new model increases time for art, music and PE in most elementary grades, reduces library minutes, and creates efficiencies that administrators say are needed for equitable service across six elementary schools and to staff the new middle school.

Key decisions and changes - Budget total: $65,292,117 (FY26), adopted 5–0. The vote followed budget subcommittee meetings and additional work by district staff to refine schedules and staffing. - Latin program: The high‑school Latin position will be moved to the middle school and the…