Norfolk Aggie introduces new superintendent; school to present lottery-admissions plan after state regulations

Jeremy Gray, the newly appointed superintendent of the Norfolk County Agricultural High School, introduced himself to the Norfolk County Commission on July 9 and said he will work with state and local partners to implement recently adopted admissions regulations.

Gray told the commission the first few days at the school had been "welcoming" and that staff and parents were engaged as the school prepares to update its admissions policy in light of new rules. "It's been exciting, few days at the Aggie, and I can say that the, the welcome that I've received so far has been, welcoming," Gray said.

The change follows action at the state level: commissioners opened the meeting by citing House Bill 63 and Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 38, §§18–25 in connection with remote meetings; during the school discussion Gray and commissioners referenced a recent vote by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to implement a lottery-based admissions policy and legislative activity that included a proposed amendment by a legislator named Moran. Gray said that an amendment to delay the lottery was removed prior to a legislative vote, and "we are bound by the, the board's vote to begin work on a a lottery policy."

Gray said the school will work with regional partners, including vocational-administrator groups and neighboring county vocational schools, to develop a policy that fits agricultural and vocational settings. "We're working with LAVA, the master association of vocational administrators. We're working with other vocational schools," he said. He also told commissioners the school expects to place the item on the board of trustees' agenda and will provide information in advance; Gray said the school will do "a presentation at the first meeting of September."

Commissioners and staff discussed related statewide regulatory work, including seminars offered by legal counsel on new rules about calming methods and time out. Gray and commissioners noted that county agricultural/vocational schools are uncommon: "County schools are, you know, basically 2 in the state, really," a description Gray used in explaining coordination efforts with neighboring Bristol County.

No formal commission vote or appointment motion appears in the transcript for the superintendent during this meet-and-greet; Gray's introduction was recorded as a welcome and an informational exchange. The commission and school officials signaled follow-up: the school will present proposed admissions materials and permit commissioners to review them before the September meeting.

Background: Gray said he comes to Norfolk Aggie after previous vocational and administrative roles, including teaching and program development, and marked his 30th year in education this October. Commissioners thanked Gray and noted the matter will return to a regular September agenda for a fuller discussion.