School committee approves appointments, nurse hire and capital item for special town meeting

The Stoughton School Committee voted on several personnel and capital items during its Sept. 23 meeting. All recorded votes were unanimous.

North River Collaborative appointment: The committee appointed the district representative to the North River Collaborative for the 2025–26 year pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 40, section 48, as amended. Motion: “Pursuant to chapter 40 section 40 as amended by the chapter 43 of the act of 02/2012, Members of the board of directors at North River Collaborative are to be appointed annually. Doctor Joseph Fayed is appointed to serve as the Stoughton Public School representative on the board of directors of North River Collaborative in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 40, section 48 as amended by chapter 43 of the acts of 2012 for the 02/2025 05/26 school year.” The motion was made by Jen (Sears), seconded by Jillian and carried on a roll call vote (5–0).

Pilgrim Area Collaborative appointment: The committee appointed Chris Shannon as the district representative to the Pilgrim Area Collaborative under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 40, section 4e (as amended). Motion carried on a roll-call vote (5–0).

1:1 Registered nurse hire: The committee accepted the superintendent’s recommendation to hire Sarah Gordon as an in-district 1:1 registered nurse to replace prior contracted nursing for a medically complex student. The administration said shifting from contract nursing to in‑district nursing improves continuity of care and can reduce costs. Motion: hire Sarah Gordon as the 1:1 registered nurse; moved by Armando, seconded by Jen; vote: 5–0.

Capital item — playground/HVAC fencing for town meeting: The committee approved submitting a capital request to add fencing at two sites: the Daw School (playground area and three HVAC locations) and the Gibbons School (three HVAC locations). The administration provided a vendor estimate totaling $51,500 ($35,000 for Daw playground/HVAC fencing; $16,500 for Gibbons HVAC fencing). The motion to place the article on a special town meeting warrant was made by Armando and seconded by Jen; roll-call vote: 5–0.

Other routine votes: The committee approved the Sept. 3 meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:31 p.m. (motion to adjourn carried 5–0).

Why it matters: The nurse hire moves medical care in-house for a student who previously received contract nursing and is intended to increase continuity of care. The capital request is intended to protect costly HVAC equipment and to secure a playground area where staff reported safety and wildlife concerns.

Provenance: Each action above was moved, seconded and passed on roll-call votes during the Sept. 23 meeting.