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Northbridge School Committee approves superintendent goals; discusses outreach and DESE CTE requirements
Summary
The committee approved superintendent goals for 2025–26 and discussed member presence at school events, parent focus groups, and DESE-required CTE policy changes with a Nov. 1 submission deadline for vocational program policies.
The Northbridge School Committee voted unanimously to approve the superintendent’s 2025–26 goals and spent substantial time discussing committee-level goals to increase visibility and community engagement.
During the superintendent’s report, the superintendent described a power issue at NES that was resolved quickly and praised custodial and facilities staff for their response. The superintendent also announced participation in a district leadership training to address equity for English learners and noted DESE guidance requiring vocational-technical schools to submit revised recruitment, admission and retention policies by Nov. 1 — a deadline the district must meet for its vocational sending relationship.
Committee members reviewed three suggested committee goals circulated by an absent member: (1) ensuring meaningful presence of committee members at school-wide events, (2) establishing parent focus groups (limited to sub-quorum meetings), and (3) fostering trust and buy-in through proactive communication around budget needs and override implications. Members agreed on a “best-effort” approach to attending events, discussed providing biweekly event updates to members, and recommended bimonthly or as-needed focus groups with clear rules for decorum and time limits.
Heather Alden moved to approve the superintendent’s goals; the motion passed by roll-call vote: Jonathan Canoy — yes; Pam LaPorte — yes; Carl Cowen — yes; Heather Alden — yes (4–0). Committee members said informational sessions with the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee are already scheduled and will support proactive communication about budget issues.
The meeting closed with routine business and an informational note about a zoning ballot question that, if approved and realized as housing, could bring a one-time state incentive payment to schools; the member who mentioned the zoning measure said details and timing are uncertain and that they would investigate further.
