Westwood committee approves non‑bargaining pay increases, introduces incoming principal and approves routine items

The Westwood School Committee voted unanimously April 14 to approve recommended non‑bargaining salary rate increases and heard personnel updates, including the introduction of Stacy Mahoney as the incoming Sheen Elementary principal.

Assistant Superintendent Caitlyn Hearn and Superintendent Tim Pifavar summarized district events and personnel actions. Mahoney, introduced as currently principal of Fanny Proctor School in Northboro and the district’s chosen candidate for Sheen Elementary, said she will conduct a spring transition and attend PTA and community events to meet families and staff.

The committee also reviewed the timeline for the high school principal search: screening team resumes review after vacation week, initial interviews the week of May 4, finalist site visits the week of May 11, reference checks the week of May 18, and a public hire announcement expected before the end of May.

On compensation, staff recommended mostly 3% cost‑of‑living adjustments for non‑bargaining employees, with a smaller increase (2.5%) recommended for extended‑day staff after consultation with program leadership. The committee approved the non‑bargaining salary memo; substitute‑rate adjustments will be considered at the May meeting after further market analysis.

Routine approvals carried unanimously: approval of March 18 public executive session minutes, adoption of a new Westwood Grid Iron Club scholarship for a senior football player, and approval of March 19 meeting minutes. The chair also announced public office hours for May 11 at Westwood High School to foster community engagement.

Departing committee member Amanda received public thanks for six years of service; the meeting adjourned following the routine business.