School committee approves 3% non‑bargaining raise and adopts several policy updates

The Grafton School Committee unanimously approved a 3% salary increase for the 2026‑27 school year for employees who are not in bargaining units, matching the cost‑of‑living adjustment negotiated with bargaining units. The chair said the increase was accounted for in the budget; the motion passed with unanimous support.

The committee then considered several policies. JFBB (school choice) and JLCD (administration of medicines) were approved as second reads. JLCDC (self‑administration and self‑care of medications) and KBG (parent advisory councils) were also approved on second reading. KHB (advisory and sponsor sponsorship in schools) was discussed in detail and approved. Committee members noted these items were vetted and reviewed by staff prior to the meeting.

A draft policy on physical restraint (JKA) was presented as a first read for later review. Several members expressed discomfort with the subject matter—emphasizing that the policy is an unfortunate necessity—and asked for additional time for review and for legal and procedural assurances that safeguards and oversight will be adequate.

Committee members thanked staff and the policy subcommittee for organizing and cross‑checking proposed language; several members noted that district administrators (including the assistant superintendent and legal review) had reviewed the materials. Where attorney or statutory language was relevant, staff said they had consulted MASC templates and Massachusetts guidance.

All approved motions were recorded in the meeting minutes. Individual roll‑call vote tallies were not detailed in the public transcript; the chair characterized the salary motion as passing unanimously.