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School Committee discusses enrollment, recommends School Choice seats and approves kindergarten early-enrollment process
Summary
The Committee reviewed a School Choice seat plan by grade and a proposal to move first grade to Quarry Hill; it unanimously approved policy revisions, athletic field banners and adoption of a kindergarten early-enrollment request form permitting applications for children turning five on or before Sept. 30.
The Monson School Committee addressed a package of enrollment and configuration items during its Feb. 11 meeting, including a recommendation on School Choice seats, a proposal to move first grade to Quarry Hill Community School and several routine votes.
Superintendent Paul Foster proposed specific School Choice openings for SY 2026-27, based on current enrollment and NESDEC projections: six seats each in grades 1 and 2; no additional seats in grades 3 or 4; ten seats in grade 5; four seats in grade 6; four seats in grade 8; ten seats in grade 9; and one seat each in grades 10 and 11. Foster cautioned that any seats offered would be subject to class-size conditions and the lottery process required by state law.
On the proposal to move first grade to Quarry Hill, Foster said the change would establish Quarry Hill as an early childhood center (preschool through grade 1) and reduce student density at Granite Valley. He said available classroom space could accommodate the move without adding full-time staff, but acknowledged teacher concerns about classroom packing, culture and scheduling of intervention services. Chair Alison Morgan and others described the move as potentially beneficial to continuity for young learners and recommended bringing the proposal back for a March vote to enable planning.
Several routine items were approved by unanimous roll call votes: the Athletic Booster Club field banners (approve through end of calendar year), and revisions to policy JJE (Student Fund-Raising Activities) and JJF (Student Activity Accounts). On kindergarten early enrollment, the Committee voted to adopt an early-enrollment request form and set a cutoff that allows families to apply if their child will turn five on or before Sept. 30; the Committee emphasized that application and screening do not guarantee approval.
Votes at a glance: - Approve Athletic Booster Club field banners through the end of the calendar year; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Nothe-Valley; roll call 4-0 (Peterson, Wiggins, Nothe-Valley, Morgan). - Approve December 11, 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Nothe-Valley; roll call 4-0. - Approve January 12, 2026 Finance Subcommittee minutes; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Nothe-Valley; roll call 4-0. - Approve January 21, 2026 Regular Business Meeting minutes as amended; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Nothe-Valley; roll call 4-0. - Adopt revisions to JJE and JJF; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Nothe-Valley; roll call 4-0. - Adopt kindergarten early-enrollment request form for children turning five on or before Sept. 30; motion by Chair Morgan, second by Ms. Peterson; roll call 4-0.
The Committee voted unanimously to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, section 21(a)(3) to discuss arbitration; in executive session the Committee approved terms of a personnel agreement by unanimous roll call and adjourned from executive session at 8:35 p.m.
Foster said he will return School Choice recommendations and the 1st-grade relocation proposal for votes at upcoming meetings and will consult the district attorney as needed about stipulations tied to School Choice seats and midyear residency questions.
