Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
At its Dec. 11 meeting the committee accepted $30,753 in NEF grants, approved a $25,650 budget transfer for instructional hardware, suspended rules to adopt revised medication policy JLCD, and exercised a two‑year extension on the district transportation contract while exploring in‑house options.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
NHS Student Union told the school committee a statewide bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone ban could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, raise FERPA and equity issues for 18‑year‑old students, and should be phased with district funding for staff and accommodations.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
Student Advisory Council presented data and firsthand accounts of frequent bathroom closures, vaping and vandalism at Northampton High School, and urged a digital hall‑pass pilot and staffing changes to reduce lost class time.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
Multiple public commenters used the meeting’s public‑comment period to criticize the mayor and accuse school leaders of budget mismanagement and political retaliation; some speakers urged the committee to remove proposed censure items from the agenda and to focus on a harmonious transition.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
After a prolonged procedural debate about prior motions and agenda notice, the committee voted to approve a two-year extension for Business Administrator Bobby Jones (FY26 $147,847.02; FY27 $152,282.43). Some members said the figures were inconsistent with a motion they had previously supported and raised process concerns.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
Public commenters and the committee discussed a Case Collaborative report and allegations that Northampton routinely violated special education laws. The committee approved hiring Nuttall, McEvoy & Joyce for special-education legal services at $240 an hour to replace a higher-cost single-attorney firm.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
The committee voted to create an ad hoc committee (to be developed by Rules & Policy) to study a district cell-phone policy, solicit stakeholder input including students and caregivers, and return with recommendations. The move follows state-level activity requiring a bell-to-bell policy for the 2026-27 school year.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
The committee voted 6-3 to approve an in-principle endorsement of charter-school funding legislation being advanced by Sen. Comerford and asked two members to lead local outreach and letters in support.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
After a mid-cycle review the school committeeevaluation subcommittee recommended a "needs improvement" rating for Superintendent Dr. Bonner. The full committee accepted the recommendation and voted to seek counsel and hold an executive-session discussion about performance oversight for the remainder of the contract.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Northampton Public Schools
Superintendent announced a district-run pilot after-school child-care program at Ryan Road for 2026-27 (planning year 2025-26). Public commenters urged faster implementation and broader roll-out; committee members asked that budget and operations be reviewed quickly and referred the item for subcommittee oversight.