NORWOOD — The Norwood School Committee on April 9 received a construction and transition update for the new Coakley Middle School, approved the declaration of surplus for materials to be removed from the old middle school, approved new job descriptions and administrative staffing changes, and authorized district staff to enter negotiations with Chartwells for food-service management.
The Norwood School Committee voted 5–0 on March 26 to adopt a $65,292,117 FY26 budget that shifts staff and restructures elementary specialist scheduling to fit the district’s fiscal constraints.
Norwood student advisory committee presented survey data from elementary, sixth‑grade and eighth‑grade cohorts showing students feel socially prepared for transitions but many report emotional uncertainty; students recommended school tours, schedule reviews and peer‑mentoring to ease moves to middle and high school.
The committee voted 5–0 to name Kate Davey interim director of student services effective July 1, 2025; administrators said the district will plan a search for a permanent director next year.
Norwood — The Norwood School Committee and district administrators on March 19 presented a proposed $65,292,117 fiscal 2026 school budget that would increase spending 6.7% over FY25 while shifting staff to open the new Coakley Middle School.
Administration outlined enrollment projections and a revised middle‑school schedule for the new Coakley 5–8 school, including platooned fifth‑grade teams, trimesters, and added world language and STEM seats tied to requested FY26 staff.
The committee approved a proposed April 2026 field trip to Peru for up to 15 high‑school students and accepted a $1,000 scholarship established by the family of Jill Driscoll for college‑bound nursing students.
Superintendent Luff presented a multi‑page entry report citing curriculum alignment gaps, disproportionate discipline outcomes and rising structural budget pressures tied to enrollment and stabilization fund depletion. The committee discussed FY26 budget scenarios and potential cuts or use of free cash.
The committee approved language to allow transcript‑based equivalencies for a local competency determination in lieu of MCAS graduation requirements and voted to hold off adopting newly proposed Title IX procedures until state and federal guidance stabilizes.
Superintendent presented themes from stakeholder interviews — including staffing strengths, curriculum alignment needs, rising special-education supports and safety concerns — and proposed internal reorganizations, new coordinator roles, professional learning communities and a director of safety, compliance and communications.
