Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The committee recognized two National Merit commended students, heard a presentation on the Step Out post-graduation transition program and approved DECA field trips for the 2025-26 school year, including district and national competitions.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
Committee heard a schematic-design presentation for Norton Middle Schoolroof showing an estimated construction budget in the schematic of roughly $8.6M (budget presented as $9.9M including contingencies) and discussed whether to pursue a less-invasive 20-year restoration or a full replacement that consultants estimated could add about $2.1M. Town meeting and MSBA timelines were discussed.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
Administrators presented a first reading of a competency-determination policy aligned to DESE guidance that separates state competency criteria (course-based demonstration of mastery) from local graduation-credit requirements and requires participation in state assessments; committee members asked clarifying questions about MCAS, participation thresholds and appeals for out-of-state transfer students.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The Norton School Committee reorganized after the town election, electing Dan Shee as chair, Jesse E. Callanan as vice chair and appointing members to standing representative roles and warrant signers.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The committee approved the 2025–26 academic calendar, which includes seven half professional-development days and three early-release days; some members and commenters raised concerns about the number of half days and impacts on families.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The committee approved a budget transfer of $72,510.34 from special-education salary lines to cover over-expenditures in special-education expense lines, citing unanticipated outsourced tutor services and staffing changes.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The Norton School Committee approved a three-year contract for the Norton Administrative Assistants Employees Association (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028), including a new salary grid and a change to use "parental leave" language instead of "maternity leave."
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
Superintendent O'Neil said she has narrowed potential consulting firms to three to help Norton Public Schools with district alignment and school start-time planning; proposals will be presented to the committee on May 14.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
Norton Public Schools’ strategic planning committee has identified five priority domains—prioritizing improvement and urgency, clear performance expectations, diagnosing student needs, community building focused on learning, and rigorous evidence-based instruction—and will finalize a strategic plan for presentation to the committee on June 11.
Massachusetts / School Boards / Norton Public Schools
The Norton School Committee recognized Sherry Cohen for nine years of service at her final meeting; colleagues and district staff offered thanks and brief remarks.