The Planning Board’s conversation on the Innovation Pathway underscored the initiative’s potential to create partnerships with local industries, which are expected to provide practical experience and contribute to the curriculum’s relevance to the labor market. The program is part of a broader strategy to promote diverse educational paths, including pre-apprenticeships and photonics programs, as well as Shop Fridays, which aim to expose students to a range of fields and career possibilities. The Board discussed the importance of promoting these opportunities to students and families, stressing the role of guidance counselors and school events in this effort. They also explored the future expansion of these pathways, with particular attention to the fields of biotechnology and healthcare.

The Planning Board’s dialogue extended to the relationship between Norton High School and vocational schools such as South Eastern and Bristol Aggie. Discussions revolved around how Norton could enhance its collaboration with these programs and the need to demonstrate the necessity for specific programs, such as the office Tech program. A resident named Matthew Jock expressed his appreciation for the Board’s role in supporting his son’s journey toward becoming an electrician, highlighting the value of the flexible and supportive approach provided by the school.

Further discussions delved into the review of the Norton Middle School handbook. The assistant principal and DEA students presented recommendations, including the addition of guidelines for teachers and clarification on the progression of corrective actions for student behavior. The Board engaged in a detailed review of these recommendations, touching on topics such as the restriction of water bottles and cell phone usage in classrooms, and the need for rules regarding the unauthorized recording or filming of others. The Board voted to approve the handbook with the proposed amendments for the upcoming school year.

The meeting also turned its attention to the Norton High School student handbook, which covered a spectrum of policies, including the utilization of AI as an educational tool and the implementation of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. The Board emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of AI among students and faculty, especially considering the rising impact of AI-generated content. The PBIS system’s successful rollout was contended to require more teacher engagement.

The handbook review also addressed comprehensive threat assessment guidelines, developed in partnership with Mass General Hospital and the Mass Partnership for Youth, and the need for updates to reference new tools like PowerSchool and credit recovery programs. The Board proposed an increase in student dues to help manage escalating costs and discussed alternatives to the discontinued Saturday school in terms of disciplinary measures. Additionally, the Board tackled the issue of cell phone policy in schools, acknowledging the challenges in enforcement and the potential for a revised policy.

The discussion on the school’s bathroom pass policy raised concerns about students’ access during passing time and lunch, with the Board explaining the rationale behind the policy’s implementation. They also discussed the limitations on the number of passes issued per day and the availability of bathrooms during lunch periods.

Lastly, the meeting introduced the new principal for JCS, who shared his enthusiasm and background in education. With the time constraints, the Board decided to table the remaining items on the agenda and transition to the select board’s meeting.