Superintendent Holly Mlan of the Southeastern Regional School District presented Norton’s budget assessment for fiscal year 2026. Despite an overall budget increase for the district, Norton’s assessment decreased for the second consecutive year, attributed to a reduction in student enrollment by nine students. The assessment was calculated at approximately $1.63 million, a $61,000 decrease from the previous year. Mlan highlighted the foundation budget, totaling $38,734,575, and emphasized the importance of regional transportation, with hopes for a 95% reimbursement proposal from the governor.

Mlan noted that the district’s transportation contract, estimated at $2.3 million, came in lower than expected, resulting in a local transportation assessment of $779,013—about $300,000 less than the previous year. She also mentioned that capital costs were maintained at $192,000 through tuition receipts from the Southeastern Technical Institute. The district remains committed to funding its Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability without imposing extra assessments on local communities.

Concerns were raised about the decrease in Norton’s student enrollment and the admissions process’s implications. Mlan explained the selective admissions criteria, which include attendance, grades, discipline, and recommendations. The school received 280 applications for the incoming class, with a capacity for 420 students, leading to a waitlist of 860. She expressed the need for informed community engagement about these regulations.

Bristol County Agricultural School’s Samantha Stone addressed the committee, noting a 4.65% increase in the foundation budget alongside a rise in student population from 511 to 635. Stone discussed the implications of a proposed admissions lottery that could prioritize in-county students, potentially excluding out-of-county applicants. This shift could impact the school’s demographics and financial contributions, as out-of-county students currently make up 20% of the population.

The committee also deliberated legislative efforts, including a bill known as HD 4510. The proposed lottery system for student admissions, governed by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, was emphasized, with calls to pause its implementation until further discussions and task force establishment.

Financial matters were another focal point, with the approval of articles for upcoming meetings. Article one concerned the payment of past bills related to fire protection and monitoring fees, totaling $630, suggested to come from free cash. Additionally, a $5,000 request from free cash for painting Everett Leonard Park raised questions regarding its exclusion from the capital budgeting process.

Discussions on housing developments and their impact on local taxpayers were robust. The committee members weighed in on the potential overdevelopment of apartments, with one member expressing a community sentiment against additional apartment projects, citing past experiences in other towns. There was particular focus on the Red Mill and Glen developments, with varied opinions on their potential community impact.

Concerns about aligning with state housing regulations were voiced, with potential financial repercussions from lawsuits for non-compliance. The committee discussed the financial implications of new housing developments, considering the potential increased student populations and the resulting strain on school capacities.